Some of our readers have been hitting The Drum’s inbox during the past few weeks advocating for more favorable coverage of Mr. Hines. Have some of us been critical of Mr. Hines? Yes, at times there are things said which no worthy politician would appreciate. Have we also been kind and very supportive of Mr. Hines? Yes, some have let us know (see comments) we are too soft on Hines.

When Hines is on the ballot challenging Barrett (2012), you’ll have to decide who the man is which best represents what you want in the next mayor. Interesting isn’t it… two men of quite similar public personas competing for the seat of Milwaukee’s Mayor. Both are well educated, family men, church goers, pro-business, pro-MPS takeover changes, staunch democrats… what is the difference n both men? Both are very quiet publicly, neither comes across as very inspirational and each fails to exhibit any political swagger or strength about them.

Hell, I could be wrong about Hines… but what other conclusion can I draw at this time because he keeps publicly claiming he isn’t running for mayor or he is thinking about it, blah blah blah. Yet, a lot of very credible people have told me just the opposite. You know people can’t hold water let alone some so-called secret like Hines’ is raising money and campaigning.

It’d be refreshing to see Mr. Hines flex some muscle and start publicly campaigning and put the pressure on Barrett’s people. This is the perfect time to be rallying people behind him and he should be out front sharing his mult-point plan for Milwaukee’s future. He needs to leave the political hot potato – MPS – alone and focus on other issues in which his base would support him on. 

I was pleased to get a note sharing Hines’ Facebook Fan Page. Here it is  http://www.facebook.com/willielhines! I’ll give him a point for this because he is beginning to get his message out unfiltered. Let’s see if his strategy of using new media will lead to a more frontal and public campaign for his goal of becoming the next mayor.

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