"I don't want to fail them:" Ashanti Hamilton elected president of Milwaukee Common Council

MILWAUKEE -- There is a new man leading the Milwaukee Common Council. Council members on Tuesday, April 19th drove out Michael Murphy for Ashanti Hamilton with a unanimous vote, 15-0. Hamilton said his election is a mandate to unify the city in the face of crime and poverty.

On Monday, eight aldermen endorsed Hamilton -- all but guaranteeing Murphy's ouster after only one term. Hamilton said his colleagues want him to help unite Milwaukee's north and south sides.

"I think that's one of the reasons why they wanted me to lead the council, and I don't want to fail them in that," Hamilton said.

Alderman Bob Donovan told FOX6's Theo Keith that Hamilton can bridge "factions" on the council and in the city.

But Murphy did not believe his colleagues had lost confidence in him.

"Sure, it was difficult. But at the same time, you've got to put your personal self behind and realize what's the most important thing. For me, that's the City of Milwaukee. That's the most important," Murphy said.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett (who was inaugurated for his fourth term as mayor on Tuesday) congratulated both men -- and said he has a good relationship with new president Hamilton.

"We'll be able to do what we've done for the past 12 years -- which is work pretty closely together. You don't see the sharp divisions here in city government that you see in other layers of government," Barrett said.

Hamilton's supporters said he has the unique ability to work with all sides, and he will bring in previously underserved members of our community.

“I threw my support for Alderman Hamilton simply because of the vision that I see for the city. I think that one of the things that we have been lacking is inclusiveness and making sure that we are unified as a city and we’re healing. We need to use the healing process,” Alderwoman-elect Chantia Lewis said.

Below is the statement from the group of Common Council members supporting Ashanti Hamilton for president:

Outgoing Common Council President Michael Murphy had the following to say in a statement: