No joke: Owner of Sobelman's fumes over comments by state lawmaker
No joke: Owner of Sobelman`s fumes over comments by state lawmaker
No joke: Owner of Sobelman`s fumes over comments by state lawmaker
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The streetcar debate in Milwaukee has hit the hamburgers -- after a state legislator levels criticism at the owner of Sobelman's. The representative says he was joking, but the business owner is not smiling.
"It is, you know, pretty embarrassing for the state of Wisconsin when one of our representatives comes out against an individual's right, you know, freedom of speech, to have an opinion on a political issue," said Ned Purtell, a customer at Sobelman's.
The issue is Milwaukee's proposed $123.9 million downtown streetcar system. The opinion involves Dave Sobelman's opposition to the proposed streetcar.
The embarrassment comes from a recent Facebook post written by State Rep. Josh Zepnick. The post describes Sobelman's restaurant as being "crowded, staff is snotty/cranky all the frickin' time, parking sucks and it's not safe."
"I was more angry with the things he was saying about the neighborhood being unsafe. And we did crime stat check-ups, and in the last seven days, the Menomonee Valley is the safest place to be in Milwaukee," said Dave Sobelman, restaurant owner.
Finally, Zepnick's post shares a hope that the "city reconsiders (Sobelman's) sidewalk seating permit for this summer!!! Bwah ha ha."
"The guy, he knows nothing. He's so unknowledgeable. And how he can be an Assemblyman and represent us? Wow. Anybody could do it, I guess," said Sobelman.
Rep. Josh Zepnick issued the following statement late on Wednesday:
“I regret making an offhanded joke about Sobelman’s Pub and Grill on my personal Facebook page. I intended to make an offhanded sarcastic joke, and apologize for the way it came off. Mr. Sobelman is entitled to his opinion on anything, as is any constituent. Whether business owner, retired school teacher, or factory worker; everyone has the right to free speech.
"I under no circumstance threatened Government action on his business. If my ill-timed and poorly made joke leads people to believe that, I want to make absolutely clear that I under no circumstance support that sort of action. I have placed a call and written an apology to Mr. Sobelman for my personal remarks.”
Milwaukee Alderman Bob Donovan also issued a statement on this issue Wednesday:
"I have worked closely with state Rep. Josh Zepnick on many different issues affecting the 8th District and the city over the years, but I am exceedingly disappointed by his comments regarding a well-respected, tax-paying business which has a location in my district.
In a social media posting shown to me, Rep. Zepnick disparages Sobelman’s restaurant and its owner, Dave Sobelman, for Dave’s opposition to the proposed downtown streetcar. He goes on to suggest that the city reconsider granting his restaurant sidewalk seating permission this for the summer 2015 season!
Dave has been outspoken about his opposition to the streetcar, but he is obviously exercising his constitutional right to speak up for what he believes in. I support businesses across the board, and I respect everyone’s right to voice their opinion. But to suggest that the city retaliate by denying the restaurant’s outdoor sidewalk seating is absolutely ridiculous and not the way we do business.
For Rep. Zepnick to resort to this level is unacceptable, and I believe he owes Mr. Sobelman a public apology."
Alderman Donovan is an opponent of the proposed downtown streetcar project.