Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson taps Ald. Nik Kovac for budget director position in administration

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson is looking to bring one of his former Common Council colleagues into his administration.

District 3 Ald. Nik Kovac will be appointed to the position of budget and management director, replacing Dennis Yaccarino. The appointment requires Common Council approval and is expected to be heard in the cycle that begins after Tuesday's council meeting..

In a statement, Johnson called Kovac a "trusted and knowledgeable colleague" and said in this position he would help put city government on a sustainable financial path.

Johnson also noted Kovac's tenure on the council's Finance and Personnel Committee and his membership on the Employes’ Retirement System Board. He graduated cum laude from Harvard University in 1999 with a degree in mathematics.

The city's retirement system is a major focus for Milwaukee leaders, given an expected spike in the annual pension contribution that they'll have to confront this fall. That jump could severely damage city services that residents rely on.

Kovac has represented the district that encompasses the east side and Riverwest since April 2008. According to his city biography, he grew up on the east side and attended Milwaukee Public Schools.

He told the Journal Sentinel Tuesday that he had enjoyed being an alderman for 14 years and was looking forward to working in Johnson's administration.

And he acknowledged that he'd be stepping away from the decision-making role and platform that he has on the council and into a position where he will be tasked with providing options to decision-makers.

"I think it's a new day for the city and for me it's the chance to be a part of that change for the city," he said. "Working with Mayor Johnson was a huge part of why I was willing to make this change. It's because of my confidence in the mayor."

His departure would leave two of the 15 seats open on the Common Council.

Johnson left his District 2 seat on the city's northwest side after being elected mayor in recent weeks.

A special election was expected to be ordered after the council on Tuesday elected its next president, Ald. José G. Pérez.

A special election has to be ordered by May 9 for it to coincide with the fall election cycle, according to the city. As council president, Pérez has the authority to order the special election.

However, the next council meeting is scheduled for May 10.

Kovac said a special council meeting to confirm him to the position could be held before May 9 to allow an election for his seat in conjunction with the August and November elections, but he said those decisions were not in his hands.

Kovac said if a special council meeting is not scheduled before May 9 he does not plan to resign early from his aldermanic seat in order to allow a special election to take place in the fall cycle.

Pérez did not immediately respond to a voicemail and text message seeking comment Tuesday. A statement from the city early afternoon said he would be unavailable for media interviews Tuesday but "is expecting to have availability very soon."

Democratic state Rep. Jonathan Brostoff said Tuesday he'd be running for Kovac's seat, making him the first to throw his hat in the ring. He will not seek re-election to his Assembly seat this fall.

Brostoff said his top priorities if elected would be addressing constituents' needs, community safety and pushing for rights for people with disabilities.

Yaccarino submitted his resignation last week after more than 30 years at the city, according to the Mayor's Office. His resignation is effective April 30.

"I’m still exploring some work options but intend to enjoy time off," he told the Journal Sentinel.

In the statement, Johnson praised Yaccarino's work.

"He has always been a steady and calm presence, and his work has kept Milwaukee in the best possible financial condition," Johnson said. "I wish him the very best in the next chapter of his career."

Daniel Bice of the Journal Sentinel staff contributed to this story.

Contact Alison Dirr at 414-224-2383 or adirr@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter @AlisonDirr.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee Mayor Johnson taps Ald. Nik Kovac for budget director