Tom Ament
Encyclopedia
Francis Thomas Ament a United States
politician
, was the County Executive of Milwaukee County, Wisconsin
from 1992 to 2002.
Ament received his diploma from Marquette University High School
in 1955, his bachelor's degree from Marquette University
in 1959 and his law degree from the Marquette University Law School
in 1962.
He was elected to the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors in 1968. He was selected to be board chairman in 1976, and stayed on the board until he defeated Joseph Czarnezki
to become county executive in 1992, replacing the one-term Dave Schultz
.
After a scandal over pensions for county employees erupted, an effort was mounted in early 2002 to recall Ament. The organizing group had collected over 100,000 signatures on petitions to force a recall election
. On February 21, 2002, Ament announced his retirement effective February 26 at a Milwaukee County Board meeting. By retiring instead of resigning, Ament remained eligible for his pension. He was replaced by Janine Geske on an interim basis and by Scott Walker
after a special election.
Ament's portrait can be seen hanging outside the County Executive's office in the Milwaukee County Courthouse
.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
politician
Politician
A politician, political leader, or political figure is an individual who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making...
, was the County Executive of Milwaukee County, Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is...
from 1992 to 2002.
Ament received his diploma from Marquette University High School
Marquette University High School
Marquette University High School is a private, all-male, Jesuit, Roman Catholic school located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools and is a member of both the National Catholic Educational Association and the Jesuit...
in 1955, his bachelor's degree from Marquette University
Marquette University
Marquette University is a private, coeducational, Jesuit, Roman Catholic university located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Founded by the Society of Jesus in 1881, the school is one of 28 member institutions of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities...
in 1959 and his law degree from the Marquette University Law School
Marquette University Law School
Marquette University Law School is the professional school for the study of law at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and one of only two law schools in Wisconsin. With 45 full-time professors and approximately 760 J.D. students, the law school is ranked in the top tier among American...
in 1962.
He was elected to the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors in 1968. He was selected to be board chairman in 1976, and stayed on the board until he defeated Joseph Czarnezki
Joseph Czarnezki
Joseph Czarnezki is a Wisconsin politician and legislator.Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Czarnezki graduated from University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. In 1980 he was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly serving until 1983, Then, he was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate serving until 1991...
to become county executive in 1992, replacing the one-term Dave Schultz
Dave Schulz (politician)
David F. Schulz was a U.S. politician and County Executive of Milwaukee County, Wisconsin from 1988 to 1992....
.
After a scandal over pensions for county employees erupted, an effort was mounted in early 2002 to recall Ament. The organizing group had collected over 100,000 signatures on petitions to force a recall election
Recall election
A recall election is a procedure by which voters can remove an elected official from office through a direct vote before his or her term has ended...
. On February 21, 2002, Ament announced his retirement effective February 26 at a Milwaukee County Board meeting. By retiring instead of resigning, Ament remained eligible for his pension. He was replaced by Janine Geske on an interim basis and by Scott Walker
Scott Walker (politician)
Scott Kevin Walker is an American Republican politician who began serving as the 45th Governor of Wisconsin on January 3, 2011, after defeating Democratic candidate Tom Barrett, 52 percent to 47 percent in the November 2010 general election...
after a special election.
Ament's portrait can be seen hanging outside the County Executive's office in the Milwaukee County Courthouse
Milwaukee County Courthouse
The Milwaukee County Courthouse is a high-rise municipal building located in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Completed in 1931, it is the third county courthouse built in the city and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places....
.