Wisconsin Lost One Of The Great Ones

 

Former State Rep. Amanda Stuck, Alderman Jonathan Brostoff and Bandit

I am sure all of you has already heard the news that Milwaukee Alderman Jonathan Brostoff was found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound on Monday.  It will be a loss for not only the city but for the entire state and will be felt for a long, long time to come.

I first met Jonathan we were both working for Milwaukee County.  He was an aide to then County Supervisor Chris Larson and I was a social worker, union thug and still-wet-behind-the-ears blogger. You could tell that he was a mensch then. This impression only grew stronger as he became a state representative for the Milwaukee hip East Side.  Eventually, with a family, including his wife Diane and four young children, he ran for and became a city alderman so that he could be home more.

Everything about Jonathan proved that he was a true mensch. He was well-informed but never judgmental. He was passionate and compassionate.  He would never hesitate to get his hands dirty or do the right thing, even if he got his head bloodied doing it.

Throughout his time, Jonathan was always a good friend of Labor.  He was always seen marching in the Labor Day parade and enjoying Laborfest afterwards. And with Jonathan, it was never just about a photo op, shaking hands or kissing babies.  He was ready to fight the good fight, regarless of what level of government and he walked more than a few picket lines, even when he wasn't up for reelection.

Not only was Jonhathan a passionate man and a highly intelligent man, but he had a wicked sense of humor that helped him get his point across and was absolutely fearless.  This is well demonstrated from a time when he was in  the state legislature:

Jonathan had earned the wrath of then President Trump, but Jonathan never flinched and dished it out as much as he took in.

But most of all, Jonathan was a true friend to so many people.  I have benefitted from his friendship and I have seen him in action, helping lifting people from all walks of life.  He was especially involved with helping people with mental health issues as well as meeting the needs of people who were deaf.  

Like I said, he was a true mensch and will be sorely missed by many for a long time to come.

A GoFundMe account has been set up for his memorial and to help support his wife and four young children.  If you are able, please help them.  They have enough to deal with right now.