Councilman Jonathan Brostoff has died » Urban Milwaukee

State Representative Jonathan Brostoff (D-Milwaukee) at a news conference on restoring public school funding and phasing out the state voucher program. Photo courtesy of Rep. Brostoff’s office.

The city of Milwaukee lost one of its staunchest supporters on Monday.

Alderman of the City of Milwaukee Jonathan Brostoff41 years old, was found dead. The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office said it was investigating his death as an apparent suicide, adding that the cause of death was a shooting at the park.

Brostoff has represented the city’s Third District since 2022. He previously served as a Democratic representative in the Wisconsin State Legislature from 2015 to 2022.

He leaves behind a legacy of public service in which he has a strong commitment to helping those he served. His most famous achievement during his term in the Assembly was clearly visible to those who saw him. He promised the disability rights community that he wouldn’t cut his hair early Bill sponsored by him to increase the availability of American Sign Language interpreters, passed successfully. From February 2018 to July 2019, he did not have a haircut, and his usually close-shaven style became an afro-like facial hair.

Brostoff’s relatively short council tenure was characterized by an active focus on safe streets and sustainability. He quickly rose to serve as chairman Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee. During the swearing-in ceremony in November 2022, he pledged to serve as a “honey badger” and demonstrate perseverance in his work at City Hall, which he has kept.

He left his wife, Diana Vang Brostoffand four children. His parents are also Milwaukee residents.

“As colleagues and friends, we are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Councilor Jonathan Brostoff,” the council said in a statement. “Jonathan was a loving father and husband and greeted everyone he met with empathy and kindness. He was also a passionate advocate for the betterment of our community and dedicated his professional life to the people he represented. It was an honor to serve with him and he will be missed. Out of respect for his family, we ask that they be given the privacy and time to grieve that they certainly deserve.”

“Jonathan brought exceptional energy to his work at City Hall,” the mayor said Johnson’s Cavalier. “His passion and commitment were evident every day. No elected official has brought more enthusiasm to his job than Jonathan. He was a husband, father, son and to me a close friend. My thoughts and sympathies go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley called Brostoff a “dear friend,” noting that “Our friendship dates back to our community organizing days…Jonathan and I rose through the ranks from then on, eventually serving together in the Wisconsin State Legislature. Jonathan consistently brought new ideas, contagious energy, and endless optimism to every room he entered. When he saw an opportunity to benefit his constituents, he seized it. When he saw a challenge to overcome, he worked with others to meet it. We should all learn from Jonathan leadership, compassion and true love for those around him.”

Chairman of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin Ben Wikler called “a dedicated public servant who was guided above all by his values ​​and kindness” and “was loved by all who had the honor of knowing and working with him.” “Wisconsin will not soon forget the mark he left on our state.”

Even after assuming elected office, Brostoff remained an active volunteer Trackers“youth shelter program.” He graduated from UW-Milwaukee with a degree in political science.

Brostoff played the author Malcolm Gladwellthe idea of ​​a “connector”. He was a person everyone in Milwaukee politics seemed to know. Part of that may be his past, in which he served as an adviser in multiple political offices, his work with a longtime friend, the senator. Chris Larson he founded the Dem Team about a decade ago and his openness to performing at so many public events.

He was an active pick-up basketball player and anyone who played against him, including this writer, was familiar with his dogged determination to apply pressure all over the court and how it resulted in his team gaining several extra points per game despite his size.

Brostoff was also an active player of the Magic: The Gathering card game and helped organize a conference known as CubeCon.

A special election will be necessary to fill his seat.