Bob Donovan and Cavalier Johnson, the two finalists running in the Milwaukee mayoral race, are making their final pitch to residents as voters head to the polls to decide the election.
Regardless of the outcome, the city will have a new mayor for the first time in more than a decade. Former mayor Tom Barrett, who accepted a position in the Biden administration, resigned after winning re-election to the position.
Either Donovan or Johnson will serve the remainder of Barrett’s term.
Donovan, a former alderman, has called for change in the city to address violent crime and neighborhood revitalization. Recently, he revealed a plan to strengthen Milwaukee’s downtown and other “challenged” areas.
“Milwaukee has long been known as a ‘big city of little neighborhoods’ and neighborhoods are what make up our city’s one-of-a-kind culture.’ At least that’s what our visitors’ bureau is officially saying about Milwaukee. But for far too long we have seen a downtown-centric development strategy in Milwaukee; sadly at the expense of our other ‘unique’ neighborhoods,” the candidate said.
“Strong neighborhoods are the backbone of any great city, and my unique Neighborhood Revitalization Plan is designed to strengthen and revitalize our many other challenged neighborhoods outside of Milwaukee’s important but not singularly important downtown.”
At the same time, Johnson, who is serving as the acting mayor, has also pitched voters on addressing the public safety issue facing the region. When he assumed the position from Barrett, Johnson proposed a plan; however, he claimed that he has not had time to implement it.
One component he introduced is a plan to address reckless driving. The “STAND for Safer Streets” program will be “engaging a broad coalition of residents, businesses, advocates, and stakeholders to address reckless driving.”
Despite the nonpartisan label awarded to the candidates, Johnson received $100,000 from the Wisconsin Democratic Party, according to campaign finance disclosures.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Wisconsin Daily Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Cavalier Johnson” by Cavalier Johnson and photo “Bob Donovan” by Alderman Bob Donovan.
