Tim John files for Democratic nomination for governor

Tim John, great grandson of Frederic J. Miller, founder of Miller Brewing, filed candidacy papers in Madison on Nov. 24. He will formally announce his candidacy Sunday, through a widely distributed press release. Here is an excerpt from his vision statement from that document:

“As governor, with the help of every Wisconsinite, I will focus on reducing our State’s unemployment, especially in places where thousands of unemployed black men face long odds finding family-supporting jobs. These Wisconsin men live in embarrassed silence. For too long we have allowed them to stay concentrated in places with scant hope of employment to support their families.

John, 50, is owner and president of Blue Mound Graphics, which primarily publishes calendars distrubuted by churches nationwide. He is past president of Santa Fe Communications, a non-profit that produces and distributes religious programs. He has been involved in many charities and public service groups. His resume includes a stint as a bodyguard for Mother Theresa, during her tour of Japan. He has performed volunteer service in Ghana, Brazil, Guatamala, Mexico and Peru.

He attended St. Anthony of Padua parish school (now St. Vincent Pallotti) and Marquette University High School. He has a bachelor of arts degree from Marquette University and an M.A. in history from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. John is also a writer. He authored The Miller Beer Barons and is at work on a book about Milwaukee’s three rivers, the Milwaukee, the Kinnickinnic and the Menomonee.

John lived in Milwaukee and West Allis most of his life. After his recent marriage to divorce attorney Karri Fritz-Klaus, he moved to Oconomowoc, her home town. His campaign headquarters is at 777 N. Jefferson St. in Milwaukee, and his campaign treasurer is Ruth Holloway.