Statement on the Passing of Alderman Jonathan Brostoff
MADISON – Senator LaTonya Johnson released the following statement regarding the passing of former colleague and friend, Alderman Jonathan Brostoff:
“Losing Jonathan hurts, and I know I share this sentiment with many people whose lives he touched. He was such a kind, loving and gentle soul. Even if you didn’t always agree with him or his approach there was never any doubt about it coming from a sincere place.
“My most heartfelt memories of Jonathan include the compassion he showed the community during the Sherman Park riots. He was there every single day trying to help by offering people ‘de-escalation gum,’ which he believed would help to break the tension, give people something else to focus on, and allow for meaningful discussion. He brought dozens of packs and after a while, people even started looking for him for his gum. Bringing people together during the toughest of challenges was who Jonathan was at his core.
“Being an elected official is difficult. Regardless of how you’re feeling or what you’re going through, your community is always watching and depending on you and it’s your job to deliver. It’s what we sign up for, it’s what we’re paid to do and we do it to the best of our ability.
“All we ask for is a little grace and mercy, forgiveness when you feel we don’t always get it right or to your liking, and the benefit of knowing that even when we get it wrong we lead with a sincere heart and try every day to do right by our community. That was who Jonathan was and that was always what he did.
“My condolences and my heart go out to his family, especially his wife, Diana, his beautiful children, his parents, his friends, and the city of Milwaukee. We lost a good man yesterday and he will be forever missed.”
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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