Robert ‘Bob’ Donovan served as alderman for District 8 from 2000 to 2020. He was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2022.
Born in 1956 and raised on Milwaukee’s South Side, Donovan is a graduate of Thomas More High School and has attended both St. Francis De Sales College and UW-Milwaukee and has taken additional courses at Marquette University.
During his time on the Common Council, Donovan was an outspoken advocate for rank-and-file police officers.
He challenged Tom Barrett for mayor in 2016, losing 70-30.
Donovan decided not to run for reelection in 2020, but announced a campaign for mayor in 2021 after Barrett was nominated to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg.
On Feb. 15, 2022 Donovan came in second in a primary for mayor, earning 22.28% of the vote (13,742 votes). He listed to Acting Mayor Cavalier Johnson in the April 5, 2022 general election.
He was elected to the Assembly in 2022 and reelected in 2024.
Content referencing Bob Donovan - Page 2
Zamarripa Defends Her Double Dipping
Alderwoman will collect second full-time salary as state legislator for eight months.
Jul 14th, 2020 by Bruce Murphy
“Defund The Police” Becomes “Defend The Police”
Mural outside City Hall gets altered overnight.
Jul 3rd, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Can the Police Union Prevent Reform?
Milwaukee’s powerful union has long gotten its way. But this time may be different.
Jun 10th, 2020 by Bruce Murphy
Five Women Make Council History
The Milwaukee Common Council now looks more like the city it represents.
Apr 21st, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Plastic Straw Ban Went Into Effect, Did Anyone Notice?
As of yesterday, city restaurants and bars must obey. Which is the least of their concerns.
Apr 15th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
City Approves Wisconsin Center Deal
Expansion approved and could pay $1 million per year to Milwaukee. But Bauman, others doubt it.
Apr 15th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Bids Farewell to Bob and Tony
Aldermen Bob Donovan and Tony Zielinski attend their last council meeting and get a warm sendoff.
Apr 14th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
12 Election Takeaways
How high was turnout, lawyers will be busy, girl power, streetcar wins again and a new council president?
Apr 14th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Delays Convention Expansion?
9-4 vote seeks to prevent convention center expansion during pandemic.
Mar 24th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Police To Lease Two Buildings During DNC
Locations well outside Downtown for "security-related purposes" during convention.
Feb 24th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
14 Election Winners, Losers
Beyond the ballot totals, behind the scenes, who were the other election winners and losers?
Feb 19th, 2020 by Bruce Murphy
9 Election Takeaways
What did we learn? The results versus 2016. And the coming ad blitz and voter turnout.
Feb 19th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Mystery Deepens on Leaked Police Video
More than the video was leaked. Police Department avoids comment. City Attorney helping FPC investigation.
Feb 18th, 2020 by Bruce Murphy
Council Inches Toward Universal Basic Income
Proposal will create a framework, needs philanthropic support.
Jan 21st, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Officials Advance $500/Month Basic Income Plan
Are you low-income and want $500 per month? The city has a pilot plan, almost.
Jan 9th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Officer Ray Confirmed Without Debate
Former MPD officer is newest member of troubled Fire and Police Commission.
Dec 17th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Man Arrested By ICE Reunited With Family
José Alejandro de la Cruz-Espinoza, 38, has lived in U.S. for decades.
Dec 13th, 2019 by Isiah Holmes
Remembering Marcy Skowronski
Aged 93, she ran the Holler House, the nation's oldest sanctioned bowling alley
Dec 9th, 2019 by Michael Horne
Stunned Council Grills FPC Director
"It all doesn't add up" two aldermen say, while Hamilton says questions were answered.
Dec 5th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
“Officer Ray’s” FPC Appointment Okayed
Committee approves appointment of retired officer to police oversight board.
Dec 5th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Taylor Blames FPC Problems on Mayor
Mayoral opponent accuses Barrett of mismanagement, corruption, cronyism.
Dec 5th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
An Aldermanic Rematch on South Side
Donovan's aide Patty Doherty will again run against Scott Spiker.
Dec 4th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Trouble at Fire & Police Commission?
Second public resignation and much staff turnover under new executive director.
Dec 2nd, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Who Lost the City Residency Rule?
Lena Taylor blames Mayor Barrett. But did she fight the state law killing residency?
Nov 27th, 2019 by Bruce Murphy
Council Bans Most Plastic Straws
Use by bars and restaurants prohibited unless customers request them.
Nov 26th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Okays Gender Neutral Bathrooms
Proposal wouldn't "scratch the top 50" of constituent concerns, Donovan carps.
Nov 26th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Overrides Every Barrett Veto
Without debate Common Council overrides mayor, keeps 59 amendments to budget
Nov 26th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Barrett Issues 8 Budget Vetoes
Vetoes attack borrowing, garbage truck replacement, blight elimination.
Nov 19th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Cafe-Cop House Coming to Clarke Square
Unique center is a partnership of city, non-profit Journey House and police department.
Nov 18th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Police Overtime Costs a Budget Problem
Council discusses how to trim annual cost of $17 million. Unfunded service for Summerfest an issue.
Nov 15th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Proposal Aims To Eliminate Plastic Straws
Would prevent restaurants from providing straws, unless customers request them.
Nov 14th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
4,000 Police Officers Will Guard DNC
Some 150 police departments, 12 fire departments will secure 50,000-person event.
Nov 14th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Cuts Police, Adopts $1.6 Billion Budget
Council wrestles with huge fiscal challenges due to rising police costs, declining state aid.
Nov 8th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Now A Holiday
Mayor signs legislation into law making it a holiday for city of Milwaukee.
Oct 23rd, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Debates Indigenous Peoples’ Day
"Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be forced to defend the Catholic Church," Donovan thundered.
Oct 15th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Should Smoking Be Banned in Front of Public Buildings?
Murphy and Donovan square off over smoking in front of City Hall.
Oct 3rd, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Approves Ikon Hotel Deal Despite Objections
Plus: Council unanimously endorses host of other development projects.
Sep 24th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Ashanti Hamilton Ends Mayoral Bid
Common Council president will run for reelection to his council seat.
Sep 12th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Okays Settlement to Sterling Brown
City would pay $400,000. But the Bucks guard isn't expected to accept the offer.
Sep 4th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Lena Taylor Announces Run for Mayor
"We need leadership and an office that is not corrupt," she declares.
Sep 3rd, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Should Barrett Worry About Reelection?
Another easy win seems certain. Which may not be so good for Milwaukee.
Aug 29th, 2019 by Bruce Murphy
Spiker Wins Seat on Common Council
Legislative aide Scott Spiker will replace his former boss Terry Witkowski.
Aug 14th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Aldrete Will Lead Police-Fire Commission
Attorney, third FPC leader in three years, brings diverse background to challenging job.
Jul 30th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Outside Firm Auditing City’s Lead Program
Expert hired by Comptroller doing audit council originally wanted done by May 2018.
Jul 29th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
FPC Nominee Faces Cloud of Uncertainty
Council vote unclear on Griselda Aldrete, mayor's pick to lead Fire & Police Commission.
Jul 28th, 2019 by Edgar Mendez
Take It EZ, Donovan Urges
New public-private initiative targets reckless driving in the city.
Jul 22nd, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Five Takeaways from Yesterday’s Election
The race for Terry Witkowski's seat had surprises -- and key lessons.
Jul 17th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Scooters Legalized But Not on Sidewalks
City's action means scooters could be back on streets soon, but fined for using sidewalks.
Jul 9th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Tow Trucks Fight City Hall
Proposal requires companies to file forms proving car owner wouldn't pay fee to avoid tow away.
Jun 27th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Board of Health Appointments Sail Through
Public Safety & Health Committee approves Barrett's appointments, chastises Barrett for not creating board earlier
Jun 27th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Proposal Would Help Food Trucks
Proposed zoning change on commercial kitchens makes business easier for food trucks.
Jun 11th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Nothing New in Northridge Mall Plan
Is Northridge dispute simply an echo of the drawn-out Menomonee Valley fight?
Jun 6th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Six Candidates Seek Aldermanic Job
With Ald. Witkowski resigning, special election has been called, with primary on July 16th.
May 30th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Rejects Barrett’s FPC Appointee
Fire and Police Commission appointee gives "petulant" presentation, rejected by council.
May 29th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Holds Streetcar Extension
Streetcar proponents become opponents, push for longer extension to Walker's Point.
May 21st, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
The Race to Curb Speeding in Milwaukee
Despite recent dangerous crashes, Milwaukee Police are not making changes to the department’s vehicle pursuit policy, officials say.
May 17th, 2019 by Edgar Mendez
Bronzeville Business Owners Desire the Streetcar
Local shopkeepers say The Hop’s proposed expansion would bring an economic boost to the neighborhood.
May 16th, 2019 by Andrea Waxman
Bagel Restaurant for Walker’s Point
Plus: Enlightened Brewery expands in Bay View, and new clash over food truck ban.
May 9th, 2019 by Jennifer Rick
Council Says Marcus Center Not Historic
Votes down designation and compromise to save Kiley grove with a friends group.
May 7th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Okays Subsidy for One MKE Plaza
Comptroller calls the deal a "significant risk" but council votes 12-3 in favor.
May 7th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Taco Truck Issue Still Not Settled
Agreement between owner and area alderman Bob Donovan has fallen apart.
May 6th, 2019 by Edgar Mendez
11 Key Facts About Streetcar Extensions
Love the idea? Hate it? Either way we have all the details.
May 2nd, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukeeans Getting Worse at Driving
Crashes up 51% since 2009. Is cell phone use by drivers helping drive numbers?
Apr 25th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Chisholm Confirms Health Department Probe
DA says months-long investigation of how lead abatement program was handled continues.
Apr 24th, 2019 by Edgar Mendez
DA Asked To Consider Charging City Officials
Hamilton, Donovan ask Chisholm to review top officials' actions on lead program problems.
Apr 22nd, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Approves “John Shaming” for Prostitution
Unanimously supports higher fines, shaming customers. But sex workers group objects.
Apr 16th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Common Council Candidate Justin Bielinski
Organizer Justin Bielinski discusses his campaign to replace Bob Donovan at City Hall.
Apr 15th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
City Will Shame Prostitutes’ Customers
Get caught paying for sex? That'll cost you $2,500 and maybe exposure on TV.
Apr 11th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Kowalik Reshaping Health Department
Commissioner reorganizing troubled, 254-person agency, first such effort in 10 years.
Apr 11th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Trump Backer Running for Donovan’s Seat
Pentecostal church pastor Eduardo Loera latest to run for south side district where Ald. Donovan retiring.
Apr 10th, 2019 by Edgar Mendez
Food Truck Truce Reached
But not before Donovan takes shots at the streetcar, potholes, Barrett and Tony Zielinski.
Mar 26th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
FLAC, Get the Lead Out Fight City Over Lead Posioning
Groups have a showdown with city officials over claims surrounding city's failure on lead poisoning, infant mortality.
Mar 22nd, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Guardian Fine Art’s Building Is Unique
Assessed at $728,500, but the owner spent millions to create city's only art storage facility.
Mar 21st, 2019 by Michael Horne
Will Mayor’s Veto of Food Truck Ban Stand?
Council could override but two aldermen have switched to Barrett’s side.
Mar 15th, 2019 by Edgar Mendez
Barrett Vetoes Food Truck Ban
"We should support the opportunities and great flavors they bring to Milwaukee."
Mar 13th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
City Approves DNC Contract
City expects $50 million from federal government to pay for security.
Mar 11th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Donovan Won’t Run for Re-Election
Fightin' Bob is walking away. Zamarripa and Bielinski likely to run for council seat.
Mar 10th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Aldermen Blast City’s Snowplowing
Just how bad is city's operation? Aldermen allege lies and mismanagement.
Mar 5th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
New Cafe Opening in Silver City
Plus: Kitt's to reopen, Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea comes to Yankee Hill, but no more food trucks for W. National Ave.
Feb 28th, 2019 by Jennifer Rick
Food Trucks Banned on W. National Ave.
Council approves resolution to ban food trucks from S. Layton Blvd. west to city limits.
Feb 26th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
MPD Beat Patrol Targets Clarke Square
Police worked with aldermen Donovan and Perez to establish neighborhood beat cop program.
Jan 11th, 2019 by Madison Marx
Public Hearing Probes Solutions To Homeless
Population is 900 to 1,000 people. More funding, volunteers needed.
Nov 29th, 2018 by Corrinne Hess
Ashanti Hamilton Files for Mayoral Run
Is Chris Abele planning to back Hamilton?
Nov 29th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Slaps Down Mayor’s Vetoes
Legislative body rejects all five vetoes by Mayor Tom Barrett.
Nov 27th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Donovan Calls on MU To Help Homeless
Alderman suggests Marquette should re-open 155-room Ramada Hotel to house the homeless.
Nov 23rd, 2018 by Corrinne Hess
City’s Lead Program is Working Again
New health commissioner is resolving troubling issues, Mayor Barrett reports.
Nov 16th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Disconnect Your Downspouts, Get $100
City program affecting 54,000 homes part of plan to prevent Deep Tunnel overflows.
Nov 15th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
10 Curious Details in City’s 2019 Budget
A city store? No more alley repairs? Cutting tree trimming? The $1.5 billion budget has it all.
Nov 14th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Adopts 2019 City Budget
Average homeowner will see $51.88 increase, no change in total fire and police officers.
Nov 13th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Doctors “Pumping Pills on the Streets”?
The City-County heroin and opioid task force should be investigating the role of physicians.
Nov 13th, 2018 by Paul Mozina
Zilber Initiative Spurs Changes in Clarke Square
Residents and leaders have seen better planning, positive changes.
Nov 7th, 2018 by Andrea Waxman
11 Things to Know Before You Ride The Hop
How many people will ride it? How is it free? Oh so many questions, all answered here.
Nov 1st, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Frank Lloyd Wright House B
One of his six American System-Built homes on Burnham. Quite a history. Quite a home.
Oct 26th, 2018 by Michael Horne
Health Department Faces Criminal Probe
Spat between Hamilton and Zielinski reveals DA investigating and Baker hiring lawyer.
Oct 24th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
MPD Launches New South Side Beat Cop Initiative
Initiative will put more police officers on foot and bicycles on the streets of District 2.
Oct 21st, 2018 by Sarah Lipo
Norquist Bashes Inspector General Idea
Council wants its own watchdog. Former mayor says post is unnecessary.
Oct 12th, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
Barrett Vetoes Inspector General
Council, Mayor at odds over how independent new position should be.
Oct 9th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Was Barrett Asleep on Health Department?
Problems may go back a decade and mayor deserves much blame, some alderman say.
Oct 2nd, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
Council Okays Market-Based Parking Fees
But Tony Zielinski adamantly opposes it, joined by four other council members.
Sep 25th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
The Inspector General Is Coming
Common Council creates its own watchdog to monitor city departments.
Sep 25th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
