Bob Donovan

Census Data Shows Changing Milwaukee Demographics

Fewer white residents citywide, but shrinking population totals in many majority-Black neighborhoods.

Mayor’s Race Looks Like a Wild One

Wide open, with lots of candidates, no obvious favorites and so much at stake.

Donovan, Taylor Eyeing Mayoral Runs

Former alderman, state senator lead pack of those likely to join Cavalier Johnson in special election.

Build Trust to Boost Vaccinations

Only 24% of Blacks, 32% of Latinx in state have had at least one dose.

The Election Official Behind Milwaukee’s Recount

How Claire Woodall-Vogg got through an unprecedented election.

Should Mayor Appoint Police and Fire Chiefs?

Council members think system is broken; many support change in state legislation.

Misplaced Flash Drive Twisted Into Voter Fraud Claim

Milwaukee’s chief election official says drive was "was never left unattended."

Milwaukee Had A Drop in College Voters, Dramatic Shift in South Side Party Preference

Biden and Clinton had dramatically different performances in Milwaukee. See how.

Broken Systems, Broken Promises

Food Truck Ban for Downer Ave. Proposed

Business owners upset that trucks have loud generators, take up parking spaces.

Zamarripa Defends Her Double Dipping

Alderwoman will collect second full-time salary as state legislator for eight months.

“Defund The Police” Becomes “Defend The Police”

Mural outside City Hall gets altered overnight.

Can the Police Union Prevent Reform?

Milwaukee’s powerful union has long gotten its way. But this time may be different.

Five Women Make Council History

The Milwaukee Common Council now looks more like the city it represents.

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.

City Approves Wisconsin Center Deal

Expansion approved and could pay $1 million per year to Milwaukee. But Bauman, others doubt it.

Council Bids Farewell to Bob and Tony

Aldermen Bob Donovan and Tony Zielinski attend their last council meeting and get a warm sendoff.

12 Election Takeaways

How high was turnout, lawyers will be busy, girl power, streetcar wins again and a new council president?

Will No One Have the Courage and Good Sense to Postpone the Spring General Election?

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan March 31, 2020

Council Delays Convention Expansion?

9-4 vote seeks to prevent convention center expansion during pandemic.

In the Stand-Off Between Mayor Barrett and Chief Morales, Residents are the Real Losers

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - March 9, 2020

Red Light Cameras Are Not the Cure for What Ails Milwaukee

A Long-Term Solution to Reckless Driving Will Require Leadership

Police To Lease Two Buildings During DNC

Locations well outside Downtown for "security-related purposes" during convention.

14 Election Winners, Losers

Beyond the ballot totals, behind the scenes, who were the other election winners and losers?

9 Election Takeaways

What did we learn? The results versus 2016. And the coming ad blitz and voter turnout.

Mystery Deepens on Leaked Police Video

More than the video was leaked. Police Department avoids comment. City Attorney helping FPC investigation.

Reckless driving claims Dean of MU College of Business Administration

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan February 12, 2020

Reckless driving leads to officer being shot in the line of duty

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan February 4, 2020

Council Inches Toward Universal Basic Income

Proposal will create a framework, needs philanthropic support.

Officials Advance $500/Month Basic Income Plan

Are you low-income and want $500 per month? The city has a pilot plan, almost.

Congratulations Chief Morales, you’ve earned it

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan December 19, 2019

Officer Ray Confirmed Without Debate

Former MPD officer is newest member of troubled Fire and Police Commission.

What Is Going On With the Fire and Police Commission?

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan December 16, 2019

Man Arrested By ICE Reunited With Family

José Alejandro de la Cruz-Espinoza, 38, has lived in U.S. for decades.

Remembering Marcy Skowronski

Aged 93, she ran the Holler House, the nation's oldest sanctioned bowling alley

Stunned Council Grills FPC Director

"It all doesn't add up" two aldermen say, while Hamilton says questions were answered.

“Officer Ray’s” FPC Appointment Okayed

Committee approves appointment of retired officer to police oversight board.

Taylor Blames FPC Problems on Mayor

Mayoral opponent accuses Barrett of mismanagement, corruption, cronyism.

Alderman Donovan: Fire and Police Commission dysfunction demands a thorough investigation

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan December 4, 2019

An Aldermanic Rematch on South Side

Donovan's aide Patty Doherty will again run against Scott Spiker.

Patty Doherty Announces Her Run for 13th District Alderwoman

"For the past 12 years, I have worked in the office of the Common Council and for the last 11 years, as Alderman Donovan’s Legislative Assistant."

Trouble at Fire & Police Commission?

Second public resignation and much staff turnover under new executive director.

Who Lost the City Residency Rule?

Lena Taylor blames Mayor Barrett. But did she fight the state law killing residency?

Council Bans Most Plastic Straws

Use by bars and restaurants prohibited unless customers request them.

Council Okays Gender Neutral Bathrooms

Proposal wouldn't "scratch the top 50" of constituent concerns, Donovan carps.

Council Overrides Every Barrett Veto

Without debate Common Council overrides mayor, keeps 59 amendments to budget

Straws, Bathrooms, and Mascots – Is That Really All We Have Left to Worry About?

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan November 25, 2019

Barrett Issues 8 Budget Vetoes

Vetoes attack borrowing, garbage truck replacement, blight elimination.

Cafe-Cop House Coming to Clarke Square

Unique center is a partnership of city, non-profit Journey House and police department.

Police Overtime Costs a Budget Problem

Council discusses how to trim annual cost of $17 million. Unfunded service for Summerfest an issue.

Proposal Aims To Eliminate Plastic Straws

Would prevent restaurants from providing straws, unless customers request them.

4,000 Police Officers Will Guard DNC

Some 150 police departments, 12 fire departments will secure 50,000-person event.

It’s time we rethink County government

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan November 11, 2019

This afternoon the City of Milwaukee just got less safe

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan November 8, 2019

Council Cuts Police, Adopts $1.6 Billion Budget

Council wrestles with huge fiscal challenges due to rising police costs, declining state aid.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Now A Holiday

Mayor signs legislation into law making it a holiday for city of Milwaukee.

Council Debates Indigenous Peoples’ Day

"Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be forced to defend the Catholic Church," Donovan thundered.

Mayor Barrett’s 2020 Budget cuts 60 police officers – and that’s the good news

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan October 10, 2019

Erasing Columbus Day is not the best way to honor indigenous people

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan October 8, 2019

Should Smoking Be Banned in Front of Public Buildings?

Murphy and Donovan square off over smoking in front of City Hall.

We are and must remain a nation of laws

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan October 2, 2019

Council Approves Ikon Hotel Deal Despite Objections

Plus: Council unanimously endorses host of other development projects.

Legislation seeks to make BID/NID options more effective and efficient

Statement of Alderman Bob Donovan September 18, 2019

Shame on Serb Hall for turning their back on decades of American History

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan September 18, 2019

Ashanti Hamilton Ends Mayoral Bid

Common Council president will run for reelection to his council seat.

Alderman Donovan urges GOP legislative leaders to use caution on sales tax ask

Media alert and letter from Alderman Bob Donovan

Mr. Mayor: Who in Heaven’s Name is Watching the Store?

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan September 6, 2019

Council Okays Settlement to Sterling Brown

City would pay $400,000. But the Bucks guard isn't expected to accept the offer.

Lena Taylor Announces Run for Mayor

"We need leadership and an office that is not corrupt," she declares.

Should Barrett Worry About Reelection?

Another easy win seems certain. Which may not be so good for Milwaukee.

Spiker Wins Seat on Common Council

Legislative aide Scott Spiker will replace his former boss Terry Witkowski.

Aldrete Will Lead Police-Fire Commission

Attorney, third FPC leader in three years, brings diverse background to challenging job.

Outside Firm Auditing City’s Lead Program

Expert hired by Comptroller doing audit council originally wanted done by May 2018.

FPC Nominee Faces Cloud of Uncertainty

Council vote unclear on Griselda Aldrete, mayor's pick to lead Fire & Police Commission.

Take It EZ, Donovan Urges

New public-private initiative targets reckless driving in the city.

Pilot project aims to put the brakes on reckless driving in Milwaukee

News conference set for Monday at 11 a.m. to launch unique public-private partnership called Operation Take it EZ Milwaukee

Five Takeaways from Yesterday’s Election

The race for Terry Witkowski's seat had surprises -- and key lessons.

Scooters Legalized But Not on Sidewalks

City's action means scooters could be back on streets soon, but fined for using sidewalks.

To Curb Reckless Drivers, There is No Substitute for Police Officers

No plan can be considered comprehensive that neglects law enforcement

Gambling Taxpayer Dollars on the Streetcar? Milwaukee is NOT Las Vegas

Statement of Aldermen Tony Zielinski, Bob Donovan, and Mark A. Borkowski June 28, 2019

On the Use of Tax Dollars for the Streetcar, Mayor Barrett is Either Deceitful or Incompetent

Residents are Forced to Decide Which

Tow Trucks Fight City Hall

Proposal requires companies to file forms proving car owner wouldn't pay fee to avoid tow away.

Board of Health Appointments Sail Through

Public Safety & Health Committee approves Barrett's appointments, chastises Barrett for not creating board earlier

Do You Believe Us Now?

The Milwaukee Streetcar Will – Sooner Rather Than Later – Need Your Tax Dollars

Eduardo Loera Announces Bid to Succeed Ald. Bob Donovan

Loera’s experience as a pastor and helping serve the homeless is a great foundation to replace Ald. Donovan.

A difficult day for law enforcement in Southeast Wisconsin

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan June 18, 2019

Contribution to Patty Doherty of $700

Proposal Would Help Food Trucks

Proposed zoning change on commercial kitchens makes business easier for food trucks.

Nothing New in Northridge Mall Plan

Is Northridge dispute simply an echo of the drawn-out Menomonee Valley fight?

In Defense of Human Life

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan June 6, 2019

Patty Doherty announces her run for 13th District Alderwoman

As your Alderwoman, I can promise you that I will do my best to seek your input on all important decisions brought before the Council and I will work hard to represent your interests in City government.

Six Candidates Seek Aldermanic Job

With Ald. Witkowski resigning, special election has been called, with primary on July 16th.

Council Rejects Barrett’s FPC Appointee

Fire and Police Commission appointee gives "petulant" presentation, rejected by council.

Council Needs to Direct Resources Toward Citizen/Community Priorities: Our Neighborhoods

Statement from Aldermen Bob Donovan and Mark A. Borkowski May 23, 2019

Council Holds Streetcar Extension

Streetcar proponents become opponents, push for longer extension to Walker's Point.

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.

Bronzeville Business Owners Desire the Streetcar

Local shopkeepers say The Hop’s proposed expansion would bring an economic boost to the neighborhood.

Bagel Restaurant for Walker’s Point

Plus: Enlightened Brewery expands in Bay View, and new clash over food truck ban.

Council Says Marcus Center Not Historic

Votes down designation and compromise to save Kiley grove with a friends group.

Council Okays Subsidy for One MKE Plaza

Comptroller calls the deal a "significant risk" but council votes 12-3 in favor.

Taco Truck Issue Still Not Settled

Agreement between owner and area alderman Bob Donovan has fallen apart.

Contribution to Bob Donovan of $6,000