Bob Donovan

Contribution to Patty Doherty of $700

Health Department Faces Criminal Probe

Spat between Hamilton and Zielinski reveals DA investigating and Baker hiring lawyer.

MPD Launches New South Side Beat Cop Initiative

Initiative will put more police officers on foot and bicycles on the streets of District 2.

Norquist Bashes Inspector General Idea

Council wants its own watchdog. Former mayor says post is unnecessary.

Barrett Vetoes Inspector General

Council, Mayor at odds over how independent new position should be.

Ald. Donovan, Ald. Pérez and MPD to announce extensive near south side beat cop initiative

News release from Alderman Bob Donovan and Alderman Jose G. Perez

Was Barrett Asleep on Health Department?

Problems may go back a decade and mayor deserves much blame, some alderman say.

Council Okays Market-Based Parking Fees

But Tony Zielinski adamantly opposes it, joined by four other council members.

The Inspector General Is Coming

Common Council creates its own watchdog to monitor city departments.

Health Commissioner Pick Gets First Approval

Kowalik wins unanimous vote from committee, interim commissioner reveals ongoing issues.

Promises Not Kept

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan

Police Response Slow For Non-Violent Crimes

MPD response time averages 40 minutes for non-violent crimes, 68 minutes for auto theft.

Per capita Milwaukee’s homicide rate on par with Chicago’s

Statement from Milwaukee Alderman Bob Donovan - August 15, 2018

MPD Slow to Respond to Violent Crimes

But response times for all types of calls have dropped an average of 32 minutes since 2015.

Public’s help needed to catch brazen thief

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - August 7, 2018

Two cops dead and homicides, shootings, violence and disorder continue – where’s the plan, Tom?

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - August 6, 2018

Residents, Police, Officials Mourn Slain Officer

Michael J. Michalski, 52, was a much-loved, 17-year veteran of Milwaukee Police Department.

Thug responsible for assault at George Webb now in custody

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - July 25, 2018

Council Delays Flag Decision

Delegates Milwaukee Arts Board to decide if new flag needed and how to proceed.

All Hail The “People’s Flag”

Huge version of flag installed a block from City Hall just before vote on whether to adopt it.

Illegal drugs are strangling the life out of our neighborhoods

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - July 19, 2018

Who Now Has Power Over Police Chief?

Common Council may regret stripping mayor’s power over Police-Fire director.

City’s $3.4 Million Settlement Will Cost More?

IT costs weren't factored into city settlement of ACLU suit, could increase price tag.

Council Backs Less Mayoral Power Over FPC

Votes 13-1 to ask state to reduce mayor's power to appoint Fire and Police leader.

Council Backs $3.4 Million to Settle Suit

ACLU sued over police “stop and frisk” practices from 2010 to 2017.

Zielinski Ramps Up Mayoral Campaign

"I want to run against Barrett," alderman says, laying out issues he will use against mayor.

Should Milwaukee Elect Police Chief?

Alderman Rainey's proposal gets discussion, but not much support.

At this point the Journal Sentinel owes Alderman Zielinski an apology

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - June 27, 2018

City Officials Promote Police Pursuit Policy

Donovan wants public information campaign on new policy to chase fleeing offenders.

Council approves FPC executive director measure, OKs move to push for hiring seasonal police officers

News release from Alderman Bob Donovan

Aldermen urge further interviews in Health Department investigation

News release from Alderman Bob Donovan and Alderman Mark A. Borkowski

Will People’s Flag Become Official Milwaukee Flag?

Trio of council members introduce resolution to change city flag.

Police Reform Needed, Say Council Members

Brown incident proves problem, changes needed, Hamilton, Coggs say at press conference.

Sterling Brown case leaves us with many unanswered questions

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - May 24, 2018

Ald. Bohl Resigns, Takes Lobbying Job

And full council approves La Keisha Butler as head of Fire and Police Commission.

Has policing in urban America become an undoable job?

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - May 23, 2018

Who Will Build Next Downtown Tower?

Choice parcel of land now on the market. Who will buy and build there?

State Street Will Become Two Way

Remaining portion of one-way street to be converted to two-way traffic for safety, ease of access.

Mayor, Council Play Musical Chairs

New appointments open door for Ald. Jim Bohl to leave his elected position for lobbyist job.

Officers Deserve Our Thanks – Not Armchair Quarterbacking

The officers responded to a call for help concerning an out-of-control individual who appeared to be under the influence of drugs and/or mentally disturbed.

Why St. Joseph Hospital Is Targeted

It’s all about greed by “non-profits,” chasing revenues and big salaries.

Legislation mandates lead water lines replacement at child care facilities

This mandate applies to both publicly-owned and privately-owned portions of lead service lines.

Aldermen ask Mayor Barrett to step down if he enters race for Governor

Media advisory and letter from Alderman Bob Donovan and Alderman Mark A. Borkowski

4th St. Will Become Vel. R. Phillips Ave.

Major downtown street to be renamed for Milwaukee leader and civil rights pioneer.

Child Care Centers Still Have Lead Pipes

City has so far replaced lead service lines at 163 of 347 facilities.

Mayor’s firing of the executive director of the Fire and Police Commission most disappointing

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - April 23, 2018

Ascension announces pause to service downsizing at St. Joseph

Press release from Alders Khalif J. Rainey, Michael Murphy and Bob Donovan

Council approves Ascension service retention measure

"Citizens across our city rely on Ascension facilities for care..."

Is St. Francis Hospital next on the chopping block?

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - April 10, 2018

Milwaukee Bans Conversion Therapy

Controversial therapy tries to transform LGBT teens into heterosexuals.

Watching MPD closely during a critical transition period

Joint Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan, Alderman José G. Pérez and Alderman Mark A. Borkowski - March 19, 2018

Oscar’s Winner’s Circle grand opening set for Monday

11 a.m. on Monday, March 19

Sobelman’s Is Deliciously Historic

Unique Schlitz tavern from 1889 has great heritage, great PR, great burgers.

Wave of MPD retirements puts public safety at risk, new interim chief in difficult position

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - March 1, 2018

City Will Contest Foxconn Power Deal

City Attorney will contest $117 million Foxconn subsidy charged to We Energies customers.

Mayor Barrett: 14 years in office and not a plan in sight

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - February 26, 2018

McManus Lays Out Three Priorities for Health Department

Baker issues a statement defending his actions. Are city hospitals going to close?

Revitalizing Silver City

New restaurant will anchor redeveloped building on W. National Ave.

Even car thieves think judges are soft

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - February 16, 2018

Council Members Congratulate Interim Police Chief on Appointment

We stand ready to work with him to move forward as a united community for the good of all residents.

The Rise of Reckless Driving

Vehicles speeding, running red lights causing more deaths, hit-and-run accidents.

Barrett Withdraws Nannis Nomination

Interim Health Dept leader at issue, as City Hall infighting hits new highs.

Gag Order for Health Department Employees Lifted by Mayor

I am pleased that Mayor Barrett rescinded the policy, because whether in writing or not it is a culture that has existed for years in city government.

Common Council Alerts At-Risk Populations of Lead Risks After City of Milwaukee Health Department Fails to Notify Public

"If the public’s health is not the highest priority in this community, please tell me what is?"

Mayor’s Involvement in Incident with Bucks Player Disturbing

The sheer hypocrisy concerns me and should concern every citizen in Milwaukee.

City Report Finds Health Dept. Problems

Records missing for 30 homes with lead problems. Funding, staff reductions an issue.

Council Could Reject Interim Health Leader

Eight aldermen question legality of Nannis appointment to run Health Department.

Aldermen Ask City Attorney for Legality of Paul Nannis’ position

Mr. Nannis was appointed Commissioner of the Milwaukee Health Department by Mayor Tom Barrett and has reportedly already reported for work, but his appointment has not been confirmed by the full Common Council.

$750 Million to Replace Lead Pipes

Solutions to city's lead laterals expensive and not simple, council members find.

America’s Leading Concertina Bar

Formerly Altenburg's, now Kochanski's, still preserving an old Milwaukee tradition.

Council Grills Mayor, City Health Staff

Tense meeting with unprecedented scrutiny of mayor and few answers from staff.

City Settles with American Sewer

Embattled firm loses nearly $1 million in work.

Commissioner Baker’s departure leaves us all with many, many questions

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - January 16, 2018

Community Groups Want Say On Police Chief

In search for new chief, pushing for a candidate committed to community relations.

Council set to act on Health Department crisis

Joint statement from the Milwaukee Common Council

Common Council Statement on Flynn Retirement

Statement from the Common Council - January 8th, 2018

Council committee passes Green Alert system measure

News release from Alderman Khalif J. Rainey

City Kills Contracts With American Sewer

Council moves to subpoena owner, Donovan walks out of heated discussion about racism.

A note of thanks to the Red Cross

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - January 3, 2018

Top 10 Homes Featured in 2017

Readers loved these stories the most -- except for Bob Donovan.

Alderman Murphy and Alderman Pérez encouraged by Chief Flynn and Mayor’s new stance on traffic enforcement policy

Ald. Murphy and Ald. Pérez look forward to further changes being implemented on the roadways to ensure safety.

Embattled Company Leader Absent at Hearing

Head of company with gun, KKK issues, a no-show. Angry council members promise action.

Donovan Runs Afoul of City Gun Policy

Alderman said he knew of city employees carrying firearms, but has failed to report them.

Ban Contractors From Carrying Guns?

Proposal causes fierce Common Council debate. Plus: Bauman slams city attorneys.

Alderman Bauman’s bullying of Assistant City Attorney is unacceptable

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - December 6, 2017

The City Christmas Tree House

Each year a city resident donates a spruce for City Hall. Here's the home of 2017's winner.

Council Okays Lawyers for Muni Court

Will help defendants who can be jailed when they can’t afford to pay fines.

Zielinski Will Run for Mayor

Alderman declares for mayor, two years before the election, and police union endorses him.

Council Delays Action On Shopping Carts

Stores need more notice, they decide, on ordinance requiring locks on all carts.

Long Awaited Safety Plan Gets Attacked

A blueprint for change or too vague and hard to understand? Council members wrangle.

City’s Anti-Violence Effort Stalls

Office of Violence Prevention’s plan was due in June. Donovan, others criticize delay.

Council Approves $1.5 Billion Budget

Despite changes by council, budget still eliminates 27 police officers, 75 firefighters.

Council Overrides Mayor on Firing Flynn

10-5 vote means city lobbyist must seek state law giving council power to fire chiefs.

Bill impacting makeup of Fire and Police Commission makes sense

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - November 1, 2017

Three parking checkers shot at in two separate incidents

News release from Aldermen Bob Donovan, Tony Zielinski and Mark A. Borkowski

Advocates Push City On Lead Pipes

City may not know which homes own lead laterals, which action to take.

Mayor Barrett needs to start listening to the people

New MU poll shows 66% of Milwaukeeans think the streetcar is a waste of money

Zielinski Again Attacks Mayor, Streetcar

And again his math doesn't add up.

Zielinski Bashes Barrett, Flynn

And Ald. Borkowski joins in, bashing the budget of "Rip Van Barrett."

Council Votes for Authority to Fire Flynn

Requests state law giving them power to fire police and fire chiefs. Mayor promises a veto.

City Proposal Restricts Roadside Memorials

"Some of these turn into unpermitted block parties,” Ald. Johnson says

Contribution to Bob Donovan of $6,000