Robert Puente represented Milwaukee’s ninth district between 2004 and 2016. He previously served in the Milwaukee Police Department for 27 years.
Puente’s official biography notes that he rose to a captain and district commander during his long tenure with the Milwaukee Police, and credits these years as preparation for his work as an elected official. His bio also highlights his work developing the Operation Ceasefire Program to prevent gun violence and his efforts to improve police-community relations by hosting district open houses and establish daily foot patrols. As a liaison to the Anti-Graffiti Policy Committee, Puente also worked to decrease city vandalism.
Puente holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Mount Senario College, is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and also graduated from the Police Staff & Command Program at Northwestern University. He is a member of the Milwaukee Community Safety Coalition and he has served as a volunteer for the Special Olympics and the Police Athletic League.
First elected alderman in 2004, Puente was reelected in 2008 and won a narrow victory in 2012 over challenger Ray Harmon, who had publicly criticized Puente for refusing to participate in a debate. He was defeated in 2016 by Chantia Lewis.
In 2012, Puente encouraged the owner of the vacant Northridge Mall to demolish the building and clear the space for new development.
In 2010, in response to a proposal to boycott Arizona because of its new immigration law, Puente urged Common Council members to delay taking any action until they had read Arizona’s law, which he argued had been misrepresented.
Campaign Finance Reports
2016 - July Continuing - $550 - 3 contributions
2016 - Pre-Election - $1,575 - 5 contributions
Photos
Content referencing Robert Puente
2016 State of the City
Hmong American Peace Academy - February 8, 2016
Feb 8th, 2016 by Tom Barrett
MPD earns rarely-awarded accreditation
The Wisconsin Law Enforcement Accreditation Group Inc. made the announcement of the MPD accreditation yesterday.
Nov 10th, 2015 by Robert Puente
Council approves 2016 budget focused on public safety, libraries and jobs
News release from Common Council President Michael J. Murphy and Alderman Nik Kovac
Nov 3rd, 2015 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Two children perish in overnight fire
Statement from Alderman Robert W. Puente September 4, 2015
Sep 4th, 2015 by Robert Puente
Mortara Breaks Ground on New Milwaukee Manufacturing Facility
Company plans to add more than 150 new jobs over the next five years
Aug 20th, 2015 by Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Mourning the loss of a dedicated, respected colleague
Statement of Alderman Robert W. Puente May 22, 2015
May 22nd, 2015 by Robert Puente
Milwaukee Public Library Invites Community Input on Proposed Mixed Use Development for Mill Road Library
Community Meetings Scheduled for February 26th and March 4th
Feb 12th, 2015 by Milwaukee Public Library
Milwaukee Public Library Seeks Development Partners
Issues Request for Proposal for Forest Home and Mill Road Libraries
Nov 5th, 2014 by Milwaukee Public Library
Shooting of three-year-old a tragic reminder of importance of keeping firearms out of reach
Statement of Alderman Robert W. Puente May 6, 2014
May 6th, 2014 by Robert Puente
Cesar Chavez city worker holiday proposal to be heard by Finance and Personnel Committee
City employees would have the option of taking off on March 31 annually as a holiday observing the birthday of American labor and civil rights champion Cesar E. Chavez.
Mar 25th, 2014 by Ald. Tony Zielinski
Chamber’s work finished, but positive efforts to continue on northwest side
Statement of Alderman Robert W. Puente March 5, 2014
Mar 5th, 2014 by Robert Puente
Mayor Tom Barrett’s 2014 State of the City Address
Milwaukee February 24, 2014 As Prepared for Delivery
Feb 24th, 2014 by Tom Barrett
Council approves Motorcycle Safety Awareness Week
The Common Council today approved a resolution establishing Motorcycle Safety Awareness Week in Milwaukee every year during the first week in May.
Oct 15th, 2013 by Ald. Milele Coggs
I stand with the good men and women of the Milwaukee Police Department
I am compelled to respond to comments that are being made publicly regarding the Milwaukee Police Department.
Oct 11th, 2012 by Robert Puente
Common Council members call for County to codify changes in Medical Examiner’s procedures
Several Council members met with the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office on Friday (Sept. 28) to discuss concerns related to the Derek Williams case.
Oct 2nd, 2012 by Milwaukee Common Council
Tragedy in Oak Creek
Joint Statement from Members of the Common Council
Aug 6th, 2012 by Milwaukee Common Council
Watching the Watchdog – Joint Statement from Members of the Common Council
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s recent investigations into the police department have misled the public about important facts relevant to the safety of our community.
Jun 22nd, 2012 by Milwaukee Common Council
