Forum held for Milwaukee Common Council District 3 seat candidates

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Voters on Milwaukee's east side will be asked to cast a ballot next month to fill a vacancy on the common council.  Candidates for aldermanic district three got together for a forum at ZAO MKE Church on Thursday night, Jan, 23.

The February primary is the result of a seat on the council that became vacant following the death of Ald. Jonathan Brostoff.

The forum started with a moment of silence to honor Alderman Brostoff. Ald. Brostoff lost his life to suicide in November and how to improve mental health outreach was just one of the questions asked of the candidates.

Candidates range in age from 33 to 43. Some are lifelong Milwaukeeans, and others have been here as little as six years.

"My name is Daniel Bauman, I'm 43 years old. I was born and raised in Sherman Park, Milwaukee," said Daniel Bauman, candidate.

"I've been a Riverwest resident for over a decade now and I'm running to bring the movement of regular people to city hall," said Alex Brower, candidate.

"I got into this race because Milwaukee right now faces many significant challenges," said Frank Ferrante, candidate.

"I've been big on human rights since I was a teenager. I will be vigilant, visible, accessible and eager to serve you if given the opportunity," said Ieshuh Griffin, candidate.

"I grew up primarily in south Florida. I've been here on the east side since 2018," said Bryant Junco, candidate.

"I'm a lifelong resident of the district. I'm a proud graduate of Milwaukee Public Schools," said Alex Kostal, candidate.

"My father opened up Casablanca which is currently Kareem's and had me work at the age of eight. He embedded hard work," said Nas Musa, candidate.

Candidate Josh Anderson talked about the issue of crime, and what he says is not working in Milwaukee. 

"Schools are forced to have SROs student resource officers in the classroom which further criminalizes our students, creates a pipeline of school to prison pipeline," said Anderson.

It's a crowded field. Eight are vying for the aldermanic seat in District 3.

The primary is Feb. 18. The top two finishers will advance to the April General Election.