Milwaukee Alderman Brostoff and former Alderman Witkowski have died

MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee City Councilman Jonathan Brostoff and former City Councilman Terry Witkowski have died, according to a news release from Mayor Cavalier Johnson's office on Monday, Nov. 4.

A city spokesman confirmed that Brostoff died by suicide. According to the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office, he was found in Greenfield Park in West Allis.

“Jonathan brought a unique energy to his work at City Hall. His passion and dedication were evident every day. “No elected official brought more enthusiasm to his work than Jonathan,” Johnson said in the news release. “He was a husband, a father, a son and to me a close friend. My thoughts and condolences go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Brostoff was elected to Milwaukee's 3rd District seat on the Common Council in November 2022. He previously served as a Wisconsin State Representative for the 19th Assembly District.

Jonathan graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a degree in political science. While in college, he worked for Senator Tom Harkin in Washington, DC, chaired the UWM College Democrats, and completed the United Nations Summer Seminar Program.

He has received numerous awards and recognition for his work to improve the community

An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday, according to the Milwaukee County Coroner's Office.

Witkowski, who died of natural causes, served on the Milwaukee Common Council from 2003 to 2019, representing District 13.

Submitted

Related: Milwaukee Alderman Terry Witkowski resigns (as of 2019)

“Terry has spent most of his professional life serving the people of our city. As a longtime leader of the Milwaukee Safety Commission, he led efforts to protect our residents,” Johnson said. “While serving on the Milwaukee Common Council, Terry was a champion of his Southside district. Every time I hear or see a reference to the Garden District, I think of Terry's work. I extend my condolences to Terry’s family and friends.”

Leaders across Wisconsin reacted to the news on Monday.

Among them was West Allis Mayor Dan Devine, who expressed his condolences on Facebook.

“I had the privilege of knowing Alderman Brostoff for several years and admired his commitment to serving the people he represented and the city of Milwaukee,” Devine said.
“Similarly, I knew Alderman Witkowski personally through his work on the board of the League of Wisconsin Municipalities. Both gentlemen were dedicated public servants with a deep love for the city of Milwaukee and a passion for serving its people.”

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