Business Loans

Church bells tolled on Brady Street Monday night as dozens gathered to remember Alderperson Jonathan Brostoff. The group of Brostoff’s friends, colleagues and constituents met at Regano’s Roman Coin at Astor Street and Brady Street before a silent candlelit walk to Farwell Avenue and Brady Street.Many are still in shock at the Milwaukee Common Council member’s death on Nov. 4 at Greenfield Park in West Allis; investigators said Brostoff took his own life.”I personally have a mental illness, and I know how it feels to see someone go through it the wrong way,” said Elizabeth Corroo, one of Brostoff’s former staffers, as people shared fond memories of the alderperson.”Jonathan was a connector. He touched lives throughout Milwaukee’s community,” said Alderman Peter Burgelis. “It didn’t matter where you came from or who you were. Jonathan would always be ready to have a conversation with you and find a way how you can help the community.”Brostoff’s friend and colleague, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, said she’s heartbroken and wants to carry on his legacy of public service; she and others are also hoping to keep the conversation of mental health going.”Pushing back and and lobbying for common sense gun reform has always been at the top of my colleagues and my list, but I think now more than ever,” said Zamarripa. “We need to make sure we’re advocating for adequate funding for mental health resources. Absolutely that has to be a priority for us, especially after this tragedy.””Who knows what goes behind closed doors, what’s happening in peoples homes or in their heads. This was just something that was very, very sad and unexpected for us,” said Michael Sander with the Brady Street Business Improvement District. “So, for me, it’s just really taking the time to be kind to each other.”Before Brostoff’s death, Sander said he had been wanting to start regularly-scheduled walks to connect the Brady Street community. Now, the Brady Street Business Improvement District is hoping to hold those walks every quarter in his honor.For those in need of support, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is available by texting or calling 988.