Milwaukee City Wire

To Bonnie Lee the issue of public safety is second to none on the campaign trail. 

Lee, who has lived in Wauwatosa for 25 years, is challenging incumbent state Rep. Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa). Her campaign has a strong focus on law enforcement considering the rioting in Wauwatosa and across the state and nation. 

Over the course of at five nights rioters vandalized buildings in Wauwatosa, even at one point making their way into residential neighborhoods where they smashed the windows of family homes. Altogether around 50 rioters were arrested over the course of the rioting. 

“Many are watching what has been happening in Wauwatosa,” Lee told Milwaukee City Wire. “They hear the news and see on social media reports of protests, some peaceful, others not. Many have told me that they are grateful that Wauwatosa learned from recent issues in Kenosha, in particular, as well as from other cities around the nation. Otherwise, the situation could have been much worse.” 

Back in August in nearby Kenosha, rioters destroyed 40 buildings and damaged 100 others with estimated damages to the city up to $50 million. Two men were killed and a third were also injured in a shooting.  

The local law enforcement community has thrown its support behind Lee. She has received endorsements from Waukesha County Sheriff Eric Severson, the Milwaukee Police Association and the Wauwatosa Peace Officer Association. 

Lee said the afflicted communities need to be restored and residents need to come together again. 

“People across the political spectrum respond positively when I explain that public safety is the framework of my campaign,” she said. “Wherever you find strong, healthy, thriving communities, you also find a community that is committed to law and order. Once that is established, residents and businesses feel secure to go about their lives and business. That sense of security precedes other pertinent topics like economic growth and strong education and healthcare systems. When people feel safe at home, work, school, leisure, and places of worship, the community thrives as we retain and attract people to our area.”  

The 14th State Assembly District is a battleground, which includes parts of Milwaukee and Waukesha counties and of Milwaukee proper, has been a historic GOP stronghold. Former Gov. Scott Walker, who has endorsed Lee, formerly represented the district. 

Vining narrowly squeaked by in the 2018 election, winning with a 153 vote majority only after an error was discovered. 

The National Guard recently wrapped up its presence in the Wauwatosa.