By Karen Stokes
Russ Feingold addresses community at Sherman Park Barbeque. (Photo by Karen Stokes)
A month after the dismal chaos that plagued Sherman Park that led to protests, arrests, violence and curfews, the bright, sunny blues skies were the perfect backdrop for the community to come out for fun, food and healing courtesy of Democratic Senatorial candidate Russ Feingold.
“Sherman Park is not just a place of recent problems, its part of our community, our city and an important part of our state,” Feingold said.
“You can’t just pay attention to a neighborhood like this when there are problems, you can’t just pay attention to it a few days while its on the news, you have to make sure there is a sense of community in the city and state.”
Russ Feingold discussing issues with community member Roger Griffin. (Photo by Karen Stokes)
Feingold served 18 years in the U.S. Senate from 1993 until 2010, until Republican Ron Johnson defeated him in 2010. In 2013, Secretary of State John Kerry selected Feingold as Special Envoy to the Great Lakes region of Africa.
In 2015 he announced he is seeking a comeback to the senate.
“We missed him for the past few years,” said Roger Griffin, a community member attending the barbeque.
“We want to see Feingold defeat Johnson. We support him 100 percent.”
“I’m here for the camaraderie with people here in the community,” Griffin said. “I’m here to mix and exchange ideas with my brothers and sisters.
State Representatives Latonya Johnson and Evan Goyke, along with Feingold, met with neighbors and community members to socialize and answer questions.
State Representatives Latonya Johnson and Evan Goyke. (Photo by Karen Stokes)
Feingold addressed the crowd, “I sat down with some of you today, I just didn’t shake hands, smile and take a picture, I asked what’s on your mind and people told me,” Feingold said.
“The need for homeless shelters for women and children, school issues and the need to stop discrimination in lending so people can buy a house in an area like this were some issues people discussed.”
“This is all part of it and we cannot pretend for a minute that there aren’t long standing institutional problems that don’t involve discrimination,” said Feingold.
Feingold is challenging incumbent Republican Ron Johnson in the upcoming November 8 election.
Members of the community gather in Sherman park for a barbeque hosted by Russ Feingold. (Photo by Karen Stokes)
Feingold speaking with community members at Sherman Park Barbeque. (Photo by Karen Stokes)