He has only been on the job for four months, and Alderman Khalif Rainey finds himself faced with a tough challenge.
In the last 72 hours, he has seen businesses torched and civil unrest rock the Sherman Park community.
"Right now I want to make sure that we get things back to normal, but after that it is time to begin a real serious conversation of what can be done to improve the quality of life for African-Americans here in Milwaukee," Rainey said.
- GALLERY: Day 2 of Sherman Park Violence
- GALLERY: Day 1 of Sherman Park Violence
Saturday night, Rainey spoke passionately at a news conference.
"No one can deny there are problems, racial problems here in Milwaukee that have to be closely examined; not examined but rectified...rectified immediately because if you don't, the vision of downtown, all that...you are one day away."
Some have questioned if the alderman was in agreement with the demonstrators' actions.
"Absolutely not, I don't think anything productive is accomplished by vandalizing and destroying property."
He says there are other options.
"Contact me, reach out to me. Figure out how we can work together . You need resources, assistance, I am available...I can connect you with someone if I can't personally resolve your issues to your satisfaction."
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- By The Numbers: 7 Officers Injured, 14 Arrests After Night Two Of Sherman Park Violence
- Mayor to Strictly Enforce 10 p.m. Milwaukee Teen Curfew
- Sherman Park Residents: This is Not Our Neighborhood
- Volunteers Pour In To Clean Up After Sherman Park Violence
- Volunteers Pour In To Clean Up After Sherman Park Violence
- Sister Of Man Killed Wants Officer Charged
