MILWAUKEE -- Former Senator Russ Feingold -- who is campaigning for his old seat on the U.S. Senate -- paid a visit to the people of Sherman Park on Saturday.
It's been a little over a month since the unrest in the neighborhood. Feingold hosted a BBQ and told those in attendance that their community hasn't been forgotten.
"These are problems that have existed too long, and this is my way and our campaign's way of signaling our commitment to Sherman Park and its role in the community," he said.
On the forefront of complaints is the lack of jobs. Darrol Gobson, the program director for Wisconsin Jobs Now, said he is working with representatives to let businesses know about grant opportunities and to make sure they aren't misused.
"[The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation] said they invested money into the Sherman Park community, especially businesses, but there is no businesses in this entire corridor that you see employing residents," Gobson said.
Feingold's efforts were welcomed by residents who have lived in the area for decades and feel that their community's reputation needs to be repaired.
"In all honesty, I avoided this area when all the trouble happened," Janet Richardson said. "I normally drive up and down Sherman Park but I didn't want to. I didn't want to see it up close. The reason I made a point to come here today because there was something positive."
