“All of my background comes from real work experience in the district,” said Nelson. “I have been responsive to the needs of the community.”

As owner of Brewing Grounds for Change and co-founder of the Freedom Now! Collaborative and Mitchell Street Farmers Market Coalition, Matt Nelson has worked to create change and benefit the Milwaukee community for years.

As Election Day draws near, Nelson hopes that his experience will give him the edge in the aldermanic race.

“All of my background comes from real work experience in the district,” said Nelson. “I have been responsive to the needs of the community. I have a proven record of getting things done efficiently, especially for the things that matter. I understand the social and economic needs of the district.”

As a member of the Milwaukee Transit Riders Union, Nelson successfully worked with 500 bus riders to protect the current system, preventing cuts and restoring service. He is the only candidate with a comprehensive transit platform that comes from direct experience.

“I’m committed to improving transit to help promote economic development,” said Nelson. “Good transportation can address segregation, improve mobility and the environment, and reduce congestion.”

Nelson hopes to influence city policy by promoting economic growth.

“I believe that city policy should create jobs that support families. Local businesses in the district are key to that. They can hire more people at higher wages, which will raise everyone’s standard of living. I want to help create a community where we can all thrive,” said Nelson.

As a member of the Milwaukee Police Accountability Coalition, Nelson is committed to the fact that everyone has the right to a safe neighborhood.

“We need to repair the poor relationship between the community and the law,” said Nelson. “I am someone who is able to get things done by organizing around issues that are widely and deeply felt.”

UWM Connection

Nelson supports a city and campus-wide living wage. Even during his college years at the University of Wisconsin, Nelson was making change in this area. In 1998 he helped to raise the minimum wage $2 at the Madison campus, from $6 to $8 for entry-level positions.

Nelson believes in supporting the already enacted Shared Governance Law, which says that anything that impacts student life should be decided by students.

“Chancellor Santiago must respect this, and he has only given lukewarm support of it,” said Nelson.

Curriculum and courses at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee are also being addressed.

“I would like to do more research and create courses that would benefit the community. Students would be able to take classes that can solve problems like poverty, housing concerns, and others. I know there are a lot of students that would like to do that,” he said. “Students need to be more civically engaged.”

Nelson has fully utilized the Internet to convey his message. He has a Facebook profile, which he encourages people to visit. There are also videos about his campaign on YouTube. His website is www.nelsonforalder.org.

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