Multiple reports indicate that Wisconsin Center District President and CEO Marty Brooks was fired for misuse of District credit cards, including to make donations to several prominent Milwaukee Democrats.
The Board fired Brooks Monday for cause but did not offer comment on the vote. Board member and Milwauke Alderman Bob Bauman, however, told Urban Milwaukee that a major reason was misuse of credit card.
“Serious misappropriation of funds involving credit cards,” Bauman said.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Monday that Brooks’ inappropriate spending hit $50,000 to $80,000 and included donations to Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Common Council President Jose Perez, and County Executive David Crowley. A reporter asked Bauman whether those were indeed the recipients of Brooks’ donations.
“If lightning doesn’t strike me those would be accurate,” Bauman answered.
Perez was the only Wisconsin Center District Board member to abstain from voting Monday. Last fall, he accused Brooks of inappropriate sexual contact, claiming Brooks pinched his rear end at a bar following a Crowley gubernatorial campaign fundraiser.
The Milwaukee Police Department investigated Perez’s allegations but determined that there was not enough evidence to pursue criminal charges. Brooks vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
