2005 Assembly Joint Resolution 110
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: honoring the life and legacy of Milwaukee Mayor Frank Zeidler.
Whereas, Frank Zeidler was born in Milwaukee on September 20, 1912, and died on Friday July 7, 2006; and
Whereas, Frank Zeidler grew up in Merrill Park on the west side of Milwaukee and attended Wisconsin Avenue School; and
Whereas, Frank Zeidler attended Marquette University, University of Chicago, and University of Wisconsin, but did not complete a degree, but instead remained a life long student and was known as a human encyclopedia on the city of Milwaukee; and
Whereas, Frank Zeidler after carefully studying various political ideologies joined the Socialist Party in 1933; and
Whereas, Frank Zeidler was first elected to public office in 1938 running as a Progressive Party candidate for county surveyor and then in 1941 was elected to the Milwaukee School Board and was reelected in 1947; and
Whereas, Frank Zeidler's older brother Carl was elected mayor in 1940 and served for 2 years before leaving to serve in the military during World War II; and
Whereas, Frank Zeidler served 3 terms as mayor of Milwaukee from 1948 to 1960 and was the last socialist mayor of any major American city; and
Whereas, Frank Zeidler's 3 terms as mayor were marked by large-scale construction of public housing; the construction of the first educational television station in Wisconsin; slum clearance and city beautification programs; strong statements on behalf of civil rights; and the quadrupling of the size of the city; and
Whereas, Frank Zeidler was never deterred by standing alone, as he believed that politics were not just about winning, but were about principles and issues; and
Whereas, Frank Zeidler was a man of integrity that served the city of Milwaukee well always looking out for the public welfare; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the members of the Wisconsin legislature pause to honor the life and legacy of Frank Zeidler and his contributions to the city of Milwaukee and the state of Wisconsin and express sorrow at the loss of a great public servant and express condolences to the family and friends of Frank Ziedler.
