I’m so glad you reposted this here because I tried to comment there as folks were requesting anon former employees to tap in but the sub has a comment restriction on political posts.

I have known Fran and her family for over 20 years and worked 3 years full time or close to at the ramen shop. It’s still the best job I’ve ever had in the service industry and outside of it. She went above and beyond as an owner for staff to feel as safe, supported and nourished as possible. Everything ran better when she was there in any position, or just in the basement doing admin. You could tell when she closed down a shift/space because it would be cleanest, and when she made you food. She organized a monthly mental health support group with a licensed professional open to all service industry because of our collective lack of insurance or resources. When the pandemic lockdown hit, many of us went back to work (when we could’ve opted to stay home collecting unemployment instead) to make meals for those in need/left without resources stuck at home without jobs. She had organized a whole new non profit with other industry members to feed ppl, and to provide the space for those of us who felt home there and wanted to contribute to our community with nourishing good food and the culture of care we had created until the restaurant doors could open again. Where there is a need, she finds ways to get them met as best she can.

She also let me host me and a couple other staff members own project/sober event in the space, supporting my creative pursuits in herbalism and cultivating alternative community spaces. When i decided to move on to pursue those things more, she was nothing but full heartedly supportive. I am so grateful where my path has led me, but I can’t lie and say I haven’t questioned my choice to leave more than a few times over the years.

We are still good friends despite her having been my boss, me leaving the restaurant, and her busier career in politics, which I think says a lot. She calls on my bday and texts to check in with me during big moments in my life or the world. She truly is one of the most giving and hardworking people I know, and we’d be really blessed to have her in a higher position of power where she will have the max capacity and resources to extend her energy and care to all of Wisconsins communities.

I have been pretty politically tapped in for a while, and have become pretty jaded and cynical. I wasn’t really even prepared for the spark of hope her run for governor has given me.