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Property owners fund Soglin, Bauman
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by Michelle Samenfeld and Matt Scherling
Tuesday, February 11, 2003
Several Madison property owners and developers are contributing to both Sue Bauman and Paul Soglin’s campaigns for mayor, saying they understand candidates need financial support and that they want to contribute to candidates they can work with effectively. But critics say repeat contributions undermine the election because the mayor might be beholden to the same interests no matter who wins.
“I’ve known them both as a former mayor and current mayor, and I’m supporting them both because elections cost money to run and I want to support their election effort. They are both good candidates, and I can work with either of them,” said construction president Joseph Krupp.
But Housing Committee member and UW senior Phil Ejercito said extensive contributions from landlords present candidates with a conflict of interest.
“I don’t think it’s a criticism that should be directed towards landlords,” he said. “It casts doubt on candidates … on their integrity in terms of accepting money from landlords and considering lots of landlords’ profits depend on what happens with the city.”
Ejercito, who said campaign contributions are “fair game,” thinks accepting money from multiple landlords could reflect poorly on the candidates themselves.
“It’s the choice of candidates whether they will be beholden to tenants or landlords.”
Ald. Steve Holtzman, District 19, said he agrees campaigns must receive funding from the private sector and that it is hypocritical to be overly critical of private financers when the public does not reach out to finance campaigns.
“The system we have calls for private donations, although the public would be better served by reform that calls for 100 percent public contributions,” Holtzman said.
Holtzman also said that this type of reform is unlikely because it is unpopular in the state Legislature, which he said is comprised of people who benefit from private contributions.
The recent increase in funding for Soglin’s campaign is because of broad recognition that he will be Madison’s next mayor, Holtzman said, so interests are reaching out to him.
“We are eager for his brand of leadership that he will bring to City Hall,” Holtzman said.
Holtzman also says developers are not looking for a candidate that will bring particular results but rather a predictable process for recommendations and approvals that would allow developers to be treated fairly and keep the approval process from becoming overly expensive.
Ald. Brenda Konkel, District 2, said property owners and developers agree with Soglin’s views and are making financial contributions to help him win.
