OPINION & EDITORIAL
Madison politics in a nutshell
Looking for a print version?
Simply choose ‘Print’ on your computer and a printer-friendly document will be generated.
Also by Staff:
Related Stories:
- This season, change depends on you (August 6, 2008)
- Madison no longer hotbed of activism (September 1, 2005)
- Beat back those 'Capitol' bullies (February 26, 2008)
- 'I feel disengaged' (November 19, 2007)
Share This:
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Madison has long been a hotbead of political activism. The presence of the state capitol and the university provide students a unique opportunity to participate in politics in the national, state and local contexts. Below are brief introductions to several of Madison’s political players.
Governor Jim Doyle
The Democratic head of state, elected in 2002 and re-elected in 2006, has enjoyed relative popularity throughout Wisconsin, as well as on the liberal UW campus. Mr. Doyle has repeatedly sparred with the Legislature on issues of spending, most prominently during the nine-month budget deadlock during which the Republican assembly refused to approve his budget or that of the Senate Democrats. Doyle has had success in pushing through BadgerCare Plus, which is slated to expand health care to 98 percent of the state’s residents in January 2009. Mr. Doyle is also a prominent supporter of state investment in higher education and science, particularly stem cell research. Critics accuse Mr. Doyle of irresponsible spending, citing a $652 million budget shortfall and subsequent deficit spending as proof of overzealous liberal government.
Mayor Dave Cieslewicz
First elected in 2003, Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz has proved to be a stable guardian of the public trust. Armed with new initiatives for Madison’s State Street Halloween Party, Cieslewicz has brought a semblance of normalcy to the event, despite claims it has lost its original character. Additionally, Mayor Dave’s emphasis on public safety during his tenure has won him the reputation of a man who does not take security concerns lightly — especially given his support for an increase of 30 police officers to Madison’s police department.
Nonetheless, a botched plan to create a streetcar system and a declaration that spring in Madison would start roughly two weeks earlier than the vernal equinox have earned Mr. Cieslewicz ridicule from time to time. There is also considerable wariness among many students regarding Mayor Dave’s perceived willingness to use police forces excessively to clamp down on traditional functions such as the Mifflin Street Block Party, an event during which arrests have recently skyrocketed.
Police Chief Noble Wray
Selected by the Police and Fire Commission to head the Madison Police Department in 2004, Noble Wray’s tenure has been largely defined by a successful campaign to increase police presence throughout the city, as well as by stronger enforcement against the traditionally rowdy Mifflin Street and Halloween block parties. Stricter enforcement of alcohol regulations have resulted in a steady increase in arrests at Mifflin each year, with the total rising from seven arrests in 2003 to 438 arrests in 2008. This aggressive approach has generally received derision from the student community as oppressive and counterproductive. Recently the city council responded to Wray’s calls for increased police presence by approving an addition of 30 police officers to the streets.
Alderman Eli Judge
Eli Judge was chair of Students for a Fair Wisconsin before running for the position of Madison’s District 8 alder against fellow UW student Lauren Woods. Mr. Judge won the position and has been the district’s alder since April 2007. The race was extremely contentious — leading to allegations of dirty tactics and racism on both sides, most of which have been effectively debunked. Mr. Judge’s recent victories include the passing of a photo ordinance requiring Madison landlords to have photo evidence of damage before deducting from a tenant’s security deposit and helping to organize the secession of the State-Langdon neighborhood from Capitol Neighborhoods, Inc., an organization notorious among students for its support of draconian anti-drinking measures. However, Mr. Judge was roundly criticized for his failure to attend meetings of the 911 Communications Board in the wake of the death of a UW student. Judge apologized for his absences but cited his numerous requests to be removed from the board due to scheduling conflicts.
District Supervisor Wyndham Manning
Wyndham Manning won election to the position of Dane County District Supervisor in the spring 2008 after an election with minimal voter turnout in District 5, which encompassed the area from Eagle Heights through Lakefront Dorms all the way to Henry Street. Campaigning on promises to clean up Madison’s lakes and fund arts initiatives for at-risk areas, Manning’s policy statements indicate he will follow a path of relative progressivism if he can muster up the enthusiasm to make it to Board meetings. Given the scrutiny placed on his predecessor, Ashok Kumar, it is unlikely that Mr. Manning will be able to follow a path of indifference without heavy criticism. Of course, given the low-key nature of the Dane County Board, he might just be able to operate under the radar if campus blogs and news coverage doesn’t raise enough interest in his activities.
Associated Students of Madison
The university’s student government, officially titled the Associated Students of Madison, has encountered widespread criticism for what many observers term a complete lack of involvement by the student body. ASM’s election turnout rarely breaches the 8 percent mark. Additionally, a series of internal feuds culminating in the resignation of the group’s finance committee chair, Alex Gallagher, briefly raised questions about the viability of the group’s continued existence.
ASM has won some successes, however, the most notable of which was obtaining bus passes for the entire student body. The most significant reforms to look out for in the coming year are getting ASM’s Legislative Affairs committee registered to lobby with the state Legislature and the formation of a more effective campus relations office, likely in the form of a formal press shop.
Capitol Neighborhoods, Inc.
For some time, Capitol Neighborhoods, Inc., an association of Madison neighborhoods surrounding the downtown area, has sought to wield its influence to eradicate underage drinking in bars through a comprehensive war plan that includes raising liquor taxes, freezing the number of liquor licenses distributed by the city of Madison and increasing enforcement of standing underage drinking laws. Utterly unconcerned about the fact its proposals would drive underage students into unregulated house parties where alcohol issues are even more acute than in bars, CNI’s time in Madison has been marked primarily by its cheerful indifference to common sense.
Anonymous (August 7, 2008 @ 6:22pm):
Madison politics is very simple to understand: "If you are a white heterosexual male, you are scum. You are all Republicans who support murdering and raping around the world. You are all Hitler's children. You must die."
Liberals, gotta love 'em. They are a non-stop source of entertainment.
Anonymous (August 12, 2008 @ 8:58pm):
Except for the fact that other then Wray and Judge, everyone mentioned IS a white heterosexual male. Nice try though.
Anonymous (August 15, 2008 @ 7:06pm):
"Except for the fact that other then Wray and Judge, everyone mentioned IS a white heterosexual male."
Oh, us again. Good luck in November. Looks like McCain will enjoy an easy victory, thanks to idiot liberals like you.
Anonymous (August 17, 2008 @ 8:58pm):
I see. I point out that the governor, the mayor, the County Sup, and arguably, the most well know face associated with ASM, Alex Gallagher, are white heterosexual males who are not members of the GOP, and i am the idiot. The Republican Party- Still not noticing that a large portion of the people across from them in congress ARE White Heterosexual Males since 1967.
Anonymous (August 20, 2008 @ 5:07pm):
8:58pm, who are you and what the hell is your point?! It sounds like you posted here just to show the world what a jackass you are!
Anonymous (August 21, 2008 @ 8:40pm):
My point is that it is fashionable for conservatives to accuse liberals(6:22) of being anti-white, anti-heterosexuality and anti-male. The facts, however, prove otherwise.
Anonymous (August 27, 2008 @ 4:06pm):
8:40pm writes: "My point is that it is fashionable for conservatives to accuse liberals(6:22) of being anti-white, anti-heterosexuality and anti-male. The facts, however, prove otherwise."
BS!!! Liberals have had a blast bashing straight white males for everything from war to the crack epidemic to not being able to get laid. It's just so convenient to blame all your problems on someone else, and since no one cares about straight white males why not just blame them? All this despite the fact that we have so little presence in your f*&#ed-up world.
We've also noticed a recent upswing in white-male bashing. Must be getting close to election time. Yeah, nice way to drive away votes from Obama. In case you liberals haven't heard, Obama is slipping in the polls. Good luck!
Anonymous (August 27, 2008 @ 4:16pm):
"The facts, however, prove otherwise."
What?! You mean all us white males were just having nightmares for the last 20 years? Oh gosh, what a relief! Now about those black helicopters...
Anonymous (August 28, 2008 @ 6:23am):
racism?! ?Q!
Anonymous (August 31, 2008 @ 2:19pm):
Blast! Those conservatives have foiled us again! Despite the fact that this college is 91% white and heavily christian, I really did go here because I hate while males, I mean, Im straight (and white) but I dont want to allow myself to marry, nope all I want to do is get pregnant and have abortions all day and then attack white men in the streets. ITs not like Im for equality for everyone, no that would just take common sense and compassion, which obviously the liberals hate, because we all know the right wing as the party of compassion and tolerance (unless you're gay, feminist, muslim, from the middle east, not one of their token latinos/blacks, poor, atheist, agnostic, etc.)
Add a comment
We welcome your thoughts, but please keep your feedback thoughtful, on-topic and respectful. Offensive language, personal attacks, or irrelevant comments may be deleted.
Login...
Not registered? Sign up now.
It's quick, free, and the email address you provide will not be sold or solicited.
