Dave Cieslewicz

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Dave Cieslewicz (pronounced chess LEV ich) or "Mayor Dave" is a former mayor of Madison. He was first elected in April 2003, defeating then-Mayor Paul Soglin, and re-elected in April 2007. He is a democrat and his policies are often considered progressive. He focuses on public safety, environmental activism and strengthening the local economy. His spokespeople are currently Rachel Strauch-Nelson and Joel Plant. Coincidentally, he was ousted in 2011 by the same man, Paul Soglin, whom he defeated to first become mayor of Madison.

Contents 1 2011 Election 2 History 3 Criticism 4 External Links 4.1 References

2011 Election

"Mayor Dave" faced a unique challenge in the 2011 race from long-time supporter and fellow liberal democrat Paul Soglin. The two candidates shared many viewpoints, but Soglin was disappointed in the Mayor's handling of various city financial issues. The Badger Herald ultimately endorsed Cieslewicz, noting that the two candidates were very similar and very capable of leading the city. The Herald determined, however, that the city did not need to "change gears" at that time.^[1]

Cieslewicz was particularly criticized by Soglin for the Cieslewicz's Alcohol License Density Ordnance.^[2]

Cieslewicz lost by a small margin, gaining 43,829 votes to Soglin's 44,542. When prompted about a potential gubernatorial bid by those present at his concession, Mayor Dave merely responded, "I’ll have to talk to my wife." ^[3]

History

Cieslewicz was born on Feb. 17, 1959 in West Allis, WI, a suburb of Milwaukee. He attended University of Wisconsin-Madison. He was previously the executive director for "1000 friends of Wisconsin." He also worked in the Wisconsin State Legislature, was a lobbyist for Nature Conservancy and was an elected member of the Dane County Board of Supervisors. He lost against Tammy Baldwin in the 1992 election for State Assembly. In the 2003 election he defeated former mayor Paul Soglin in a close race and replaced then mayor, Susan Bauman. In 2007 he defeated Republican Ray Allen.

As mayor, he successfully enacted a municipal minimum wage in 2004, making Madison the fourth city in the country with its own minimum wage, passed the city wide smoking ban in July 2005, and enacted an inclusionary zoning ordinance, that requires new building projects make 15 percent of their units affordable for people of modest income.

In accordance with his environmentally friendly policies, he has started an initiative to make Madison one of the top biking cities in America. The League of American Bicyclists gave Madison a gold ranking in 2006, a level below the platinum ranking.

He focuses many of his initiatives in building local infrastructure, city safety and energy efficiency.

Mayor Dave tries to stay involved with the campus community. As an alumnus, he has participated in Wisconsin Alumni Student Board outreach dinners. He continues to attend UW events and has written editorial columns for The Badger Herald.

He appeared in episode 6 and 8 of the online video series, Chad Vader, which is directed by two UW alumni.

Criticism

The business community sometimes disapproves of Mayor Dave's regulations. His progressive policies are also not supported by more conservative people.

External Links

References