A changing downtown, flaring racial tensions and an ongoing, heated debate over Uber and Lyft; it’s quite a dynamic period in Madison’s history. When Mayor Paul Soglin faces off against Alder Scott Resnick, District 8 in today’s mayoral election, voters will select one of two extremely different visions for our city’s future. However, considering the primary’s low voter turnout, many will choose to stay at home rather than queue at the polls, which is unfortunate because this election could define the future of Madison.
Soglin, Resnick look toward April after underwhelming primary turnout
The electoral discourse has included typical local issues: taxes, crime and the local economy. What makes this election intriguing is Soglin’s and Resnick’s differing characterizations of Madison. Soglin speaks of a Madison that aims to attract more business and hosts major real estate projects. Resnick describes a city that’s experienced encroaching social ills and been a hostile environment for ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft.
Issues that have usually gone underdiscussed, such as race and homelessness, have been at the forefront of mayoral debates. When the Tony Robinson shooting occurred and brought underlying racial tensions to the surface, it was a rude awakening for a city which prides itself on its high livability rankings. Whoever wins will be daunted with a city laden with racial tension and a minority-police relationship in need of emergency repair.
Resnick, Soglin go head-to-head on homelessness, racial disparities at debate
Resnick has made homelessness one of his defining issues, claiming Madison is capable of eradicating chronic homelessness as early as 2016. It’s clear that Madison is at a crossroads, and citizens need to face the ballot box on Tuesday and choose how to address the social problems that have plagued our city.
Like many incumbent-challenger elections, a continuity-or-change narrative has defined this mayoral race. Resnick has criticized Soglin’s leadership style, pointing to Soglin’s approach to Uber and Lyft as an example of closed-mindedness. Resnick’s age and history heading a tech startup has given his candidacy a 21st century edge.
Soglin’s mayoral experience and downtown development plan will certainly attract those who prefer more of the same. His past as a civil rights crusader and left-wing activist still attracts the liberal spirit of many Madison voters.
Though the 2015 mayoral election seems unique in nature, the democratic responsibilities bestowed upon us remain the same. Yes, they’re duties that seem inconvenient, but despite Madison’s problems, the city delivers excellent services and our use of them prompts us to give back and go vote. If you happen to disagree, think of that “I voted!” sticker as your license to complain. If you didn’t make your voice heard in the election, you shouldn’t be able to grumble at its outcome.
Today will be an important day in Madison’s history, but only a miniscule portion of its citizenry will likely show up at the polls. The issues voters will be deciding on are unique, and prompt everyone of voting age to make a pit stop at their polling station. The prospect that a successful 28-year-old entrepreneur could unseat a Madison political fixture like Soglin could change our city’s political discourse for years to come.
Considering the transformative potential of the mayoral election’s outcome, it’s high time we fulfill our civic duty and vote today. The future of Madison on the ballot.
Nichalous Pogorelec ([email protected]) is a sophomore studying sociology.
