Paul Soglin says his history of antiwar activism during Vietnam helps him maintain a liberal political following, but some say recent contributions from developers, landlords and business owners are giving Soglin a conservative image he says does not exist.
According to Ald. Brenda Konkel, District 2, Soglin’s support of voluntary inclusionary zoning, which would leave the decision to build low-income housing up to developers, is a main reason that many developers, including Terrance Law, are endorsing Soglin’s campaign.
“Paul’s record is basically one that is more for the businesses and less for the people,” Konkel said. “They are choosing to spend money on Paul because he has something to offer them.”
Soglin said property owners and businesses have endorsed him because they see him as the most capable candidate and he is the only candidate not supporting mandatory inclusionary zoning.
“I’m not going to change my position just because I’m running for mayor,” Soglin said. “I have always been a strong advocate of tenant rights.”
Despite the rumors that he has become increasingly conservative throughout his political career, Soglin’s campaign manager, Jane Richardson, said Soglin is “the same guy he has always been.”
“Although he would refrain from classifying himself, he is politically liberal,” Richardson said. “The opponents are using campaign tactics to paint a conservative label on him. His style may have changed a bit, but that’s all.”
Richardson also said Soglin has a wide range of supporters besides landlords and developers.
“From social workers to school board members, his support is diverse,” Richardson said. “He has concern for the city as a whole and will be a mayor for all the people.”
Although Soglin’s support for voluntary inclusionary zoning would seemingly reduce the amount of affordable housing in Madison, Richardson said Soglin is concerned with developing affordable housing for students.
She said other student issues Soglin will tackle include finding ways to promote sensible drinking besides banning drink specials and containing run-off pollution to Lakes Mendota and Monona.
Dave Cieslewicz supporter Ald. Tom Powell, District 5, said he has noticed Soglin’s apparent conservative shift.
“He may have been a radical student leader in the past, but his political stance has gone through some serious changes,” Powell said.
As far as student-centered issues go, Powell said Soglin’s mayoral opponent, Dave Cieslewicz, has “an idealism that appeals to a younger crowd.”
“He feels strongly about affordable housing and tenants rights, and he is passionate about the environment,” Powell said. “He resonates well with the students.”
Cieslewicz’s communication director, Thomas Dewar, said Cieslewicz feels very strongly about making inclusionary zoning mandatory. Dewar also said Cieslewicz is focused on the future.
“He doesn’t want to have the same old arguments of the past, like the previously acrimonious relationship with the state legislation,” Dewar said.
Cieslewicz’s commitment to work closely with state legislators may be the reason he’s gained much of their support, including Rep. Mark Pocan, Rep. Terese Berceau and Rep. Spencer Black.
“With the budget issues the state and the city of Madison are facing, Dave understands the importance of them working together,” Dewar said.
If the lines may seem blurred on where the candidates stand on certain issues, it may be because prior to his decision to run for mayor, Soglin considered supporting Cieslewicz in his campaign. According to Soglin’s campaign manager, Soglin and Cieslewicz have worked very closely together on many issues in the past.
