Want to make your mark on the city of Madison?

Get involved in the decision making process of our community.

As of March 2001, UW-Madison had 41,219 students enrolled. The 2000 census put Madison’s population at 208,054 individuals.

What does this mean?

UW students constitute 19.8 percent of the city’s population. Yet we have no seats on any of the Madison City Council committees. Almost 20 percent of Madison’s population exercises no power in directing city policy.

Does anybody else see a problem here?

The essence of democracy is involvement in the community. This is a right, but it is also a responsibility.

Every day, walking down State Street or through Library Mall, I hear people complaining about the city and criticizing its practices. This would be a great thing if it were not done with an apathetic spirit.

The sad reality is that while I hear people complain, I rarely hear people say they are doing something about it. Why is that?

Nobody has enough time; everybody has exams and everybody has to study.

However, while people complain they don’t have enough time to be active in the community, these same people do have time to get trashed at the bars or parties every weekend or watch their favorite sitcom every night.

Relaxation is important — everybody needs it. Everybody needs to veg out every once in a while, to put their brain on hold and just have stupid, meaningless fun. But this doesn’t excuse people from their civic duty.

In fact, being involved in city committees will only improve your free time. The time commitment for a city committee is small — approximately two hours a month. But their influence is massive, and they give you the ability to improve the quality of life while you’re studying or trying to relax in Madison.

The Madison City Council, which is the city’s governing council, creates city committees. Council is active in all aspects of Madison life; it passes city statues, sets fine amounts, and is the government for the city of Madison. Council creates city committees to address issues in specific areas, such as public safety and housing. They examine issues, raise areas of concern and introduce resolutions, general reports, ordinances or proposals for public hearings before council.

In a sense, they provide the substance council works with. But how do they affect you?

Let’s say, for example, your apartment has a problem with flies and spiders that always distract you. They buzz around while you study, they bother you while you eat — a trivial but substantial annoyance.

What if, as a member of the Housing Committee, you were able to propose and pass a resolution modifying tenant ordinances, and making it the responsibility of your landlord to deal with this problem? Your two-hour-a-month contribution just made life easier in all aspects.

Students can apply for several committees, including The Housing Committee, Affirmative Action Commission, Early Childhood and Education Board and the Economic Development Commission.

Student representation on these and other committees would allow students to ensure their interests are heard, and to exercise some degree of power over Madison policy.

Madison is bigger than just UW. Many student issues lie outside the scope of what the university can address and fall into the realm of city life. Off-campus housing, safety, the environment — all these issues can be more effectively addressed by City Council than by the university.

Think Madison water tastes bad? Think the streets are unsafe? Do something about it. Stop complaining about policy, and start making it.

Dan Donaghue is a junior majoring in psychology, political science and legal studies. He is a member of the Associated Students of Madison Shared Governance Committee.