The University of Wisconsin is well known across the country for many things. Recently, the talk has been about Madison being the No. 1 ranked party school in the nation, but Madison is way more than that. The reason why most students love this school is because of the city. Not many other schools have a Terrace or a State Street. Although the construction can be inconvenient and aggravating, State Street is a commodity taken for granted. There are stores that fit everyone's style, restaurants for every taste and sources of endless entertainment. The renovation of the Overture Center began as an attempt to further enhance Madison cultural scene. The diverse performances at the Overture Center attract citizens and students alike, but the Overture Center is far from completion and the reasons are embedded in controversies beyond those walls.
Bob D'Angelo resigned as Overture Center President to spend more time with friends and family Sept. 20. He had many great accomplishments in his 43 year career and wrote: "From the revitalization of the Madison Civic Center to the construction of Monona Terrace to the successful launch of the Overture Center, the last two decades have been an incredible renaissance in downtown Madison."
It seems bizarre that a man who seemed to love his work so much would announce his retirement before the final phase of his final project is completed. Days later rumors of sexual assault allegations concerning his former secretary, Monica Everson, reached the public ear. Then last Thursday allegations of sexual harassment concerning a female UW student in 1992 were released to the public.
The report states "Bob confirmed that what had been reported by the woman was factual, and gave no explanation except that he knew it was inappropriate and that he was having some difficulties at home." He was written a letter of reprimand by John Hamilton, the former Director of Human Resources, and given a warning. So now, 13 years later, he surrendered his position but will continue to be paid his annual $118,300 salary by the city until Nov. 19 when he officially retires, according to James Ruhly, the chair of Madison Cultural Arts Board.
As if the City of Madison doesn't have enough money issues to deal with concerning the Overture Center and its $5 million shortcoming, it is also giving paid vacation to a criminal in the midst of Overture Center crises. That aside, the question is: should the city refinance or buy? Consequently, the City Council voted on Monday leaving the final vote to Mayor Dave Cieslewicz. He voted against the refinancing of the Overture Center, instead favoring his plan to purchase and operate the facility for approximately $1.5 million per year. The endowment plan currently holds around $107 million that is invested in the stock market. The City Council is split for now, but the final decision will be made Mon. Oct. 18.
As for the building itself, there never seem to be workers accomplishing anything except people watching on State Street. According to Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, the lethargic construction can be blamed on a lack of materials. "We finally received the granite from Houston, so the black granite planters on the Overture side of State Street are going up, and then there will be a fountain installed as well." The Overture Center's new season is supposed to being in early November, with the completion of the building. Right now, that hope seems out of reach.
Last Sunday, Madison celebrated the reopening of the 200 block of State Street where the Overture Center stands. This excitement was short-winded because although it is joyous that the ever-crowded pathways were gone, the public remembers that these pathways will return on not one block but on both the 300 and 400 blocks when construction resumes next spring. Construction and controversy make and break cities. Luckily, Madison has enough of both to survive. There is nothing better than standing in Library Mall, looking down State Street onto the Capitol Building and thinking of all of the controversies. Hopefully, by next school year the dust will be gone on State Street and the Overture Center, in its entirety, will be open and proud, with nothing to hide.
Joelle Parks ([email protected]) is a sophomore intending to major in journalism.
