For the past four years as a University of Wisconsin undergrad, I?ve been much like most people likely to read this ? a passive disciple of news happening on campus and in the community, participating and enjoying, but seeing no reason to assume leadership. I?ve seen a lot of change. The sense of urgency that inspired 80,000 to attend John Kerry?s rally on West Washington is seemingly abandoned now, only four years later. Even Dean of Students Lori Berquam has called us out on our complacency. Deciding that I?ve waited long enough for someone in my community to make local politics more engaging and transparent, I started a decidedly new chapter in my life on Jan. 2 by filing my candidacy for Dane County supervisor in the largely student-populated District 5. I vow to operate as a well-informed and open-minded public servant and to further invigorate a system easily overlooked.
Those who know me from my time with the Wisconsin Union Directorate know I am outspoken and dedicated, a passionate negotiator and an activist for self-empowerment and dynamic expression. I am the type of leader who thrives on change while demanding bureaucratic efficiency ? valuable skills for the often-cumbersome, 37-member County Board. It is a responsibility and a challenge for which I am both well-suited and well-prepared.
As an environmental studies student with a passion for the county’s natural beauty, I will serve to create a more sustainable, healthier community. I especially look forward to working with farmers and homeowners to develop solutions to clean our lakes, the physical focal point around which the isthmus is built and our district is bordered. The process of making our lakes and watersheds safer has begun by banning phosphorus and coal tar sealant. I will take the lead in the next step by exploring a system of anaerobic manure digesters that cogenerate exhausted methane for heat and electricity, as well as evaluating the impact of other negligent runoffs such as pesticides.
I pledge also to serve by speaking for the significantly underrepresented in our communities. I will fully support the Equal Benefits Initiative to mandate that all county contracts recognize domestic partner benefits. Some of my top budgetary priorities will include vital services that address sexual violence, such as the Domestic Abuse Intervention Services and the Women?s Transit Authority, and homelessness, via the Salvation Army’s dedication to creating long-overdue, year-round shelters. In short, I will serve and lead positively, instead of allowing cycles of discrimination and hate to be perpetuated.
As I take on this new position, I will not abandon my arts background; I pledge to support the excellent work started by former Dane County Cultural Affairs chief Lynne Eich and carried on by her successor Karen Crossley. I will seek to extend cultural and financial resources responsibly, especially into outlying or low-income communities.
I graduate in May, so I can devote myself completely to the position of Dane County supervisor. I currently bike or bus to Middleton for a job which I will continue, and I will carry with me the unique benefit of understanding the student district as it operates, while not being constrained to the rigors of class and scheduling peculiarities. I look forward to serving and further exploring my community by committing at least the next two years to this effort.
I will be going to every door in the district, asking only for an open mind. Please don?t hesitate to tell me what issues are important to you and how I can address them. Ask questions of me and of your community. Be confident in knowing that, in tandem with the excitement surrounding this year?s presidential race, you have an opportunity to elect someone on a local level who has a vision that you can support. If you want any more information or think that you or your organization can help in any way, please feel free to e-mail or call me. Thanks for your time, and I look forward to meeting you.
Wyndham Manning ([email protected]) is a senior majoring in communication arts and environmental studies. He is also a District 5 candidate for the Dane County Board of Supervisors.