Ok, I think this just shows really poor judgement and it looks terrible, but I’m glad it changed this elected official’s mind. I think that Lauren Cnare paid her own way, but I don’t know that for sure. If she didn’t, I have MUCH bigger issues with this. I will look into this and if I find out otherwise, I’ll let you know.
Anyways, here’s the issue, sent in an email to all alders.
A second special event on July 19, at 5:30, is a presentation (yes, with snacks!) by Madison’s Sister Cities. Our colleague Alder Maniaci, who sits on the committee, will also be presenting a short PowerPoint overview. Here’s my personal plug: some of you know I have not been the best cheerleader for SIster Cities and have in my past made motions to delete funding to harden criteria for funding. Not a fan . . .
I recently had the opportunity to accompany the Mantova Sister City members (and 6 talented LaFollettee HS performers) to represent Madison at a Sister City Festival sponsored by that city. It was worth every penny and I am a convert of the work and benefit the SIster CIties do. I left with contact information of three architects planning to visit Madison (yes, FLW still draws ’em in!), a teacher who wants to start a 2-3 week high school student exchange program, and a new farmers’ market contact. I do hope you can come to the meeting a bit early next week to learn more.
Lauren Cnare
Alder, District 3
Ok, so that’s what it takes, they should have asked the other alders that constantly attack the sister cities budgets year after year to go on a trip long, long ago. Way to go Mantova Sister City group! But really, it shouldn’t take a trip to Europe to get people to support something that should have been a no-brainer. And I kinda like Lauren Cnare, maybe cuz I sat next to her when I was on the council and I got to know her better than some of the others who usually voted differently than me, but this just looks bad.
