It is a question I get asked daily these days . . .
A month ago, my answer was different. I was leaning pretty strongly against, but I was still toying with the idea.
Today, its a definite maybe. People are asking me to do it every where I go. And I feel an incredible sense of responsibility to seriously consider it due to their pleas which vary depending upon who I am talking to. On the one hand, it sounds completely crazy. On the other hand, if you look into the eyes of the people of this City, its hard to say no. There are so many important issues that they, and I, care so much about that are being ignored and mangled. And people seem desperate to have a local government they can believe in. For many, its not about the issue that got them involved in the first place and they care passionately about, but instead, what has happened to the processes of our local government. A yearning for a return to something that resembles the democracy and the participatory government we all thought we had here in Madison. I think people want a sense that our local government is fair and not manipulated and that it represents a broad range of interests that have a chance of being heard and considered.
The problem for me is . . . people are also begging me to run for alder. Not just district two residents who feel unrepresented and uninformed, but people from all over the city who tell me the city needs me back. They tell me that I am missed on the council, and that they need someone there asking the questions I once asked.
And then, there are others, that are concerned about the role I play in keeping people informed about city (and county and some school) government here on this blog and with WYOU and WORT. If I run for office, who will take over that vital role?
It’s a lot to think about. And thinking, I am . . . all input welcome. At the moment, it seems to be a three-way tie as to what people think I should do. So, I’m just torn and it all remains a serious possibility. Stay tuned.
Selfishly I want you to run for Alder.
Politically, I see a desperation of white men in the 50 to 60 age group who have group think tank power (like the Wisconsin State Journal who has to hold on to any influence it can through puppets) I fear them coming at you.
For the city, I think you would be a great mayor.
But I also think you have the Ted Kennedy Factor of being the greatest alder and city planner there ever was.
More importantly I simply want you to do what you want to do because you have done so much for our city and hopefully I will be employed by the time you run so I can send money in whatever you do.
Paul Soglin used your EFFECTIVE data to give District 2’s alder Bridget Maniaci an “F”
Brenda, I’ll support you whatever position you run for (although I’m not in your alder district). You have to decide, though, where you think you’ll be most effective, and where you’ll be happiest. As for the public information role you’ve been playing, why not build a collective effort? There are too many meetings etc. for one person to cover anyway. No one knows this better than you, and maybe it’s time other people pitch in, whether you run for an elected position or not.
Richard – Forward Lookout is supposed to be a collective effort. We have recruited a few folks to contribute here and there, and we are always looking for more! Anyone is welcome to join, just let us know!!
My input: I don’t think your skills are a good fit for a mayor. There’s a public perception that you are combative and divisive – two qualities that won’t work to your benefit during a campaign or as mayor.
I guess I see someone that is more proactive rather than reactive. Someone who sets a vision and big plans, not one that just berates ones that have been put on the table. And, yes, they need berating at times. But pick and choose, pick and choose.
It seems as though you’re very good at picking up on details of policies, meeting info, etc. I’d say stick to that.
Brenda, Go For It!
Madison needs change, Madison has lost its way and you have some inside scoop on its dysfunctional workings.
Jeremy’s note demands a detailed response.
“My input: I don’t think your skills are a good fit for a mayor. There’s a public perception that you are combative and divisive – two qualities that won’t work to your benefit during a campaign or as mayor.”
First there is a confusion between governing and campaigning. Second there is the matter of “perceptions,” not reality. This is especially relevant to the matter of being “divisive” (I want my elected officials to be combative; I want them to fight for what they believe in). Mayor Dave’s insider vs outsider, my way or the highway governing style is the very definition of divisive. When she was on the Council, it was the Mayor who choose not to stop working with Brenda, not the other way around. That’s the reality, not the perception.
“I guess I see someone that is more proactive rather than reactive. Someone who sets a vision and big plans, not one that just berates ones that have been put on the table. And, yes, they need berating at times. But pick and choose, pick and choose.”
Brenda has put forth a consistent, positive vision; the criticisms aren’t random, they come from that vision. Read about it here: https://www.forwardlookout.com/2010/08/101-ways-the-city-of-madison-would-be-different/4785.
“It seems as though you’re very good at picking up on details of policies, meeting info, etc. I’d say stick to that.”
As much as I appreciate the work Brenda has been doing, I’d rather have her in a position with some power to implement her vision than documenting the decline of our city.
Eeh..that should read “When she was on the Council, it was the Mayor who choose to stop working with Brenda, not the other way around.” Typos in the morning.