I participated in the Progressive Dane, Green Party and Affordable Housing Action Alliance endorsements processes and met with several of the candidates. Given those endorsements, my picks for this spring probably won’t be too much of a surprise. But here’s the quick rundown.
Progressive Dane
Common Council
2 – Brenda Konkel
4 – Mike Verveer
5 – Robbie Webber
6- Marsha Rummel
8 – Lauren Woods
11 – Tim Gruber
12 – Satya Rhodes -Conway
15 – Vicky Selkowe
School Board
Johnny Winston Jr.
Beth Moss
Marj Passman
AHAA (check here to see candidate answers)
Mayor – Dave Cieslewicz
Common Council
2 – Brenda Konkel
4 – Mike Verveer
5 – Robbie Webber
6 – Marsha Rummel
8 – Lauren Woods
9 – Larry Pasha
10 – Brian Solomon
11 – Tim Gruber
12 – Satya Rhodes- Conway and Mike Basford
15 – Vicky Selkowe
Green Party
Common Council
2 – Brenda Konkel
5 – Robbie Webber
6 – Marsha Rummel
8 – Lauren Woods
12 – Satya Rhodes Conway
So, given the above, while all of these people haven’t been officially endorsed, if I were to make my picks today, I’d go with the following:
Common Council
1 – Aaron Backer
4 – Mike Verveer (PD, AHAA)
5 – Robbie Webber (PD, AHAA, Green)
6 – Marsha Rummel (PD, AHAA, Green)
8 – Lauren Woods (PD, AHAA, Green)
9 – Larry Pasha – (AHAA)
10 – Brian Solomon (AHAA)
11 – Tim Gruber (PD, AHAA)
13 – Julia Kerr
15 – Vicky Selkowe (PD, AHAA)
20 – Gary Poulson
School Board
Johnny Winston Jr
Beth Moss
Marj Passman
A few of these gave me pause and there’s two glaring endorsements missing. Here’s a few brief comments on some of the races.
1 – I like and respect Jed Sanborn for his independence and I agree with some of his libertarian points of view, but in the end, I think Aaron Backer would be a more consistent vote with my values.
6 – I also like and respect Carl DuRocher and appreciate his years of service to the City on the Transit and Parking Commission. I also like Adam Casey. However, Marsha’s years of activism, thoughtfulness and careful analysis of complex issues and involvement with the Council in the last few years allow her to hit the ground running, and we’re going to need that with all of these newbies.
8 – I continue to be impressed with the students who run for office and former alders Brent Sieling and Todd Jarrell and current Alder Austin King should be confident that they won’t be let down by Lauren Woods. District 8 will once again be in good hands if they elect Lauren Woods.
9 – I really enjoyed the AHAA interview with Larry Pasha and he’s such a stark contract to Paul Skidmore. His years as a police officer makes him a guy with alot to offer the City of Madison.
12 – Ok, I’ve officially been in Madison for too long. I’ve known Mike Basford and Marcus Watson for over 10 years and like them both. They both pass the “I’d go have a beer with them” test. I’ve worked on numerous campaigns with Mike Basford and people who are volunteering for him. Mike’s wife used to work for me. And, of course, I’ve worked closely on progressive political issues with Satya Rhodes-Conway over the past two years. This one is just too tough for me. I’m sitting out and feel comfortable doing that because both Mike Basford and Satya Rhodes-Conway are well equipped to represent the 12th district.
18 – Leaning towards Jon Becker because I worked with him on Cherokee Marsh and there’s lots to like, but I haven’t met all the candidates and feel like its unfair to make a slightly uninformed response.
19 – I could work with either Mark Clear or Curt Brink. I don’t think we’ll vote much the same, but I can and have worked with both of them.
And finally, the Mayor’s race. I’m torn. I’ve known Peter for 10 years and its easy to like and respect him for so many reasons. I think he has what it takes to be a good Mayor and I like his style and inclusiveness, I just wish he had decided months ago to run. And I wish Mayor Cieslewicz was the same as Mayor and candidate. He says so many of the right things to earn my vote, but somehow it gets lost in the execution. If I had to cast my vote today, I don’t know what I’d do, seriously.
