P.O. Box 1222, Madison, WI 53701 | www.prodane.org | office@prodane.org | (608) 257-4985

June 28, 2005

PD sets priorities for year ahead

Promoting local business and economic development, protecting farmland and human services, and backing a sane transportation system are the issues headlining Progressive Dane’s policy agenda for Madison and Dane County in the coming year.

"We wanted a unified set of issues that the entire organization will prioritize in the next 12 months," said Progressive Dane Policy Committee member Satya Rhodes-Conway. "Volunteer energy, when focused and fully utilized is a powerful thing, especially in a place like Madison and Dane County."

"These are the issues that are on the minds of folks throughout our community. But there remains a disconnect between local government and the people it is supposed to serve," said Progressive Dane co-chair John McNamara. "Progressive Dane has long sought to bridge that gap and I think these priorities will help people see how their involvement on the issues that matter to them can make a real difference."

The top priorities for Progressive Dane at the county level are:

The top priorities for Progressive Dane at the city level are:

"Progressive Dane has long recognized the community and economic value of supporting local business," said Vicky Selkowe, co-chair of Progressive Dane’s Economic Issues Task Force, who also noted that every dollar spent here actually pumps seven dollars into the local economy. "We look forward to working with the Small Business Council and others as to help support small, locally-owned business that give Madison a special feel."

Lisa Subeck, who ran for city council on the west side last spring and is a leader among a new generation of women active in local politics, notes "Progressive Dane, at its core, is neighborhood focused and is successful because it connects with people at a personal level about their concerns and hopes. It's an excellent organization for people who want to make a difference in their community."

"Progressive Dane's agenda stresses the importance of community participation in regional planning to limit sprawl, preserve green space, and protect water quality from manure run-off," said County Board Supervisor Beth Gross. "Sustainable economic and environmental practices are essential to protect our quality of life for future generations, along with a commitment to funding human services for people with the greatest need in our county right now."

"These priorities bring together Progressive Dane volunteers, elected officials, numerous other organizations that work on particular issues and, most importantly, the public, to keep Madison and Dane County a place where all people have an equal chance to succeed and have a say in how we grow,” said Michael Jacob, Elections Chair for Progressive Dane.

Progressive Dane members initially considered a list of 70 issues to specifically address in the coming year. A strategic planning session last month narrowed the list to 14, and the seven above were overwhelmingly supported.

Other issues that received significant support included:

  • Addressing on-going racial justice issues in the city and county
  • Increasing public input and access to local government
  • Expanding voting rights

"While this policy agenda focuses the bulk of our energy, communications and activism on this prioritized set of issues, we'll certainly continue to work on these other critical issues, especially those that address racism and people's ability to access their local decision-makers" said Progressive Dane co-chair and City Council member Brenda Konkel.

Posted by prodane at June 28, 2005 06:14 PM