P.O. Box 1222, Madison, WI 53701 | www.prodane.org | office@prodane.org | (608) 257-4985
To summarize the dialogue between the Common Sense Coalition and Progressive Dane thus far:
Common Sense Coalition: "Hey, we’re coming onto the local political scene."
Progressive Dane: "Welcome to the debate, we look forward to seeing your agenda."
CSC: "Nay, unhand us, villains! You shall never join our organization!"
PD: "Huh?"
Since its splashy launch back in early June it's hard to tell what the Common Sense Coalition has been up to other than obsessing about its "membership." While incessantly touting its 5000 "members" (one has to wonder how many of these 5,000 know they are members, or care), and even as at least one CSC leader says all are welcome, others want to ensure Progressive Dane isn't among them. Those leaders even went to far as to claim Progressive Dane has been asking to join.
Sorry guys, Progressive Dane and its very engaged membership – all of whom know they are members because they join the old fashioned way, by filling out a membership card, cutting a small check and getting involved – has been busy moving ahead with an agenda of TIF reform, economic initiatives for small businesses, protecting human services, sane transportation policy, neighborhood planning and the safeguarding the environment. The notion of joining the Common Sense Coalition has not even been discussed, let alone approved, by our membership or our steering committee.
Starting a new organization is a lot of hard work and we wish the Common Sense Coalition well. Eventually perhaps we'll see what it might actually think about ways to set priorities for Madison and Dane County, to protect the most vulnerable, to provide quality services, and to watch the bottom line on tax bills. Meantime, we are puzzled it imagines we’ve requested to join. I guess we’ll just keep on working on our work and say thanks for the non-consideration of our non-application for membership.
Posted by prodane at July 25, 2005 04:36 PM
We, the members of Progressive Dane, join together to form an independent political party in Dane County with a major focus on local issues. We pledge to work to improve the quality of life in Dane County for all people, particularly those marginalized by economic and social discrimination. We will work to improve our local government by making it open, easier to understand, and accessible for all citizens of Dane County. We are working to achieve positive policy change by electing accountable progressive officials and mobilizing citizen action.
Progressive Dane's "In The News" blog keeps you up to date on the latest news from (and about) PD. Check here for information on PD's policy initiatives and to read about what our endorsed elected officials are up to.
