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

October 12, 2005

Highlights from September Membership Meeting

Progressive Dane has an action packed general membership meeting in late September, Progressive Dane members weighed in on the following topics:

1. Mayoral appearance. Mayor Cieslewicz spoke about his upcoming operating budget. Madison has budget strains because of city expansion, revenue shifts from state revenue sharing to local property taxes, and increasing costs (e.g., fuel, health insurance, retirement contributions). To keep up with existing service levels, the mayor projects a $10+ plus million spending increase.

Until a day or two ago, the city believed that state law limited property tax increases to 4.1%, leaving the city about $4 million short in its existing budget. The mayor based his 2006 budget plans on that figure. Recent state clarifications on how the increase should be calculated results in a permitted increase of 7.4%. However, the mayor wants to keep tax increases at the 4.1% to prove that local governments can be fiscally responsible and to guard against possible future cut-backs by the state legislature.

Questions from members zeroed in on whether, now that the state law permits it, increases in tax levies beyond 4.1% should be considered to fund essential services. Mayor Dave declined, preferring to stick to the 4.1% increase, citing possible changes in state law and his wish to show that local governments can be frugal. He stated that his operating budget (due for release on October 11) would include pain, but not excruciating agony.

Members also pressed the mayor on his failure to support the proposal for paid sick leave that is being forwarded by a coalition of labor, political, and faith-based organizations. As member Pat Kelly said, "This proposal is at the heart of what Progressive Dane is all about." The mayor agreed that it is a good idea but believes that the time is not right for him to support it.

2. Small Business Initiatives Proposal. The membership approved the proposals as outlined in the newsletter by a vote of 23/0. For more information see the September newsletter. Look for information about a town hall meeting on this subject soon!

3. Sick Leave Proposal. A wide coalition of labor, political, and faith-based organizations have crafted a proposal to require local employers to grant up to 9 paid days of sick leave to their employees. PD members and alders have been active in this effort. The membership unanimously approved joining the coalition working on this issue.

4. Elections coming! In October, PD will elect next year’s steering committee. Nominations were accepted this month and will be accepted in October also. At the September meeting, all current members of the Steering Committee were nominated. These are: Lisa Subeck, John MacNamara, Lukas Diaz, Pat Kelly, Vicky Selkowe, Nick Berigan, Yogesh Chawla, and Mary Anglim

Others nominated were: Marcia Rummel, Shelley Fite, Amy Westra, Brenda Konkel, Satya Rhodes-Conway, and Julie Spears.

5. Candidate Agreement. The Elections Committee is seeking guidance from the membership about our candidate agreement. Members concurred that we should have a candidate agreement, that the agreement should be signed, and that the non-endorsement provision, which asks endorsed candidates to refrain from public support of other candidates not endorsed by Progressive Dane, should be mandatory or at least optional. The Elections Committee will continue to work on the final form of the agreement and will present a proposal in October.

6. Referendum on Bringing U.S. Troops Home from Iraq. The membership voted unanimously to support this referendum proposed by the Madison Area Peace Coalition. The steering committee will determine how PD maps and other resources will be made available for this effort.

Posted by prodane at October 12, 2005 10:49 PM