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October 13, 2006

Support Our Schools - Vote Yes Nov. 7th!

Progressive Dane recently endorsed a Yes vote for the upcoming school funding referendum. Please support the group Madison CAST (Community and Schools Together) by visiting www.madisoncast.org. Please register as a supporter, request a yard sign, make a donation or volunteer.

We need at least 70 volunteers to get the referendum word spread throughout the community. If you can spare a couple of hours this weekend, it would be appreciated!!

Dates/Locations
* Saturday, October 21, 10:30am
* Katz Home
* 4118 Cherokee Drive in Nakoma
* 233-3726
o Sunday, October 22, 11:00am
o 5210 South Hill Drive, 1.5 blocks east of Whitney Way

1. If you cannot pick up literature on either of these dates but would be able to do a lit drop before the election, please reply to the email below and arrangements can be made to get the literature to you.

2. Come to the locations above and you will be given a stack of literature and a map. In a lit drop, all you have to do is drop lit at the door of each targeted house. You DO NOT have to ring the bell and talk with people.

3. Each route will take about 1.5 hours, less in some cases.

4. Lit dropping is good exercise, good civic engagement and FUN!!!

5. If you would like to lit drop, please respond to Michael Jacob at michaeljacobdc(at)hotmail(dot)com . Let him know what date you can participate.

Thanks for your support of the Madison Metropolitan School District!!!

Posted by prodane at 05:39 AM

Alder Olson to Retire after 12 years

From Alder Judy Olson
Dear Neighbors,

It has been my honor to represent District Six on the Madison City Council for the past 6 terms. I am writing to let you know that I do not intend to run for a 7th term as alder.

Many important issues face the district and city in the near term, and it is my hope that we will have a vigorous campaign for this seat. I would be happy to discuss the issues as I see them and the rewards and demands of being a member of the Madison City Council with anyone considering running for the position.

Sincerely,

Judy Olson

Posted by prodane at 05:34 AM

October 09, 2006

PD Endorses Rae Vogeler for US Senate

Progressive Dane is happy to announce its endorsement of Rae Vogeler in the race for U.S. Senate.

"At this moment in our nation's history, it's all but impossible for citizens to influence national decisions that profoundly affect our daily lives," said Ron Richardson, chair of Progressive Dane's Policy Committee. "The federal government is pouring money into an unjustified and failed war and neglecting the basic needs of our citizens. That's why it's critical that progressives support an anti-war candidate."

"I am excited about having the support of an organization so dedicated to advancing the involvement of ordinary citizens in their government," Vogeler said. "Grassroots involvement is a central part of my campaign. My opponent Herb Kohl remains unresponsive to the average citizen, and has consistently voted on the side of giant corporations and the wealthy, at the expense of working Americans."

Vogeler added, "There is money available for education, Social Security, and health care, but instead we cut social programs to cover the pork and greed in Washington and pay for the disastrous Bush agenda. Kohl voted against the people and for the corporate Bush agenda by supporting credit card companies' Bankruptcy bill, oil companies' energy bill and the failed 'No Child Left Behind' act, to name a few instances. Just this week, Senator Kohl cast his final votes supporting a $1 billion, 700-mile fence on our border and a $448 billion military spending bill loaded with special pork projects and earmarks. I do not support that kind of agenda."

"We need a senator who understands the daily struggles of ordinary Wisconsinites and will represent them in Washington," stated Marsha Rummel, long-time Progressive Dane member, small businesswoman, and neighborhood leader. "Senator Kohl has repeatedly ignored the needs and concerns of my neighbors. Rae Vogeler is a dedicated community activist with a long history of service to average citizens."

"I'm impressed to learn that Rae has raised substantially more money than Senator Kohl in small contributions from individuals," said Progressive Dane Steering Committee member Mary Anglim. "She'll be a strong voice for campaign finance reform."

In addition to the Progressive Dane endorsement, the Rae Vogeler for U.S. Senate campaign has earned the endorsements of the Wisconsin Green Party, Progressive Democrats of Wisconsin, and local organizations and individuals throughout the state. For more information, and the complete list of endorsements, visit www.voterae.org.

Posted by prodane at 01:07 AM

October 08, 2006

PD statement on city budget

A strong thriving city is one where people have affordable housing in safe neighborhoods, good jobs and transportation options to get there, and safe, quality care for their pre-school children. These things are most available where the public and private sectors complement one another.

Progressive Dane believes that Mayor Cieslewicz's proposed budget makes targeted investments in critical areas and builds on a solid foundation to make Madison even stronger.

In particular, Progressive Dane is pleased to see that Mayor Cieslewicz's budget:

• Couples investments in police and community services. "Ensuring public safety for all requires addressing current challenges with adequate police staffing and heading off future challenges by making sure vital services are available to those in need," says Vicky Selkowe, a member of Progressive Dane's Policy Committee. "This budget makes that important link."
• Provides additional support for Metro. "With this budget, the Mayor has made it clear he understands how important Metro is to working families. Like many others in Madison, I rely on the bus to get to and from work and appreciate efforts to keep it affordable. I'm also excited that the Mayor is going to make it possible for small employers to offer bus passes to their employees – that's a really important workplace benefit, and a nice way to support small and local businesses" said Satya Rhodes-Conway, a Progressive Dane member who worked on the small business bus pass proposal.
• Increases assistance with childcare costs. "Quality child care can quickly get out of reach for families," says Michael Jacob, a member of the City's Early Childhood Care and Education Board. "The Mayor's increased investment in this area means more parents will be able to head to work knowing their children are well cared for and without worrying that the costs of that care will sap their entire paycheck."
• Demonstrates an on-going commitment to affordable housing. "Working together, we've set the stage for more affordable housing options and broader community support, first through implementing improvements to the inclusionary zoning ordinance and here in the budget by restoring money to backfill federal cuts in CDBG and community services funding," says Lisa Subeck, Progressive Dane co-chair. "There may be room for a stronger investment and more creativity here, but the Mayor's past work and this budget is a very good place to start."

"We're looking forward to a more thorough review of the Mayor's budget," Subeck continued, "especially the many promising Community Services programs that were not funded and whether we can do more for families struggling with housing and child care costs," Subeck, "but what we've seen thus far continues to support a positive vision for the city."

Posted by prodane at 10:46 PM