P.O. Box 1222, Madison, WI 53701 | www.prodane.org | office@prodane.org | (608) 257-4985
Progressive Dane was delighted to hold a school board candidate forum this past Sunday and thanks Alder Satya Rhodes-Conway for moderating. Unopposed incumbents Maya Cole and Beth Moss were both asked to share with the audience why they are running again and what advice they might give to a new member of the school board. Both candidates acknowledged that serving on the school board was a challenge; however, both noted that the work they are doing is worth the effort and pointed to initiatives such as 4-year old Kindergarten and Strategic Planning as examples of improvements they have contributed to.
The Contested Race (James Howard vs Tom Farley)
The format for this portion had candidates giving two minute responses to questions prepared by Progressive Dane followed by questions from the audience. To allow for more audience questions, the time was temporarily limited to one minute. The forum ended with closing statements from the candidates.
The candidates addressed a wide-variety of issues ranging from the school budget to advertising in schools to civic engagement to military recruitment in the schools. Although differing in style, Farley and Howard both expressed pride in Madison's schools, placed great value on community engagement, lamented budget difficulties, and urged involvement in state level school-funding reform efforts.
Some items of note:
*Both candidates support 4-year old kindergarten and both believe that the school district should continue to implement the program during the 2011-2012 school year, even in light of the current economic crisis.
*The candidates were asked what programs they would never cut. Tom Farley mentioned special education, the arts, and teacher education. James Howard declined to single any program out, and said he didn't want to cut anything.
*An audience member asked about services for the children of undocumented immigrants. Both candidates indicated that they thought the school district should serve these children and leave immigration policy to the federal government. Mr. Farley was strong in his response declaring that these kids have a basic human right to health care and education.
Media:
Progressive Dane was happy to see the media coverage at the forum. The Wisconsin State Journal, the Isthmus, the Capital Times, and WISC-TV were all there. Media coverage is key to helping voters make informed choices. Progressive Dane would like to thank the media that covered this event and for helping make it a successful event. An informed public is essential to democracy.
Progressive Dane has currently endorsed Beth Moss for re-election and is considering an endorsement in the one contested school board race.
Posted by prodane at 08:44 PM
PUBLIC HEARING
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
1:00 PM
North Hearing Room (2nd Floor North)
State Capitol
The Committee on Elections and Campaign Reform will hold a public hear on Assembly Bill 619 relating to: county, city, town, and village authority to create local elections boards and to regulate the financing of campaigns for county, city, town, and village offices; duties of municipal and county boards of election commissioners; and granting rule-making authority.
This enabling legislation is key; without it we would not have the authority to realize these benefits:
If you can't attend, take some time to contact your representative to show your support for this bill.
Posted by prodane at 12:54 PM
What: Public Forum featuring all candidates for Madison Board of Education.
When: Sunday February 21, 2010; 1:30 to 3:30 PM.
Where: JC Wright Middle School, 1717 Fish Hatchery Rd. Madison, WI.
Contact: Thomas J. Mertz, tjmertz@sbcglobal.net; (608) 255-4550
On Sunday, February 21, voters in the Madison Metropolitan School District will have their first opportunity to hear and question the School Board candidates on the ballot in the April 6 election. Unopposed incumbents Beth Moss and Maya Cole will begin with short statements on their service and why they are seeking re-election. Next the candidates for Seat 4, James Howard and Tom Farley, will answer questions from Progressive Dane and the audience. Madison District 12 Alder and member of the Board of Education – Common Council Liaison Committee Satya Rhodes-Conway will serve as the moderator.
Progressive Dane is hosting this event as a public service to increase awareness of this important election. “The seven people on the School Board are responsible for the education of about 24,000 students and an annual budget of roughly $400 million.” explained Progressive Dane Co-Chair and Education Task Force Chair Thomas J. Mertz. “We want people to know what is going on, choose their candidate wisely and get involved.
Candidates Tom Farley and James Howard welcome this opportunity to communicate with the voters.
Farley expects a substantive discussion; he is “looking forward to participating in the Progressive Dane forum. It will certainly be our most in-depth public discussion of the issues – and most likely the liveliest and most enjoyable one too.”
Howard expressed his appreciation for “this opportunity to talk to the voters about my record of service with public schools and my unique perspective that I will add to the Board of Education” and is also ready to discuss “how to maintain and strengthen Madison schools.”
Incumbents Cole and Moss are also pleased to take part. Cole said she is “happy to have this opportunity to meet with members of our community to discuss the work of the Board, to listen to their concerns and to share the opportunities we are embracing to make our district better for all children. Moss also appreciates the chance to share her thoughts on “the good work that is going on in the schools and some of the challenges we face.”
Progressive Dane is a progressive political party in Dane County, Wisconsin. Progressive Dane is working to make Dane County a better place for everyone (no exceptions!). Progressive Dane helps community members organize around issues that are important to them and also works on the grassroots level to elect progressive political candidates.
Posted by prodane at 04:45 PM
There is much to do and many ways to get it done. We know many of you would be interested in this festival and at the last meeting general membership voted to sponsor this by helping to spread the word. Progressive Dane will be tabling at the event, so stop by and find out what our members are working on and how you can practice what you learn here.
Wisconsin River Valley Grassroots Festival
Making Change Happen
Wisconsin Heights High School
February 20, 2010
Registration 8:30AM, $5 Donation
Lunch, $6
Dinner 5:30PM, $12
Panels and workshops all day!
Contact the Progressive Dane office at 358-2940 or office@prodane.org for information on carpooling.
For more information on the festival call 608.220.0139 or e-mail WRVGFest@gmail.com and WRVGFest.com
Sponsored by
Dane County Grassroots Network
9:30AM – 11:15AM
Mike McCabe, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Ed Garvey, Fighting Bob Fest
Sen. Jon Erpenbach D-Waunakee, Sen. Mark Miller D-Monona, Rep. Fred Clark D-Baraboo, Rep. Steve Hilgenberg D-Dodgeville, Rep. Sondy Pope-Roberts D-Middleton, Rep. Kelda Helen Roys D-Madison, Steve Montoya, Feingold Campaign.
Morning Sectional Break Out Session...11:15AM – 12:15PM
¨ Where Democracy Reform Stands in Wisconsin
¨ The Race to the Top in Education Reform
¨ Moving Forward with the Regional Transit Authority
¨ Learning how Words Frame your Message
¨ What can We do to Improve Vehicle Fuel Economy?
¨ Adding Strategy to our Passion for Social Justice
Lunch 12:15PM – 1:30PM $6
Tammy Baldwin, Second District Congresswoman
¨ Music by the Raging Grannies ¨ Pie Auction
Afternoon Sectional Break Out Sessions
1:30PM – 2:30PM
¨ Organizing for Action
¨ Afghanistan: How to Explain a Disastrous War
¨ Auto Industry Turmoil: But is there Survival?
¨ The Progressive Approach to Dealing with Crime
¨ How did we get in this Economic Mess and how Can We Fix it?
¨ Health Care Reform in Wisconsin: Baldwin, Miller and Erpenbach
2:40PM – 3:40PM
¨ Re-engaging Climate Change Here
¨ Economic Myths that Matter
¨ Phoning can be Fun...or you can Write a Letter
¨ Practical Solar Power
¨ Running for Office for the First Time
¨ Taking another Look at Grassroots Organizing: Shirley Barnes, Tim White & Nate Timm
3:45PM – 4:15PM Roundup
The Old Feed Mill, 114 Cramer St., Mazomanie
Mixer...4:30PM – 5:30PM; Dinner...5:30PM – 6:30PM; three meal options $12 (tax & gratuity included)
Posted by prodane at 06:33 PM
The Capital Times recently ran an article on voter owned elections in it stating:
The aim of the bill is to level the playing field by allowing candidates to focus on the issues, rather than fundraising. The money qualified candidates would receive would come from local taxes.
Under the proposal, which has been referred to the Assembly Committee on Elections and Campaign Reform, local governments could set fundraising limits that would apply to all local elections. This means different cities within the same county could have different fundraising guidelines.
This is something Progressive Dane has made a priority.
Let's get big money influences out of local elections. State-enabling legislation is the first step.
Please contact your state representative or state senator and urge them to support local financing.
If Mark Pocan is your assembly representative, tell him thank you for introducing this bill.
You can also write the Capital Times or the Wisconsin State Journal (scroll to the bottom for the form). Let them know you think this is a good idea.
To get more involved contact office@prodane.org.
Posted by prodane at 09:10 AM