Progressive Dane

An Ambitious Plan

Progressive Dane is a long-time supporter of regional transit solutions. While a significant step was taken when the RTA Board was formed, this is not the end of the process; there is still work to be done. Progressive Dane doesn't just support any old RTA, but rather an RTA "that provides affordable, available and accessible multi-modal public transit with subsidies for elderly, disabled, and low-income residents."

In order to achieve these worthy, but ambitious goals, we must let the RTA Board know that citizens support a fully functioning RTA. We should not let caution sabotage the RTA and prevent it from fully serving all residents of the RTA area. We should not let the naysayers, who ultimately oppose any regional transit, to dictate or delay the RTA plan. Instead, we need to mobilize behind an ambitious plan for the benefit of everyone.

The first steps will involve the decisions of the newly-formed RTA Board. As they move forward, please consider testifying or registering in support of an Ambitious RTA Plan or contacting the RTA board. We’ll keep you posted on the meeting schedule and the RTA board contact information as it becomes available.

Our Vision for the RTA:

1. The RTA must include commuter rail because it's fast and efficient. Commuter rail will take people where they want to go - quickly. At minimum, it should go from Middleton to Downtown Madison to Sun Prairie.

2. The RTA should include bicycle and pedestrian paths that connect the commuter rail stations with existing paths. These paths will make the RTA as convenient as possible. Also, walking and biking are environmentally friendly ways to travel.

3. The RTA should be affordable for all, with subsidies to elderly riders and low income riders. This will make the RTA accessible to everyone.

4. The RTA should include reliable bus or transit routes for people outside of the commuter rail area and improved bus service in those areas underserved by Madison Metro (This includes: Verona, Southwest side of Madison, Fitchburg, Waunakee, Westport, Stoughton, Blooming Grove, Cottage Grove, McFarland, Monona, Dunn, North side of Madison).

5. The RTA must take people to employment and entertainment centers. The RTA should take people to and from work regardless of what shift they work and should have weekend services.

What else can you do to help? Send an e-mail to elections@prodane.org for more volunteer opportunities. Or you can follow Progressive Dane on Facebook or Twitter or Google Buzz.

Finally, Progressive Dane is working hard on this issue and citizen support is our most important resource. However, money is a valuable resource as well. We don't like to ask for it, but we believe that good regional transit is key to the future of Dane County. If you support our plan, please make a secure donation to the Progressive Dane Elections Fund. We will use the donation to promote an ambitious RTA plan.

Progressive Dane School Board Candidate Forum Write-Up

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.

Update on Public Financing of Local Elections

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:

An increase in qualified candidates to run, especially people of low or moderate income.

Allow voters and candidate’s time to talk to one another about issues they care about rather than scrambling for money.

Make it less likely that a few large donors could influence a key local election.

If you can't attend, take some time to contact your representative to show your support for this bill.

Progressive Dane to host School Board Candidate Forum

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.

Festival, Saturday, February 20th

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)

Local Funding Bill Introduced

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.

More on Spring 2010 Endorsements & School Board Candidate Forum

On Wednesday, January 27th, the Progressive Dane Election Committee brought to the general membership recommendations on three new candidates running office this spring. The result? One endorsement and a candidate forum.

The membership voted to endorse Michael Johnson for District 5 County Supervisor. Michael is a member of the Progressive Dane Steering Committee, among the founders of Student Progressive Dane, and currently serves on the City of Madison Affirmative Action Commission. He is also a co-founder of Joint Halloween (Freakfest) and Mifflin Street Block Party Working Group and active member of the State and Langdon Neighborhood Association. As a Supervisor, Michael is committed to working with students and other resident to promote Environmental Sustainability, Economic Improvement, Social Justice, and Affordable Housing.

The other two candidates vying for Progressive Dane’s endorsement are running for the Madison Metropolitan School Board seat vacated by the retiring Johnny Winston, Jr. TJ Mertz, Progressive Dane Co-Chair and Chair of the Education Committee, shared with us his impressions of the School Board Candidate Endorsement process on his blog at http://madisonamps.org/2010/01/28/school-board-endorsement-or-why-im-proud-to-be-part-of-progressive-dane/.

The School Board Candidate Forum has been scheduled on Sunday February 21st. Hold the date and watch for more information.

Forum this Saturday, January 30th

Progressive Dane's work centers on things local, however, sometimes not all things local are local. We know many of you would be interested in this forum and last night the general membership voted to sponsor this forum 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 become involved locally.

Haymarket Books presents

The Left & Obama
What Happened to Change?
-A Public Forum-
January 30, 7 pm
2650 Humanities Building
UW Campus
Downtown Madison

Admission is $5-20
(no one turned away for lack of funds)
.....................................................
***PLEASE FORWARD WIDELY***

It’s been a year since Obama was inaugurated on the promise of “change we can believe in.” How much has really changed? Has the administration that once embodied hope for a new tomorrow delivered on any of its promises? How can we create pressure from the Left for the change we need?

Our panel of speakers take a look at the Obama Administration’s report card on health, the war, the economy, civil rights and more. Join us to discuss the way forward!

JENNIFER LOEWENSTEIN
Faculty Associate, Middle East Studies, UW-Madison; freelance journalist & human rights advocate

JOHN NICHOLS
Washington correspondent for The Nation

MATT ROTHSCHILD
Editor of The Progressive magazine

LANCE SELFA
Author of The Democrats: A Critical History
& editor of The Struggle for Palestine

WILL WILLIAMS
Activist and representative from Veterans for Peace

Presented by Haymarket Books. Visit http://www.haymarketbooks.org. For more information or to sponsor, call 245-3390 or email rrrlgee@yahoo.com.

Co-sponsors include:
AFSCME Local 171, Democratic Socialists of America, Havens Center, International Socialist Organization, IWW-Madison Branch, Madison College Pride Alliance, Madison Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, The Madison Institute, Madison-Rafah Sister City Project, Progressive Dane, Single Payer Action Network, Socialist Party USA, Socialist Potluck, Student Labor Action Coalition, Student Progressive Dane, Ten Percent Society, Unified for Equality, Union de los Trabajadores Inmigrantes (UTI), UW National Lawyers Guild, Wisconsin Network for Peace & Justice and WORT 89.9 FM.

General Membership MeetsWednesday, January 27th

Progressive Dane General Membership Meeting will be held Wednesday, January 27, 2010, at the Madison Downtown Public Library from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Chairing this month will be Progressive Dane Co-chair and Education Committee Chair, TJ Mertz

The Agenda

Treasurer Report will review last years budget and offer for approval the 2010 Budget

Presentation and Vote on additional candidates for the spring elections

Requests for PD to be an organizational endorser of the Dane County Coalition for Women's Health, A Penny for Kids, and The Left & Obama—What Happened to Change? Forum on January 30th

Burning Issue discussion of TIF and the Edgewater process led by Rick Richards, PD Economic Issues Task Force Chair

Educational Presentation of Land Use by Arnold Harris

Small Business Bus Pass Program Passes

Progressive Dane members have worked on this for a while:

The ordinance: Commute Card Pass Agreements

Authorizing the Metro Transit General Manager to enter into agreements with businesses and organizations with fewer than 1,000 participants in the Metro Transit service area interested in providing a pass program to their employees, students or other affiliated individuals to take fixed route and ADA paratransit rides on Metro Transit.

Remember Progressive Dane working on this program? It passed. Now it'll be easier for people to use the bus system and for them to get to their jobs or classes.

A recap from Brenda Konkel's blog:

Item #60 – Small Business Bus pass
[I missed part of this]Mark Clear snarkily notes that he wished bus advocates would be here tonight to support this and wonder where they are. [He may have had another point in there, but it got lost with his snotty comments.]

Satya Rhodes-Conway [No doubt prompted by Clear's comments]says this is something she started working on through Progressive Dane, before she was on the Council. She said when Progressive Dane, Downtown Madison Inc and the Chamber of Commerce agree on something, that's kind of amazing and a good thing. [Susan Schmitz from Downtown Madison Inc nods her head in agreement She thanks staff, particularly Metro staff for working through this. She notes that you can get information to participate in the program atmymetrobus.com.

Passes without further discussion on a voice vote.

Progressive Dane Membership Endorses Incumbents

At the December 16, 2009 general membership meeting, Madison Board of Education Member Beth Moss and County Board Supervisors John Hendrick, Al Matano, Kyle Richmond and Barbara Vedder were enthusiastically endorsed for re-election.

]]> Beth Moss is completing her first term on the School Board. Beth took the lead coordinating grassroots efforts in the successful November 2008 school funding referendum and has worked to improve the district's community engagement and find ways to improve educational opportunities and achievement for all students.

Representing near west side District 11, Al Matano has been particularly active on transportation issues. He serves on the Madison Area Transportation Planning Board and with the Regional Transportation Authority moving forward, keeping Al in office is especially important. Al has taken leading roles in helping with the campaigns of other endorsed PD candidates.

District 27 Supervisor Kyle Richmond is Chair of the Environment, Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee. In that capacity he has been working hard on county-wide sustainable agriculture initiatives. Kyle also played a leading role in securing the County Domestic Partner Registry and equal benefits ordinance. Although unsuccessful, his recent work to enact a Vehicle Registration Fee and use that funding to protect human services programs and enhance fiscal stability laid the groundwork for future progress. Kyle has also recently joined the PD Steering Committee.

John Hendrick is the longest serving PD elected official, having represented District 6 since April of 1994. He co-authored the county Living Wage ordinance and has been the sponsor of improvements or defenses to the Living Wage every term, including in the 2010 budget process. John's leadership has been important on both the County Board where he is First Vice Chair and in Progressive Dane where he serves on the Steering Committee. Having served ten years on the zoning committee, his contributions have been particularly noteworthy on land use issues, especially the work in securing a progressive Dane County Comprehensive Plan and making sure that the plan is properly implemented.

Barbara Vedder represents District 2. For much of her most recent term she was temporary Chair of the Health & Human Needs Committee. She also serves on the County Task Force on Poverty which recently completed their final report. The County Board will be considering the Task Force recommendations in the coming year. In these tough economic times we need to keep Barbara there fighting to move the County toward more just, humane and compassionate action.

Volunteer via the Elections Committee to help our candidates get re-elected in the spring.

The Progressive Dane Elections Committee will be considering further endorsements for School Board and the County Board in January. The filing deadline to get on the ballot is January 5, 2010. To learn more about running for office contact Elections Committee Chair Lukas Diaz at elections@prodane.org.

You are invited to the 2009 Snow Ball Fundraiser!

This year we will be honoring Brenda Konkel with the Kathy Schroeder Award for her unparalleled efforts to make and keep government transparent.

We will also be honoring Mary Anglim with the Volunteer of the Year Award for her work on several Progressive Dane committees and in the community.

Norm Littlejohn has provided design and words for almost every poster, flyer, or mailer you see. We honor his work by recognizing him as Media Guru Extraordinaire.

The public is most welcome, so bring your friends who need to know about Progressive Dane.

Bring along a Potluck Snack.

Please send your check to:
Progressive Dane
PO Box 1222
Madison, WI 53701

e-mail office@prodane.org or donate on-line.

Come celebrate with Progressive Dane, show your support, and help us continue our work in the coming year!

Sponsorship calls are being made. Suggestioned donations: $25, $50, $100 or what you can afford.

Thank you for your support of Progressive Dane.

Membership Approves 2009 County Platform

Thanking the Elections Committee for its work and members for their considered input, the General Membership of Progressive Dane approved its 2010 County Platform on Wednesday. Covering such issues as Open and Democratic Government, Public Safety and Protection, and Economic Development to name a few, new statements include increasing vigilance on land use and development as well as opposition to the Sheriff's department practice of inquiring about immigration status and providing that information to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

PD County Platform Vote @ GMM Wed 11/18

The Wednesday, November 18, 2009, Progressive Dane General Membership Meeting will be held at the Madison Downtown Public Library from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Michael Johnson will be chairing.

In addition to the regular staff, treasurer, and elected reports, there will be a
Summary and other information on the formation of the RTA and
Wrap up conversation on the outcomes of the City & County Budgets.
The Final Reading & Vote on the Progressive Dane County Platform will occur,
And there should be time for announcements.

PD workshop at Future Cities tomorrow!

If you missed the excellent workshops and panels Friday and Saturday, you're in luck! There is one more day of the Future Cities 2009 conference. Registration is at 9 over at the Inn on the Park, check out the exibitors, and then head over to the capital for some of this inspiring agenda http://futurecities2009.org/november-8-2009.

Progressive Dane is on at 10am this Sunday with Brenda Konkel, Jacque Pokorney, Joe Mingle talking about Building Local Coalitions for Change in the 328NW, Wisconsin State Capitol.

So you say you want a (local) revolution? Well, how are you going to get there, without power? While it is true that many of the obstacles we face in moving to greener, more peaceful future involve a lack of information, organization, and initiative, it’s also true that for every local independent business alliance promoting sustainability, there is a Chamber of Commerce organization claiming that global warming doesn’t exist.

Progressive Dane is an independent local political party that has served Madison and Dane County for 16 years. We will present some local examples of how we have worked with residents and groups to promote more progressive policies at the city and county level. Come hear about the projects of United for Funding, Operation Welcome Home, Student Progressive Dane, Immigrant Workers Union, Affordable Housing Action Alliance, and Friends of Union Corners.