Q: It's great to hear from
our alder. Why hasn't TLNA heard
much from you?
A: It's important that
citizens hear from their elected representatives. Unfortunately, less than two
months after my election, I spent a week in the hospital and learned that I
have diabetes. The good news is
that, with careful monitoring, things are getting back to normal and I am
excited to be > getting back up to full speed!
Q: What is your vision for
Madison's future?
A: Madison is a terrific
place to live. We have parks and
culture and city services that families, students and the elderly find very
welcoming. Unfortunately this city can be a very expensive place to live and we
have segregated low-income people into pockets of poverty that concentrate low
income kids in the same schools, which affects their performance in schools.
Many working people, particularly those with children, cannot afford the high
price of housing, especially on the isthmus. I want affordable housing in all neighborhoods and ordinances to prevent discrimination
based on economic status. This includes renters and homeowners.
Q. What are your other key
objectives?
A: I want to see strong citizen input to city issues. I made this a campaign issue and it is
still important. I want to see
agendas posted well in advance so citizens can come to hearings and have their
say. I've tried to notify neighborhood association board members when important
issues arise.
Q. What takes most of your
time as an alder?
A: Committee work. I sit on eleven committees and
commissions, including: Transit and Parking Commission, Madison Development
Corporation, EOC Housing Committee, Inner City Rail Oversight Committee, East
Washington Oversight Committee, East Washington ad hoc BUILD committee, City-County Liaison Committee, Yahara
River Parkway Implementation Committee, Backyard Parking Implementation
Committee, Public Input and Access
subcommittee, Breese Stevens Committee and many other miscellaneous ad hoc
committees.
Q: What else keeps you
busy?
A: There are also four
neighborhood organizations within our district and I stay in touch with all of
them. In addition to TLNA, there
is the Emerson East Neighborhood Association, the Old Market Neighborhood Association
(which I once chaired) and the Mansion Hill Neighborhood Association. These latter two have been very active
in development issues, particularly new housing developments proposed close to
the Capitol. I send e-mails of
things of interest to people in each of these neighborhoods. To be included on
those lists please contact me (information below).
Q: Is there anything else
you want TLNA to know.
A: I always want to hear from
constituents. Please get in touch.
Submit a question to this newsletter or contact me directly when you
need a quick response.
Note: Brenda can be reached at home at 251-2412, more effectively by cell phone at 345-8720 or through email at district2@council.ci.madison.wi.us or submit any questions for future newsletters to Carol Weidel at 257-4608 or carolaweidel@aol.com