Madison Media Digest: Education, Services, Elections

Here’s what we were reading while imploring the faculty in Vilas Hall to work harder

Education

A state senator has asked that the state delay using an exam tied to the Common Core standards in teacher and school evaluations. The April 7 election will include a referendum on $41 million in school improvements, including $4.3 million to renovate East High School’s theater. Delta Sigma Theta sorority held a Historically Black Colleges and Universities Fair to raise awareness of that option for Madison high school students. The Monona Public Library kicked off its 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten campaign, which promotes reading to children.

Services

The Madison Police Department will start a mental health unit to address shortfalls in the mental health system. The Dane County Board delayed voting on the proposed Enbridge Energy pipeline after the company offered to insure the county against costs from a possible spill. The Norbertine religious order is planning to sell a 10-acre parcel of land on Lake Monona. The City Council is proposing a low-interest or forgivable loan to bring a grocery store back to Allied Drive. The Square will soon be home to five new restaurants.

Elections

The four challengers in the 2015 Madison Mayor’s race discussed their positions at the first candidate forum on Thursday night. The primary is February 17 and the general election is April 7. The State Journal produced profiles of all five people running in the primary election. Richard Brown says his life experiences would bring important perspective to the mayor’s office. Christopher Daly says his experiences as an activist led him to enter the mayor’s race. Bridget Maniaci says she’s drawing on her deep Madison roots in her run for mayor.  Scott Resnick says he has a fresh vision for Madison. Incumbent Paul Soglin says he has unfinished business to accomplish. The editor of the Cap Times says the residents of Madison don’t seem to care about the race. The State Journal editorial board laments the lack of candidates, especially in the Alder races. Three candidates are running for the District One open seat on the City Council: Matt Brink, Sandra Dickman, and Barbara McKinney.