Madison Media Digest: Elections, Tony Robinson, Community

Here’s what we were reading while enjoying the nice weather in a Terrace chair:  

Elections

Mayor Paul Soglin won re-election convincingly. Soglin had campaigned on fiscal responsibility and equity. Madison elected its first African-American alderwomen, Sheri Carter and Barbara McKinney. The new Madison City Council will have four black members. Madison voters also approved a $41M school referendum, which will see upgrades to 16 schools in the district. Communities around the state are using referenda to make up for decreasing state funding for education. Some are asking questions about the appearance of Dane County Sheriff Dave Mahoney in Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Ann Walsh Bradley’s campaign materials; Bradley was returned to office on Tuesday.  

Tony Robinson

The Madison Times published an interview with Andrea Irwin, Tony Robinson’s mother. Robinson was killed by Madison Police Officer Matt Kenny on March 6. Robinson’s family said they don’t trust the investigation and want charges brought against Kenny. The decision on charges rests with Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne, who is reviewing a state investigation into the shooting. Wisconsin law erects a high bar for charges against a police officer. The executive director of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association hopes there won’t be a rush to judgment. Heidi Pascual says the shooting is a reminder that people still judge others based on their appearance. Chris Rickert says that Madison’s establishment has embraced the arguments of groups like Young, Gifted and Black without demanding any realism.  

Community

Dr. Ruben Anthony, Jr. will take over at head of the President/CEO of the Urban League of Greater Madison. Madison’s family homeless shelter is turning people away now that Spring has arrived and utilities are allowed to shut off services. Madison is retesting two wells on the west side after finding high levels of radium. The president of Madison College wants to sell its downtown location, close its west side location, and expand its campus in south Madison. City property values are rising. A site that had been considered for Madison Prep, a charter school rejected by district, will instead become a police station. A new Monroe Street restaurant has cancelled plans for outdoor seating, in response to neighborhood concerns.