Madison Media Digest: Equity, Public Service, Business

Here’s what we were reading while thinking that the State Journal doesn’t look a day over 154:

Equity

Around 250 people marched in Madison last week to show support for those in Ferguson and draw attention to local issues of racial disparities. Capital City Hues covered local response to the St. Louis County grand jury’s decision not to indict in the shooting of unarmed 18-year-old Michael Brown. Many gathered at Capitol Square for a candlelight vigil to draw attention to domestic violence. Madison’s black churches are seeking greater input into policy discussion in Madison. Paul H. Kusuda hopes that as Madison works to address racial disparities, the reasons behind them remain a focus. The conversation on equity in Madison seems to have hit a wall. Community finance is another avenue for discussing increased equity. Members of Madison’s Latino community praised the immigration executive orders signed by President Obama.

Public Services

The State Journal examined the Special Investigations Unit, a three-year-old police program aimed at repeat violent offenders. Raj Shukla argues MGE's new rate structure in not in Madison's environmental interests in that it does not encourage customers to save energy. We recently wrote about a group of activists making the same case. The state proposed a plan to increase fees and taxes on drivers through gas taxes and an additional 2.5 percent tax on new cars, which it says will prevent future budget shortfalls. New animals will arrive at the Henry Vilas Zoo next year.  The city will hold a public hearing on a possible bus rate increase to fund Wi-Fi access on buses. The Dane County Board chose to limit its own power to unilaterally impose work rules, a right it could have claimed under Act 10. Tiny Houses architect Edward Kuharski talked about the challenges of the project

Business

A survey finds county businesses more upbeat then they have been in a decade. Madison Mayor Paul Soglin worries that taverns on State Street are crowding out retail space. The City Council voted Wednesday to reopen the Judge Doyle Square project over concerns about the cost. Chris Rickert said the process is simply dragging out as the city seeks perfection. Rhythm and Booms will not happen in 2015 after efforts to raise money for the event fell short