Madison Media Digest: Local Government, Justice and Community

Here’s what we were reading along with our series on the achievement gap.

Local government

More details about Mayor Paul Soglin’s budget emerged. It seeks to add health care deductibles for city employees but would offer raises to employee groups that lost most collective bargaining rights under Act 10. Madison police officials spoke out against plans to delay a new Midtown police station. Library officials said a one-year delay in the relocation of the Pinney Branch could cost the system the proposed location. Former mayor Dave Cieslewicz looked at what values are emphasized in the proposed budget and critiqued the increased spending under Mayor Soglin.

The vote on the Judge Doyle Square redevelopment has been delayed another week. A pilot program to provide low-cost Internet in low-income neighborhoods will serve fewer communities than originally planned after the city selected a more expensive but more technologically advanced plan. Dane County dropped efforts to require Canadian energy company Enbridge to maintain $25M clean-up fund in case of a spill. The Dane County Board is proposing a $15/hour wage for county employees and service providers.

Justice

Brandi Grayson, a leader of the Young Gifted and Black Coalition in Madison, believes police are targeting her due to her public criticism of the criminal justice system. One Madison resident praised YGB’s push to foster dialogue. Amelia Royko says the work of Grayson and YGB will achieve positive change. Lisa Mitchell, a transgender inmate at the Dane County Jail, is suing over her treatment. The Madison Police Department is working to incorporate a community focus during its pre-service training. Madison-native Ramona Natera brings legal services to immigrant communities around the city. Police are seeking tips about a rape and attempted murder on Saturday night along Capital City Bike Trail near Williamson Street.

Community

Madison schools will offer a new approach to the parent-teacher conference. Madison 365 questioned the monochromatic makeup of Madison’s media. Community Shares, a partner of Madison Commons, highlighted the work of many in the Madison area. Zipcar purchased Madison’s Community Car. The Hurling Club of Madison keeps the Irish sport alive in the city. The Black Women’s Wellness Day is being held Sept. 19, and its committee members “are the epitome of the struggles and responsibilities that African American women face in Madison and Dane County.” East side residents claim a proposed development at Sherman and Fordem is too large.