Madison Media Digest: The death of Tony Robinson, Schools and Development

Here’s what we were reading while hoping that there still will be places to bike when the weather gets warm: 

The death of Tony Robinson

More than 1,200 attended the funeral of Tony Terrell Robinson Jr. at East High School on Saturday afternoon, a week after the 19-year old was shot and killed by Madison Police Officer Matt Kenny.

A group of Madisonians held a solidarity barbecue on Sunday in Penn Park, which organizers said they hoped would contribute to the healing process.  Jonathan Gramling reflected on the Tony Robinson shooting and its aftermath in Capital City Hues. The Madison Times reported on community reaction to the shooting, and its editorial pageurged protesters to remain peaceful.  Former Madison poet-laureate Fabu writes about living with fear for the black men in her life.  An open letter by Madison clergy say the shooting exposes the need to address racial disparities in Madison. A group of local officials signed on to similar letter. UW-Madison students of color say the shooting will translate to more action. Chris Rickert praised Boys and Girls Club of Dane County CEO Michael Johnson’s work bringing leaders together during the past week.  

More news also emerged about the investigation in the events of Mar. 6. The State Journal reported that a friend of Robinson’s had called the police the night of the shooting, saying he was “agitated” and “unlike himself.” State investigators expect to complete their investigation into the shooting in about two weeks, when they will then submit their finding to Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne. Madison Police say they usually are successful at avoiding using deadly force, even in situations where it might be called for. Mayor Paul Soglin and Ald. Scott Resnick discussed race at a mayoral forum at the Urban League on Thursday night. 

Schools

The Madison Metropolitan School District may scale back its five-year, $27.7M technology plan in light of budget shortfalls. State officials decided to shorten a test tied to the Common Core standards. Chris Rickert criticized the Madison School District for denying an open records request regarding school vouchers. The Simpson Street Free Press was honored at the Afterschool for All Challenge in Washington D.C.

Development

The Cap Times reported the Verona Road and Interstate 39-90 expansion could be delayed if Governor Walker isn’t able to secure funding. Residents are asking to be more involved in a proposed development near Park Street and Fish Hatchery Road. The city rejected a new apartment building on Monroe Street. A $30,000 bike counter has been installed on the Southwest Bike Path, designed to both encourage biking and collect data on bike traffic. Madison will spend $900,000 to improve part of the Capital City Trail. The DNR plans to kill the fish in Indian Lake with rotenone before restocking it in hopes of improving water quality.