District Reports

Host, former Alder Eve Galanter, and her guest, Tom Carto, President and CEO of the Overture Center, discussed the status of Overture in light of the successful run of “The Lion King,” a 100% increase in season subscription, and a season loaded with high profile events. Tom and Eve also discussed the fiscal situation and plans to deal with the debt that resulted from the liquidation of Overture’s trust fund. For more information, click on the links icon located at the top left corner of the page.

Host former Alder Susan Hamblin and her guests, 1st Dist Alderperson Jed Sanborn, and 11th Dist Alderperson Chris Schmidt, discussed the recent decision to site Madison’s high speed rail station in the vicinity of Monona Terrace. They discussed the various funding options - both for construction and ongoing operation - and what this might mean for economic development in Downtown Madison. For more information, click on the links icon located at the top left corner of the page.

Host, former Alder Susan Hamblin, and her guests, 15th District Alder Larry Palm and Tripp Widder, Chair of the Madison Public Library Board, discussed the final plans for a new Downtown Library. The panel discussed how and why negotiations with the Fiore Company for an entirely new building broke down, and how the decision to completely remodel the existing building will save taxpayer dollars and actually result in a more useful facility. For more information, click on the links icon located at the top left corner of the page.

Host, former Alder Eve Galanter, and her guests, 19th District Alder and new Common Council President Mark Clear, and 3rd District Alder and new Council President Pro Tem Lauren Cnare discuss plans for the next year on the Council; communication among the Alders; and relations between the Alders and the Mayor. For more information, click on the links icon located at the top left corner of the page.

Host, former Alder Susan Hamblin, and her guests, 14th District Alder and Common Council President Tim Bruer and 19th District Alder and Council President Pro Tem Mark Clear discussed the ongoing controversy over the Edgewater Hotel project and, in particular, how their leadership of the Council has impacted the process. They also looked ahead to the election of new Council officers. For more information, click on the links icon located at the top left corner of the page.

Host, former Alder Eve Galanter, and her guests, 6th District Alderperson Marsha Rummel, and Karin Wolf, Arts Program Administrator for the City of Madison, discussed the new “Madison Cultural Plan” and what it might mean for the arts in Madison. They discussed the role of the consultant, Mary Berryman Agard, and how this plan fits in the City’s tight budget environment. For more information, click on the links icon located at the top left corner of the page.

Host, former Alder Eve Galanter and her guests, 6th District Alder Marsha Rummel and 12th District Alder Satya Rhodes-Conway discussed the news that the State of Wisconsin has won some $800 million in federal stimulus money for high-speed rail service between Madison and Milwaukee. Where should a station be located in Madison - at the airport or closer to downtown? Who will make this decision and what will it mean for the success of the service and economic development prospects? For more information, click on the links icon located at the top left corner of the page.

Host former Alder Eve Galanter and her guests, Ninth District Alderperson Paul Skidmore and Kevin Briski, Superintendent, Madison Parks, discussed how the proper environmental design of parks and other public spaces can reduce the occurrence of crime and other antisocial behavior. They discussed Olin-Turville Park and Peace Park on State Street as two specific examples.

Host former Alder Susan Hamblin and her guests 5th District Alder Shiva Bidar-Sielaff and 8th District Alder Bryon Eagon discussed the importance of the 2010 Census to Wisconsin and the City of Madison. The Alders, both members of the City’s Complete Count Committee, outlined the timeline of this year’s efforts, dispelled some myths about what census information is used for, and discussed how citizens can get involved. For more information, click on the links icon located at the top left corner of the page.

Host Eve Galanter welcomed Julia Kerr, 13th District Alder, and Larry Palm, 15th District Alder. They discussed a number of big issues the City dealt with in 2009, such as the Downtown Library, crime, the 2010 budget, and the Edgewater Hotel. The panel also looked ahead to 2010, in particular the prospects for the Edgewater Hotel at that night’s Council meeting.