The race for the District 5 Madison Common Council seat officially got underway Wednesday, as UW-Madison sophomore and ASM member Jessy Tolkan announced the start of her campaign to a small gathering in the lobby of Chadbourne Residential College, 420 N. Park St.
Another ASM member, Andy Nathan, who lost the state Assembly seat to Terese Berceau in November, will announce his own candidacy for the seat late next week. A number of city and state representatives, including Berceau, were present in a show of support for Tolkan.
\It's such a progressive district,"" said Ald. José Sentmanat, District 5, who is leaving his seat to pursue an interest in law school. ""There's only one logical choice to fill that role [of City Council member] and that's Jessy.""
Berceau said Tolkan understands the district's issues better than Nathan.
""Andy Nathan doesn't understand the issues and cannot articulate those issues,"" Berceau said. ""I've talked with Andy Nathan, I know Andy Nathan and he ain't no Jessy Tolkan.""
Tolkan focused on mass transit, diversity and student involvement in city affairs.
""We must make sure Plan 2008 is enforced so that we're pouring money into recruiting and retaining minority students,"" she said. ""I want to expand student participation on city issues and get more of them on city committees.""
Later, Nathan responded to the questioning of his ability and character by saying ""I have been accused of being a Republican, and I'm not going to deny that. But I'm not just a Republican--I'm so much more than just a Republican. I have a lot of progressive ideas.""
Nathan said he wants to unite the city.
""I want to work on both sides of the issues--you have to bring both sides to the table. That's something I can do,"" Nathan said. ""[Tolkan] has a small segment while I can focus on everyone.""
City frugality and student involvement are two ideas Nathan wants to bring to the City Council as alderman.
""I want to make sure the city doesn't overspend and spends wisely,"" Nathan said.
According to Nathan, student involvement should and will be a key issue in the race.
""Twenty percent of the city is students and there are only three student aldermen. We have to start increasing students serving on city committees,"" he said.
Both candidates have worked together before to pass an ASM bill that created a student committee under the City Council.
""In ASM we passed a bill, full force, to try and create a student committee in the city council,"" Nathan said.
Ald. Mike Staude, District 8, said he was happy to see two student candidates running for the District 5 seat.
""I think it's important to have strong student representation on City Council,"" Staude said.
