UW-Madison students are encouraged to participate in city government, but many choose not to, local representatives said.
The City of Madison allows unelected citizens to serve on city committees, but few students have taken the opportunity.
The decisions of city committees affect the everyday lives of Madison residents, and there are hundreds of citizen committee members. However, there are fewer than ten student members.
Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, who was elected as a student and has served for 10 years, said more than 95 percent of the time, the city council makes its decisions based on what the committees determine.
Ald. Austin King, District 8, was also elected to the city council as a UW-Madison student.
'We have committees for anything from Alcohol License Review to Zoning, that meet once a month to deliberate issues,' King said.
'Students make up 20 percent of the population. The proportion seems out of whack,' King said. 'Alcohol decisions affect students' nightlife, and tenant-landlord decisions affect their lives as renters. It is important to understand people can actually have an input over things that matter to them.'
As residents of the city, students are eligible to serve on committees after filling out an application and being appointed by the mayor.
Verveer suggested the Alcohol License Review, Housing, Joint South East Campus and Vending Oversight Committees as possibilities for students.
Senior Phil Ejercito chairs the Landlord and Tenant Issues Subcommittee one day a month. Ejercito said he was initially intimidated serving alongside people with more expertise, but that he adjusted quickly.
'After a while, you learn that everyone is there representing their own interest and what they think is best for the city'and I got to understand that they had no idea what mine or other students' experiences are,' Ejercito said. 'I feel just as legit as they do.'
King said he encouraged students to apply.
'Frankly, it is not only a terrific chance to shape policy and serve your city, it looks great on a r??sum?? it can lead to bigger better things in the policy work,' King said. 'And it is not that much work.'
Verveer was also encouraging.
'If you are interested, let us alders know and we will be happy to do everything we can to get a student appointed.'
