Madison Common Council President Paul Van Rooy will end his presidency in April of this year. And when he leaves, he will open the door for a new president, who could take a hard-line stance on issues such as Halloween and Mifflin Street, which could alienate and upset UW-Madison students.
Nobody has announced a bid for council president yet, but contenders will likely emerge in upcoming weeks.
Van Rooy, who also represents the 18th district, said the president has the ability to shape the council according to his ideological bent.
'How the president acts and deals with issues has an impact,' Van Rooy said.
But Ald. Austin King, District 8, said the president's power is limited.
'They affect policy mostly through the small bully pulpit that's associated with the seat,' King said. 'But it's not the same as being speaker of the house.'
Nonetheless, a president who takes a conservative stance on issues like Halloween and alcohol licensing could alter the council and ultimately upset UW-Madison students.
'Students are a big part of our community,' Van Rooy said. But, he also said Halloween parties that often turn violent hurt students' image on the council. 'That has a very negative impact,' Van Rooy said.
