In day two of our series, Ray Allen sat down with us to do a Q&A. Allen grew up in Milwaukee and graduated with a degree in Journalism from UW-Milwaukee. Allen has lived and worked in Madison for 38 years, and he currently owns and operates The Madison Times. He is actively involved in the community and has devoted much of his time to fixing education, public safety and the environment.
The Daily Cardinal: How would you continue to develop Madison as it grows into a city rather than a town?
Ray Allen: Well, let's just recognize that Madison and Dane County are two of the fastest growing areas in the state. You want to lay out a city that maintains green space and utilizes its public infrastructure in the most effective way.
DC: How would you fix crime in Madison?
RA: Crime is a major concern, not only downtown, but also throughout the city. In 2005, I advocated for more resources—money—for the police department, and at that time Mayor Cieslewicz was against that, but after some pressure by different people, he gave in.
DC: What would you have done differently about Halloween?
RA: First of all, Halloween should be safe and fun. Also, it's a Madison tradition so it needs to be valued. What I would do is go to the state legislature and ask for bar time to be extended to a later time so that we don't have a huge flux of people coming out of the bars.
DC: What are your plans as far as the entertainment aspect of Madison is concerned?
RA: Let's focus on the Overture Center; it really is a tremendous asset to the city for a number of reasons, but one thing they need to do is engage the common student. Also, I want to encourage [the city to] become an attractive point for artists traveling between Chicago and Minneapolis because it makes us a cultural center.
DC: What city does Madison most resemble in your mind?
RA: We often are compared to Portland, but I don't think that's true. I think were very similar to Minneapolis. Minneapolis is a very culturally centered place, as are we.
DC: What steps would you take to shorten the gap between rich and poor?
RA: One of my key priorities in this mayor's race is addressing poverty. Poverty has such an impact on us in two places: crime and public schools. We have a number of schools that are over the 50 percent [poverty] rate, and it's an issue that our current mayor has failed to address.
DC: In what ways do you plan to promote diversity?
RA: Diversity is occurring naturally; what we have to make sure of is that all the diverse populations share in our growth, in our opportunity ... that's not occurring. Certain groups aren't sharing in all the growth around town; they need opportunity.
DC: What are your three biggest assets?
RA: First off, my experience. Second is my ability to work with people that have different philosophies, and last I'd have to say my engagement in the community.
DC: What do you plan to do once you're done with politics?
RA: I think I want to stay involved with the community, keep working at my paper and just keep trying to improve the city.
DC: What is your favorite album?
RA: I'd have to say Marvin Gaye.
