Incumbent mayor Dave Cieslewicz and his opponent Ray Allen debated Sunday night in the Red Gym to discuss a number of issues facing the city and the university.
The forum, sponsored in part by the Roosevelt Institution, was a debate about key areas of concern among students and neighboring residents. After both candidates expressed remorse for the UW-Madison men's basketball team's loss to UNLV on Sunday, they got down to business.
Safety was a hot topic at the student-centered debate, especially with the recent surge of stranger sexual assaults on campus. Both candidates answered by referencing their detailed safety plans.
Cieslewicz noted that during this term, he launched Madison's $100,000 downtown initiative, which targets crime by increasing police presence. Allen said he also wants to increase police, which is detailed in his plan that aims to hire 10 new police officers per year.
Cieslewicz said he is concerned about crime on campus but that the overall number of reported crimes is decreasing. He said the safety initiative would help reverse the rising number of robberies and assaults that are causing students to feel unsafe. However, he acknowledged it is a start and not a means to end all.
""I think we are starting to get a handle of these issues, and we just have to keep at it,"" Cieslewicz said.
According to Allen, the city needs to put even more money toward public safety. He said by increasing awareness of the problem and putting an end to poverty, Madison's safety concerns would decrease.
""The first priority falls on the city ... to have a focus that makes sure that wherever you go in this town, you'll be safe and you'll feel safe,"" Allen said.
The two candidates also touched on transportation, tenant rights and the proposed Alcohol Density Plan.
Cieslewicz said he supports the plan and said, ""It stops the increased concentration of bars.""
Allen said he cannot support a plan that decreases student safety and puts a target on underage drinking.
""The plan does not stop drinking,"" Allen said, adding that the main concern he has of the plan is that it would increase house parties.
Syd Terry, executive director of the Roosevelt Institution, said the debate was organized in an effort to allow the candidates an opportunity to speak to students on issues important to them. He said he was pleased with the turnout, as well as the strong debate, which he said allowed for good insight on a range of topics.
""Students aren't always up to date on stuff, and what better way than to hear it from the horse's mouth,"" Terry said.
