In the spring elections for City Council, many of the candidates will be UW-Madison students and alums. With the coming departure of District 8 Ald. Eli Judge, four UW-Madison students have emerged to take his place. Bryon Eagon, Katrina Flores, Jacob Schmidt and Mark Woulf will all campaign in an area that is 98 percent students.
Bryon Eagon
Bryon Eagon, 20, said he would prioritize issues most important to students, especially downtown and campus safety.
By looking at immediate action like strategic lighting, neighborhood watch programs, cab-stand funding and regular safety forums, we can be proactive about reducing crime,"" Eagon said.
Eagon has made a name for himself by representing students on the ASM Student Council and holding leadership positions in the student group Students for Barack Obama.
""I have learned the power of the student voice and heard the concerns students have not only regarding national issues but also those involving our community here in Madison,"" he said.
Katrina Flores
Katrina Flores, 30, is a student currently working on her master's in curriculum and instruction.
Flores plans to focus her campaign on four issues: residential rights, environmental sustainability and responsibility, community arts programs and safety.
""We need to get established programs, services and institutions in the district and beyond to increase communication and networking to maximize resources for district residents,"" Flores said.
Flores has previously been a member of the Multicultural Student Coalition and the Student Services Finance Committee.
""I have sat on numerous high profile search and screens gaining valuable experience with standing up for student rights and concerns on boards made of majority non-students,"" she said.
Jacob Schmidt
Campus safety is Jacob Schmidt's number-one concern. Expansion of the downtown lighting initiative recently put into place by Ald. Judge is just one of his ideas.
""I would work with landlords and property managers to ensure a safer environment in the alleys and parking lots around student properties,"" he said.
In December, Schmidt, 20, said his campaign would also emphasize tenant rights, social justice, economic growth and improving city procedures.
""I have experienced all of the same concerns the citizens of the district face every day. From slipping on icy streets in the winter to having my house broken into during the early evening while my roommates were inside,"" he said.
Mark Woulf
Mark Woulf, 20, said his time spent as undergraduate representative for the Alcohol and Other Drug Task Force served him well.
Woulf will be working toward issues related to alcohol and safety.
""We read the paper in the morning on our way to class and we see a girl getting her purse taken or held up '¦ There's a problem there,"" he said.
Woulf emphasized the need for greater redistribution of police forces on the streets, instead of forces patrolling for private house parties.
""I believe that the students first and foremost need to be cared for and need to be safe,"" Woulf said. ""Students need to be protected.
