The Common Council can be a dangerous place to tread. Meetings covering topics like the Edgewater Hotel and the Overture Center can run all night, angry citizens constantly harp at alders and the inquiring eyes of council critic Brenda Konkel are always watching over.
But anybody who can effectively manage the council holds the legislative agenda of Madison as a priority, and that is just what Mark Clear has done as Council President.
Thanks in no small part to his close ties to Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, Clear has been able to direct the council without serious opposition. This is most recently shown through the deliberations on the Overture Center proposal, where his 201 State ownership model seems to have the most traction. More so than any other alder, Clear can push Madison where he wants it to go.
—Todd Stevens
