With Thursday marking the first anniversary of his third term in office, Mayor Paul Soglin reflected on the challenges Madison has faced and its direction for the future.
Soglin, who served two terms from 1973 to 1979 and from 1989-1997, said stabilizing the city’s budget has been his most important priority this term.
In the 2012 city Operating Budget, the mayor cut the previously promised $2 million for the Overture Center to $1.85 million. He also reduced funding for the Edgewater Hotel project from $16 million to $3.3 million, which proved controversial.
“There’s a number of us that always believe that the arts are as much a part of urban life as basic services,” Soglin said. “Unfortunately, when priorities had to be made, it was necessary to reduce the rather significant city commitment.”
The mayor also dealt with the a violent Mifflin Street Block Party, which included high levels of public intoxication and arrests in addition to two stabbings.
This year, Soglin included Associated Students of Madison representatives and public health and safety officials in conversations regarding changes to make Mifflin safer. While students wanted vendors at the event, city officials decided against it because of safety concerns.
“Paul genuinely, sincerely was seeking [ASM’s] input, but frankly, the loudest voices were the public safety professionals,” said Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4.
The mayor said he will not make any decisions on future block parties until he sees the outcome of Mifflin 2012.
Soglin also said reaffirming the city’s commitment to improving neighborhoods was an important goal.
One way the mayor is working to improve struggling Madison neighborhoods is by the creation of the Neighborhood Resource Teams, which links city services like the fire department with specific areas.
Ald. Lisa Subeck, District 1, said the mayor “is making some good efforts,” but said the city an do more to help struggling neighborhoods.
Dispite this criticism, Soglin said his program will benefit Madison.
“It’s a significant realignment in city resources, but it’s going to pay off in much stronger neighborhoods,” said Soglin.
