Downtowners will smugly suggest that they live in the most dynamic part of Madison, but the city's Ninth District could just as easily stake a claim for that distinction.
Encompassing much of the West Towne area, including the relatively new developments along Junction Rd., Watts Rd. and High Point Rd., the ninth has been represented for six years by Paul Skidmore, who is challenged by Larry Pasha.
Pasha is a 56-year old retired police officer who has lived in the district for 17 years. He has served on the Public Safety Review Board, Sensitive Crime Commission and Dane County Emergency Management-Citizen Corps Council. He holds a degree in Political Science and Public Administration and has studied Education Administration in graduate school.
Skidmore is a 54-year old Landscape Architect for Barnes, Inc. who has served on the city's Park Commission, Public Safety Review Board, Commission on People with Disabilities, Pedestrian Bicycle Motor Vehicle Commission, Library Board, Community Development Authority, and the Economic Development Commission. He holds a B.S. in Landscape Architecture from the UW-Madison.
The Daily Page conducted an email Q&A with the candidates, asking them for responses to six basic questions and eight quick-fire responses to simple choices. Their responses follow.
Larry Pasha
The Daily Page: Please identify what you consider to be the most important issue in your district and what you are going to do about it?
Pasha: There are many important issues facing the Ninth District, such as traffic congestion, public safety and managing growth. But the most important issue facing the district is the need for a proactive alder representing the district. If the district was more engaged through its elected representative many of these issues could be better addressed.
What's one thing the city can do to address criticisms of its business climate?
The city can be more proactive in helping small businesses, and should engage more with the business community. Reorganizing the Planning department may be the biggest help. But we need to focus on workforce development. We have a well trained skilled workforce, but we need to focus on jobs for the unemployed and underemployed that pay a living wage.
Two wheels, four wheels and rails. Where should the city go?
We should explore all options that can help reduce congestion. I don't support the streetcar proposal, but light/commuter rail may have a place in Madison and Dane County.
We need to rethink Madison Metro so it can be more efficient, particularly in getting people from Madison's far Westside and around town in a reasonable amount of time.
We also need to look at how we can reduce traffic congestion, especially on Junction and Mineral Point Roads.
What one thing can the city do that it's not currently doing to increase the availability of affordable housing?
Hopefully, the IZ working group can make the changes necessary to make the program successful. But we really need to make a serious commitment to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to help with the major obstacles to affordable housing and home ownership, including down payment assistance and renters' assistance.
List three things you think the city should spend less money on, and three things on which it should spend more.
More
Public safety - we need more officers on the street to protect our homes.
Transportation - we need to make Metro more efficient, and develop traffic congestion strategies.
Affordable Housing - we need to make a serious commitment to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
Less
Trolleys, current traffic calming methods (complaints are rising) and Halloween.
Do you foresee a situation where you might vote contrary to the express wishes of your constituents?
Absolutely not. I plan to better engage the district to better represent the district.
Name the thing you like least about Madison.
Rush hour traffic.
Who is your favorite ex-mayor?
Paul Soglin.
Do you think that rates for parking tickets are too high or too low?
I think we need to increase the amount of parking before we increase the amount of fines.
How often do you take Metro?
Not often, as I'm the Metro for my 7 year old grandson.
Wisconsin State Journal or The Capital Times?
Both, that's just how I am!
Madison Mallards or Mad Rollin' Dolls?
The Mallards, I could probably play with them and get hurt!
Would you rather spend Halloween with the crowds or cops?
As a former cop, I would rather spend Halloween with my grandson.
Name the most botched public issue in town.
My opponents attempt to spend even more taxpayer money on trolleys by putting it to referendum even though everybody knows nobody wants it.
Paul Skidmore
Please identify what you consider to be the most important issue in your district and what you are going to do about it?
Public safety is the most important issue in the 9th district. I will support and sponsor efforts to add more police officers and enact reasonable public safety ordinances. I will support the construction the proposed fire station #12 on the west side. I will support adding an eighth ambulance to the fleet.
What's one thing the city can do to address criticisms of its business climate?
We can improve the business climate in the City while not compromising our neighborhood plans and planning standards by adopting a one-stop permitting process for developers. This will streamline the permitting process, provide predictability, and reduce the cost of development.
Two wheels, four wheels and rails. Where should the city go?B The City should endorse a multi-modal regional transportation system that includes pedestrian/bicycle trails and sidewalks, an efficient and well maintained street system, an efficient Metro (bus) system, and some type of rail system (commuter or light) to move people from peripheral areas of the City and outlying areas to the downtown and throughout the City.
What one thing can the city do that it's not currently doing to increase the availability of affordable housing?
Adopt an ordinance to facilitate the conversion of apartments to affordable condominiums.
List three things you think the city should spend less money on, and three things on which it should spend more.
In times of tight budgets the City should spend less money on programs that are not essential or public services (Sister City program, Planning Councils, or mowing non-essential City owned properties). I think that the City should spend more money on essential and public services (hire more police officers, firefighters, and paramedics; improve our streets and trails; and improve our public water infrastructure.
Do you foresee a situation where you might vote contrary to the express wishes of your constituents?
It is difficulat for me to foresee myself voting against the express wishes of my constituents. I listen carefully to what they want and need and generally support them.
Name the thing you like least about Madison.
Our anti-business reputation and the anti-business attitudes of some public officials.
Who is your favorite ex-mayor?
Paul Soglin.
Do you think that rates for parking tickets are too high or too low?
I think that our parking ticket rates are about right.
How often do you take Metro?
I ride the metro system infrequently, ususally a couple times a year.
Wisconsin State Journal or The Capital Times?
I read the Wisconsin State Journal, the Capital Times, and the Isthmus.
Madison Mallards or Mad Rollin' Dolls?
I enjoy watching the Madison Mallards.
Would you rather spend Halloween with the crowds or cops?
I typically participate in walk-alongs with the police on State Street on Halloween.
Name the most botched public issue in town.
The process we are using evaluate a public trolley as mass transit.
