Ald. Lauren Cnare won't run for Madison Common Council president, leaving Ald. Mark Clear the only declared candidate.
But lobbying continues behind the scenes. Alders dissatisfied with the current leadership are looking for someone to challenge Clear, who has been president pro tem for two years under President Tim Bruer.
"Mark has run on a platform over two years that he has said he would do certain things, principally communicate with other members of council, that he has failed miserably at," says Ald. Larry Palm, who is considering running if no one else challenges Clear.
Cnare says she decided to run for pro tem instead because she didn't have enough support. "I don't want to cause a big rift in the center of the council," she says. "I know there are preferences forming. And they have to do with little things, like did you vote with me enough."