Posted by Ronald Hardy at Green Party Watch
Madison’s so called “progressive” Mayor Dave Cieslewicz has had his issues with popular Common Councilor Brenda Konkel, and this year he sought to recruit a candidate to run against her. Brenda Konkel is involved with both the Green Party and the local party Progressive Dane. Konkel, who has run unopposed for the last two terms, faces four challengers and a February 17 primary. From the Wisconsin State Journal:
“I’ve been somewhat disappointed with Brenda and her approach to issues,” Cieslewicz said. “I’m just looking for some different leadership there.”
The mayor, Konkel said, got active in her district because she stands up on issues and demands transparency when the system is designed to cut deals behind the scenes.
“He felt because I bring things up at the council, I blindside him,” said Konkel, a leader in the leftist political party Progressive Dane who has focused on housing and social justice issues. “He’s a nice guy but he’s cutthroat when it comes to politics. I guess I’m in his way.”
But Cieslewicz might have been able to stay away.
The mayor said he didn’t recruit any of the candidates who emerged to face Konkel — Dennis Denure, Sherman Hackbarth, Bridget Maniaci, a former Cieslewicz intern, and Adam Walsh.
“There are four challengers,” the mayor said. “It indicates the level of dissatisfaction in her district with her leadership.”
Cieslewicz, who faces re-election in 2011, said he might endorse one of the four or candidates in other races.
City Council President Tim Bruer, who said he advised the Cieslewicz administration against becoming involved in races, said the mayor’s actions are the exception but not without precedent.
Konkel welcomed the challenge.
“It’s good for democracy,” she said. “We should have four people running in every race throughout the city.”
Brenda Konkel is considered the favorite to win this race.
Interesting article mentioning Brenda Konkel:
Fund-raiser For Kesterson And Depula’s Legal Fees Is Questioned
Wisconsin State Journal :: LOCAL/WISCONSIN :: B3
Wednesday, March 9, 2005
Gena Kittner Wisconsin State Journal
A fund-raiser tonight to help pay legal costs incurred by Dane County Board Chairman Kevin Kesterson and former board member Patrick DePula has been questioned by two local officials.
Rolf Lindgren, press secretary of the Dane County Libertarian Party, sent an e-mail inviting people to the Kimia Lounge for the “free speech fundraiser,” to help raise the thousands of dollars in legal fees owed by Kesterson and DePula after an alleged e-mail smear campaign against County Board Sup. Don Eggert, Madison.
The e-mail invitation reads: “Satire is Not a Crime … But apparantly (sic) making fun of an Elected Official is.” It goes on to say, “Contributions in any amount will be greatly appreciated. 100% will go to help defray over $30,000 in legal fees” and invites people to send checks.
….
Along with the Libertarian Party’s Lindgren, Madison City Council President Brenda Konkel and others were listed party sponsors.
THE REST:
http://www.madison.com/archives/read.php?ref=/wsj/2005/03/09/0503090010.php
I think he’s saying… all in all you’re just another dick with no balls [echo]..balls..balls lol
Wow, Paulie. That song is awesome! I’m going to illegally download this song and burn it onto a cd compilation of my favorite songs of alltime. Thanks!
Sounds good, mdh.
How about just one Libertarian running unopposed in every race throughout the city? 🙂
How is democracy a good thing, Stevie?
Konkel welcomed the challenge.
“It’s good for democracy,” she said. “We should have four people running in every race throughout the city.”
Pure class.
PEACE
They are two useful idiots of the state.
Madison Mayor Cieslewicz: Statement re: Stuart Seffern
1/2/2009
Contact: Janet Piraino, (608) 266-4611
Madison – Mayor Dave Cieslewicz made the following statement today regarding the passing of longtime city activist Stuart Seffern:
“I was very sorry to learn of Stuart’s untimely death in a plane crash. While we didn’t always agree, Stuart was a tireless advocate for his south side community. He committed a tremendous amount of time and energy to the betterment of his neighborhood, and his strong voice will be missed.”
http://www.wispolitics.com/index.iml?Article=144640