Madison’s Election: 7 Shocking Secrets That Could Change Everything on April 7!

On April 7, voters in Madison will have the opportunity to influence critical local policies through elections for the Common Council and the Madison Metropolitan School District Board of Education. These elections are pivotal, as they will determine the direction on major issues such as housing, education, transportation, environmental policy, and public safety.

This election cycle is characterized by a mix of uncontested and competitive races. Seven city council races are uncontested, while there are spirited competitions in campus-area District 8 and Districts 14 and 20. For the school board, Seats 6 and 7 have incumbents facing challengers, adding an element of uncertainty and opportunity for change.

City Council Elections

In District 8, Bobby Gronert and Ellen Zhang, both sophomores at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, are vying for a seat currently held by Alder MGR Govindarajan, who has chosen not to seek re-election. Gronert's platform emphasizes affordable housing, public safety, environmental health, and a strong anti-fascism stance. He told the Cardinal, “A successful tenure for myself is one where Madison is authoring the first chapter of a socialist future.” His drive stems from feeling disrespected by the university administration, which he says motivates his determination to advocate for students and marginalized communities.

Zhang positions herself as a “student, artist and activist” and focuses on issues like tenant protections, sustainable infrastructure, and food security. “I am running because students are facing an affordability crisis and it’s critical that we address it urgently,” she expressed to the Cardinal.

In District 14, the race between Noah Lieberman and Kate Blood is heating up, with Lieberman prioritizing affordable housing, transportation equity, and environmental protections. He asserts that his policies will benefit all residents, regardless of their financial status. Conversely, Blood was motivated to run after a controversial proposal to demolish a popular restaurant in her district, emphasizing the need for community input in development projects.

District 20 presents a contest between incumbent Barbara Harrington-McKinney and challenger Islam Khilji, also known as Sammy. Harrington-McKinney, who has served on the council since 2015, is focused on public safety and equitable access to city services. She emphasizes the importance of community engagement in her role. Khilji, on the other hand, criticizes the city for not adequately engaging southside residents and aims to create a community space to discuss local issues more effectively.

To find out their specific districts, voters can visit the City of Madison website, which provides resources for understanding local electoral boundaries.

School Board Races

For the Madison Metropolitan School Board, Seats 6 and 7 are contested, with candidates running citywide rather than from specific geographic areas. Dr. Daniella Molle is challenging incumbent Blair Mosner Feltham for Seat 6. Molle, an advocate for multilingual learners, points to significant financial challenges facing the district, stating, “The district is in a serious financial predicament” due to insufficient state funding. She aims to foster collaboration among board members, district leaders, and teachers to improve conditions for both students and staff.

In contrast, Mosner Feltham, a school teacher and mother, emphasizes her experience and commitment to creating engaging, safe learning environments. She advocates for collective bargaining to improve working conditions for educators, which she believes will ultimately benefit students.

For Seat 7, Dana Colussi-Lynde is running against incumbent Nicki Vander Meulen. Colussi-Lynde, an information technology development manager, aims to implement district-wide policies addressing technology usage and engage with local legislators to support public education. Vander Meulen, a juvenile attorney, highlights her achievements in advocating for marginalized communities and improving conditions for teachers through enhanced funding.

Voting information is readily available through MyVote Wisconsin, where eligible voters can check registration status, polling places, and other essential details. Early voting starts on March 24, and election day is set for April 7, with polls operating from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Unopposed Candidates' Focus Areas

Several candidates running unopposed also reflect a commitment to housing justice and public service. Ald. William Ochowicz (District 2) is focusing on climate resilience, while Ald. Mike Verveer (District 4) prioritizes sustainable urban development and public safety initiatives. Other unopposed candidates are similarly dedicated to improving public transportation and addressing local issues ranging from environmental challenges to community safety.

This election cycle presents Madison voters with a chance to shape the future of their community through active participation in local governance. With pressing issues on the table, the decisions made on April 7 could have lasting impacts on the city’s policies and priorities.