It is a question I get asked daily these days . . .

A month ago, my answer was different. I was leaning pretty strongly against, but I was still toying with the idea.

Today, its a definite maybe. People are asking me to do it every where I go. And I feel an incredible sense of responsibility to seriously consider it due to their pleas which vary depending upon who I am talking to. On the one hand, it sounds completely crazy. On the other hand, if you look into the eyes of the people of this City, its hard to say no. There are so many important issues that they, and I, care so much about that are being ignored and mangled. And people seem desperate to have a local government they can believe in. For many, its not about the issue that got them involved in the first place and they care passionately about, but instead, what has happened to the processes of our local government. A yearning for a return to something that resembles the democracy and the participatory government we all thought we had here in Madison. I think people want a sense that our local government is fair and not manipulated and that it represents a broad range of interests that have a chance of being heard and considered.

The problem for me is . . . people are also begging me to run for alder. Not just district two residents who feel unrepresented and uninformed, but people from all over the city who tell me the city needs me back. They tell me that I am missed on the council, and that they need someone there asking the questions I once asked.

And then, there are others, that are concerned about the role I play in keeping people informed about city (and county and some school) government here on this blog and with WYOU and WORT. If I run for office, who will take over that vital role?

It’s a lot to think about. And thinking, I am . . . all input welcome. At the moment, it seems to be a three-way tie as to what people think I should do. So, I’m just torn and it all remains a serious possibility. Stay tuned.