Sorry – we gave no money. Not as sexy. Funny, we only endorsed two who got money from the Chamber of Commerce – coincidence – or clear difference of opinion of what we need for this city? Or, was it because those who got money from the Chamber didn’t bother responding to our survey? See where their priorities are – with the people who need their help (half the renters in the city), or the people who can help them with money?
With Madison’s rental vacancy rate at a very low 2.07 percent, the city needs alders who are up to the challenge of solving this housing crisis, according to the Affordable Housing Action Alliance of Madison. This local group recently endorsed the Madison Common Council and Dane County Board candidates that are most likely to fix this growing problem of not having enough rental housing for low-wage workers, disabled citizens and seniors.
“There are not enough affordable apartments for those who are looking. This fuels the problem of homelessness in our community. Yet, the only housing that is being built is the more expensive housing, and it is replacing more affordable housing,” said Marilyn Feil, AHAA member.
As of January 31 of this year, there were 831 people counted as homeless in the area, which is a 45 percent increase in the last two years. The number of people who are homeless is probably higher than this as there are some people missed in the count. Meanwhile, only a total of 1094 rental units were available in the Madison, Monona, Fitchburg, Cross Plains and Middleton areas combined.
“This low number of vacancies means the homeless are competing against many other applicants, including those who are in housing and looking to move. Also, these numbers don’t tell us if any of the vacant units are affordable for those with lower incomes,” Feil said.
AHAA endorsed the following Madison Common Council candidates:
Lisa Subeck, district 1; ($250 from Chamber)
Bryan Post ($1180 from the Chamber – 22% raised this year) and Ledell Zellers, district 2;
Barbara Davis, district 3;
Marsha Rummel, district 6;
Christian Hansen (withdrew) and Scott Resnick, district 8;
Leslie Peterson, district 12;
Damon Terrell (lost in primary) and Zach Madden, district 13;
David Ahrens, district 15;
Spencer White, district 17;
Anita Weier, district 18.The Dane County Board candidates endorsed by AHAA are CJ Terrell and Mary Kolar, district 1.
AHAA considered answers to a questionnaire and met with some of the candidates for interviews in making its endorsements.
I will finish posting the answers that were not already done (2, 13, 15) this week.
Those who did not respond to our survey:
District 1 – Philip Siguslid ($0 from Chamber)Ooops, my bad.
District 3 – Lauren Cnare ($2150 from Chamber – 25% total raised)
District 4 – Mike Verveer ($0 from Chamber, unopposed)
District 5 – Shiva Bidar-Sielaff ($400 from Chamber)
District 7 – Steve King ($100 from Chamber)
District 9 – Paul Skidmore ($1100 from Chamber) and Ricardo Cruz
District 10 – Maurice Cheeks ($200 from Chamber)
District 11 – Chris Schmidt ($150 from Chamber)
District 12 – Larry Palm ($1100 from Chamber, 15% raised) – also the person appointed by the council to work on housing and is on the Homeless Issues Committee – but still couldn’t be bothered to fill out our survey and tell us what he thinks.
District 13 – Sue Ellingson ($75 from the Chamber) – also on the CDA that runs the city’s low-income housing programs, but couldn’t be bothered to fill out our survey and tell us what she thinks.
District 14 – Tim Bruer ($2150 from the Chamber – 41% total raised) and John Strasser – cuz S. Madison has no housing issues? Bruer also serves on the CDA with Ellingson
District 16 – Denise DeMarb (unopposed)
District 17 – Joe Clausius ($900 from the Chamber, 22% total raised)
District 19 – Mark Clear ($50 from the Chamber)
District 20 – Matt Phair ($750 from the Chamber, 18% raised) and Kevin Wymore) – again, SW Madison, and no housing issues?
Honestly – I groan about a few things about AHAA’s endorsements. The first is that we endorsed Brian Post – I’m concerned he thinks the market will fix the housing problem – but I missed his interview so I didn’t argue against it, but it looks like I should have. The second is that we chose David Ahrens over Hawk Sullivan, we should have dual endorsed like we did in other races. The rest of the answers on their way in the next few days for Districts 1, 3, 6, 12, 17, 18 and county board district 1.
