Wow, this is a first! And awesome if you ask me. Often during budget time, unions work on what they need in a vacuum and community services are all scattered and its every agency for themselves. More recently, community services, supported by many religious communities, have been working together to do what is best for the community and this year, we’re joined by the unions as well! Because we know, that we all rely on each other to make this a great community . . . we’re in this together!
Madison Public Employee Unions and Community Service Organizations Cooperate on Providing Services
City of Madison Public Employee Unions and community services organizations that serve Madison and greater Dane county are formally cooperating to provide needed services for Madison residents in the most effective and efficient manner possible.
“These are difficult economic times and we want to illustrate needs of the people we serve and improve existing and develop new methods to provide services.” Dan Frei, President of the Madison Professional Police Officers Association said. “We feel there is real value in refining our already strong level of teamwork.” he continued.
These are strained economic times due to Gov. Walker’s draconian budget, passed by the Republican state legislature. The clear intent was to punish Madisonians for speaking out against the budget’s short sighted, cruel measures that place the economic liability of the state on local governments and the most vulnerable in our communities, working families and the poor. These families and the disadvantaged have no political clout and their needs are often unrecognized by many units of government.
Member citizens will be attending all of the Mayor’s Budget Conversations and we commend Mayor Solgin for establishing the opportunity for constructive discussion.
“We, police, fire, teachers, AFSCME Local 60, Building Trades, and Laborers 236, and the community services organizations depend on each other to assist those in need. When we help seniors, children, the disabled, those displaced and others we must do the best job we can.” John Matthews, Executive Director of Madison Teachers Incorporated stated.
Brenda Konkel of United for Funding an association of community service organizations explained, “It grows increasingly difficult to provide the services that are needed in our community and it is essential to work with front line city employees to find every efficiency and get creative.”
Joe Conway Jr., President, International Association of Firefighters Local 311 explained “Our overall goal is to improve the quality of life for citizens of Madison in a very challenging time.”
Yup, you read that right, Police and Konkel together! 🙂 Imagine that.
Seriously, non-profits do a lot of community work that the city cannot, and we work together all the time. Tenant Resource Center and Building Inspectors, Rainbow Project and police, Rape Crisis Center and Domestic Abuse intervention Services and EMS/Fire and police, Neighborhood Centers and teachers, seniors and disabled folks rely on Madison Metro to get to services, etc, etc, etc. etc. etc. etc. And our community depends upon that work. It’s part of what makes our community strong.
Hope to see you tonight at the Urban League for the first community conversation about the budget. Meeting is 7 – 9 at 2222 S. Park St. Some people have asked me for talking points, but I don’t have any for you. What we need is you to come ready to talk about your values. What is important to you. I can’t tell you if senior services or childcare is more important to you. I can’t tell you if the Overture or Parks is more important to you. To me, its all high priority and we just need more money. The city can raise my taxes more than 3% because if they don’t, we will all pay more in the long run.
And hey, if you haven’t taken the survey yet . . . um, set aside some time and take a whack at it . . . http://www.cityofmadison.com/budgetProcess/survey.cfm I’m not sure how it will be used, and I think it needs refinement in the future . . . but I think its worth taking anyways.
