UW-Madison College Democrats Blog Feed

Herald article about state panel

2009-03-11T18:08:00.003-05:00

Democrats answer to students

Assembly representatives field questions regarding budget shortfall, education, Obama

by Jessica Slicer

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Democratic state representatives addressed concerns of University of Wisconsin students Tuesday in a Q-and-A forum, emphasizing their optimism in the progress the country will make under President Barack Obama.

Hosted by College Democrats, the forum provided UW students the opportunity to discuss the direction of the UW budget and what changes will be made with democrats taking over the Assembly majority.

Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan, D-Janesville, said the UW System would continue to be one of the top priorities in the budget so students will continue to receive the best education they can as problems are addressed in legislation.

Rep. Peter Barca, D-Kenosha, added there are funds set aside specifically for the UW System, and members of the Legislature are looking for options to balance the budget.

“One of the things we are looking to do is to put more money in so middle-class students get a hold on tuition and are qualified for more grants,” Barca said.

More>>

Daily Cardinal story about state panel

2009-03-11T18:00:00.002-05:00

Lawmakers promote civic engagement

By: Grace Kim/ The Daily Cardinal - March 11, 2009

The College Democrats of Madison hosted a panel with members of the state Assembly to discuss local issues and expected legislation.

Students were encouraged to discuss local issues with Wisconsin state lawmakers at the College Democrats of Madison annual state panel held Tuesday.

The panel was composed of members of the state assembly ,including Assistant Majority Leader Donna Seidel, D-Wausau, Chair of the Corrections and Courts Committee Rep. Joseph Parisi, D-Madison, Rep. Peter Barca, D-Kenosha, Rep. Mike Sheridan, D-Janesville and Assembly Majority Leader Tom Nelson, D-Kaukauna.

The assembly members focused on the future of Wisconsin legislation before giving students an opportunity to ask the panel questions.

Sheridan promised UW-Madison will continue to focus on quality education despite the economic crisis and the loss of several professors and researchers.
Increasing the number of women leaders in politics was a key issue Seidel hopes to focus on this year.

More>>

Upcoming Events: College Democrats State Panel

2009-03-09T16:37:00.002-05:00

Prominent Wisconsin leaders to participate in College Democrats panel

College Democrats of Madison sponsor event to encourage student involvement in local and state politics

MADISON, Wis. — The College Democrats of Madison is hosting a state panel to educate students about the critical issues facing Wisconsin, the role of the state legislature and how state government directly affects young people.

The panel will feature prominent members of the state assembly including Speaker Rep. Mike Sheridan (D-Janesville), Assistant Majority Leader Rep. Donna Seidel (D-Wausau), Democratic Caucus Leader Rep. Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) and Chair of the Corrections and Courts Committee Rep. Joe Parisi (D-Madison).

Current and future legislation will be the topic of conversation, and the representatives will discuss how public policy translates into real change. The legislators will also advise students on how to remain involved in the political system after a high profile presidential campaign.

“Decisions in state government have a real effect on UW students,” said Chair of College Democrats Claire Rydell. “Our state panel provides an opportunity for students to learn about their state government and engage in a dialogue with prominent state leaders about education, health care and tax policy.”

Details of the event are as follows:

WHAT: College Democrats of Madison State Panel

WHEN: Tuesday March 10, 2009

7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

WHERE: Tripp Commons, Memorial Union

800 Langdon St

Madison, WI 53706

###

In Adhevo Veritas

2009-03-07T12:45:00.007-06:00

There's an old saying, "in vino veritas" - in wine, there is truth. I believe in the saying, "in adhevo veritas." In comedy, there is truth. This past Friday, Bill Maher issued a new rule entitled "Boy Blunder," discussing the ridiculousness of Republicans attacking "big government." I've copied the routine below for all to enjoy and think about.

Republicans must stop pitting the American people against the government. Now last week we heard a speech from future Republican leader and present awkward douchebag Bobby Jindal. Now, Bobby said that government is lame, but Americans can do anything. And he kept repeating it. Americans can do anything. Americans can do anything. And then he clicked his heels and poof- there was just a cobra! I kid, Bobby, oh please! He's actually quite charming in a Revenge-of-the-Nerds sort of way. And he began his speech last week with a story every immigrant tells about going to an American grocery store for the first time and being overwhelmed with the endless variety on the shelves. And this was just a 7-11, wait 'til he sees a Safeway! (You're wounded, I know. I'll make it up to you after the show).

The thing is that endless variety only exists because Americans pay taxes to a government, which maintains roads, irrigates fields, maintains the electric grid, and everything else that enables the modern American supermarket to carry forty-seven varieties of frozen breakfast pastry. Of course it's easy to tear government down. Ronald Reagan used to say the nine most terrifying words in the English language were, "I am from the government and I'm here to help." But that was before, "I am Sarah Palin, now show me the launch codes."

You know the stimulus package was attacked as typical "tax-and-spend." You know, like repairing bridges is typical left-wing stuff. "Ooh, there the liberals go again, always wanting to get across the river!" Folks, the People are the government. The first responders to a fire, that's the government. The ranger who shoos pedophiles out of the park restroom, that's the government. The postman who delivers your porn. I mean, how stupid is it when people say, "Oh yeah, that's all we need- the federal government telling Detroit how to make cars and Wells Fargo how to run a bank. You want them to look like the post office?"

Yeah, actually. I mean...You mean the place that takes the note in my hand in L.A. on Monday and gives it to my sister in New Jersey on Wednesday for forty-two cents? Well let me be the first to say I would be thrilled if America's healthcare system was anywhere near as functional as the post office. Truth is, recent years have made me much more wary of government doing the opposite, of stepping aside and letting unregulated private enterprise run things it is plainly too greedy to trust with, like Wall Street, like rebuilding Iraq. Like the way Republicans always frame the healthcare debate by saying, "healthcare decisions should be made by doctors and patients, not government bureaucrats," leaving out the fact that health decisions aren't made by doctors, patients, or bureaucrats. They're made by insurance companies. Insurance companies, which are a lot like hospital gowns- chances are, your ass isn't covered.

All right, thank you folks.

Stimulus plan benefits collegiate ambitions

2009-02-26T14:39:00.000-06:00

College Democrats highly encourage college students to take advantage of the extra funds the stimulus plan provides for College programs.

By Paul Axel

College Democrats

The recent passage and signature into law of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 signifies a movement in the right direction for our nation. Our country is taking the first step to rebuild our economy, revitalize our financial system and restore faith in the American promise. Although the ARRA’s passing took place with much struggle between Democrats and Republicans, with the law now in effect, it is our responsibility as American citizens, and as the next generation of political leaders, to make the most of the stimulus act.

As students, we have a special place in ARRA. Although national politics does not always directly effect students on the UW-Madison campus, the ARRA will have a direct and positive impact on UW students, especially those from lower-income families. ARRA will provide monetary resources for students pursuing any field of study by increasing the maximum Pell Grant by $500. Furthermore, it will provide an additional $100 million to higher education.

Agriculture students will benefit from over $200 million for infrastructure, grants and programs. Ecology majors will be pleased to learn over $1.6 billion will be spent on a range of ecological programs, including the Forest Service, the National Park System and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife program. The National Science Foundation will receive $2.5 billion for research and related activities, $200 million of which goes directly to modernize academic facilities and an additional $500 million for research equipment and educational resources. History majors like me should be giddy over the $15 million going toward the National Park Service historic preservation fund and $25 million toward Smithsonian facilities.

Perhaps the real winners are engineering students, who will see hundreds of billions of dollars going toward construction in all departments, including energy research, geological surveys, health-care updates and research funding. Civil, electrical, biomedical, mechanical and other engineers will find an almost inconceivable bevy of projects and opportunities in the coming years, as America works to revamp its infrastructure and revitalize the economy.

Despite the grave situation and difficult economic times in which we find ourselves, we students must adopt a proactive approach if we are to take full advantage of the stimulus package. We need to talk to our professors, our employers and our state representatives and tell them our ideas. If the past presidential election has taught us anything, it is that young people and students must become involved on more than simply a cursory level and that real engagement begins—not ends—in the voting booth.

The stimulus package is not so much a tool to stimulate the economy, but a catalyst, a means of inspiration, for propelling the American people into taking action and making our country better. The time for waiting for someone else to do it is over. We have to be the change we seek. Come check out the College Democrats’ Facebook group or attend a meeting and learn how to become more involved in your local community.

Upcoming Events: West Wing night

2009-02-25T12:37:00.003-06:00

This Thursday (tomorrow) we are having a membership meeting and West Wing night!
Come eat pizza, watch some West Wing, and socialize with fellow College Dems. There will also be trivia and prizes, so if you need a study break come on out!

The meeting is at 7 p.m. 1121 Humanities. Check out the Facebook event here.

VOTE YES on the ASM Consitution!!

2009-02-23T09:26:00.001-06:00

As the College Democrats of Madison have unanimously endorsed the new ASM Constitution we strongly encourage you to VOTE YES! The vote is being held Monday Feb. 23 and Tuesday Feb. 24, you can vote online at https://asm.uwsc.wisc.edu/election/election.php

District 8 Results

2009-02-17T20:14:00.005-06:00

Preliminary Results

Memorial Union - Eagon wins
Schmidt - 4
Woulf - 10
Flores - 19
Eagon - 30

Gordon Commons - Eagon wins
Schimdt - 13
Flores - 37
Woulf - 83
Eagon - 140

Memorial Library - Eagon wins
Schmidt - 8
Woulf - 4
Flores - 44
Eagon - 65

Porchlight - Eagon wins
Schmidt - 13
Woulf - 20
Flores - 10
Eagon - 28

Final Total
Schmidt - 38
Flores - 110
Woulf - 117
Eagon - 263

Eagon wins! Woulf takes second! On to the general!

Cardinal column about city council endorsements

2009-02-12T20:42:00.002-06:00

Our column in the Cardinal this week was about the Madison spring elections and our endorsements.

District races demand student participation

By: Andrew Voss /The Daily Cardinal - February 12, 2009

College Democrats encourage all students to be informed on the city council races

By Andrew Voss College Democrats

The population of the city of Madison is just under 230,000 people, and students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison make up almost a fifth of that number. Students make up a sizable portion of Madison’s population and account for much of the city’s energy. Yet, the Madison Common Council has only one student out of 20 total members, when four or five districts are arguably heavily populated by students. In the future, we could see four or even five students sitting on the city council. However, right now we have three contested races in the student districts on which to focus our attention.

More>>

Herald story about endorsements

2009-02-11T11:50:00.003-06:00

The Badger Herald covered our endorsement meeting last night.

College Dems endorse Eagon, Arendsen, wait on Dist. 2

Former Students For Obama officer gets nod in District 8 race

by Matt Weingarten

The University of Wisconsin College Democrats voted to endorse District 8 Aldermanic candidate Bryon Eagon and District 5 Aldermanic candidate Hamilton Arendsen Tuesday night.

More>>

College Democrats endorse candidates for Madison common council

2009-02-11T11:49:00.002-06:00

For Immediate Release

Feb. 10, 2009

Contact: Lavilla Capener

Communications Director, College Democrats of Madison

Lavilla.capener@wiscollegedems.org

College Democrats of Madison endorse candidates for Madison city council

College Democrats endorse candidates in District 5 and 8

MADISON, Wis. — The College Democrats of Madison endorsed Hamilton Arendsen for Alder in Madison's District 5 and Bryon Eagon for Alder in Madison's District 8. The College Democrats voted to endorse both candidates at the membership meeting tonight, where all candidates had an opportunity to speak and take questions from the audience.

"We feel Hamilton and Bryon will better represent student interests, and they will both be advocates for students on the Madison city council," said Chair of College Democrats Claire Rydell.

The primary for Madison city council races is February 17, 2009, and the general election is April 7, 2009.

###

Herald also covered city panel

2009-02-09T13:58:00.000-06:00

Discussing student rights

Dane County officials tell group how laws protect their interests

by Julie Strupp

A group of Dane County officials told about 30 students the importance of students’ rights and what they’re doing to improve them at a panel sponsored by University of Wisconsin College Democrats Friday night.

More>>

More press

2009-02-09T11:50:00.001-06:00

The Daily Cardinal wrote a story about our city panel:

College Dems, city officials join forces to push local politics

By: Anna Discher /The Daily Cardinal - February 9, 2009

The College Democrats of UW-Madison joined forces with city officials to call student attention to local politics at Friday night's city panel.

The College Democrats of Madison hosted a city panel Friday night to encourage student involvement in local politics while discussing issues surrounding the city of Madison.

The panel featured District 8 Ald. Eli Judge, District 4 Ald. Mike Verveer, Madison School Board President Arlene Silveira and Dane County Board Supervisor Wyndham Manning. The city officials hoped to call more student attention to local politics by attending the city panel and explaining their respective offices.

More>>

Final Thoughts on the District 8 Debate

2009-02-08T21:36:00.001-06:00

All in all I would say this was a more or less entertaining debate but it was little light on substance. It is never easy with four candidates and a short amount of time to answer questions. A ranking of the winners... Eagon, Flores, Woulf, and then Schmidt.

Schmidt was vague on many of his responses and puts too much emphasis on students stepping up. We would all love to see students march to city hall and kick down the doors but it is just not going to happen. Whoever wins this race will have to work tirelessly to reach students. It can be done but it will not happen on its own.

Woulf needed to really move beyond his bread and butter issues. While he holds admirable positions it is not clear(after this debate) whether he has the depth of city council knowledge necessary to really get things done in office.

Flores was strong but she could have used more substance and specifics. She has great organizing skills and would certainly bring those with her to the council. She seems as if she would be an enthusiastic alderwoman who would work hard. If she would have included more specifics this debate would have been very close.

Eagon was the clear winner with the most specific policy plans and the strongest answers across the board. He distinguished himself from the other candidates on several questions(see live blog) and demonstrated a strong grasp of what the job entails. Will this help him win? Probably not but it can hardly hurt.

We are just about a week away from the primary so I am sure we can expect to hear a lot more from all four of the candidates in the next few days.

District 8 Debate Live Blog!

2009-02-08T18:54:00.024-06:00

Final thoughts from me later tonight...

8:32 Closing Statements
Schmidt: Running because he wants to provide fair, non-partisan representation to support student opinion.
Woulf: Deserves position because he has the most specific plans.
Eagon: Running because he is passionate about the issues and students. Check out website for very specific plans, more than just a paragraph per issue. Pragmatic. Accountable. Wants to serve.
Flores: Visionary, wants to serve, has the experience to get people involved at the ground level.

8:29 What would you never cut funding for/what is most effective?
Flores: Safety programs. Need to support what has already been passed and work on a comprehensive approach.
Schmidt: The vital institutions must stay - police, fire, roads, etc.
Woulf: Safety is number one but we don't need to keep hiring more offers, no more funding for this. Increase environmental funding.
Eagon: Safety and Environment but specifically, but do not cut funding for office of community services. Important on many different issues. Hires people to work in the community with residents on a variety of issues. (Great answer from Eagon)

8:25 If you could accomplish one thing?
Eagon: Raise profile of position for students. Policy - enacting certain implements of the safety plan. Give students a stronger voice.
Flores: Get students to think of themselves as part of the larger Madison community. Use voices to work for all Madison's needs(Good answer from Flores on this).
Schmidt: Safety, wants crime rates down under his watch. Show city what students are capable, play a role in uniting students.
Woulf: Make the streets of Madison safer. Broaden definition of entertainment, allow underage population into bars.

8:20 How will you deal with budget?
Woulf: Need to draw out certain priorities and find money for those projects. Green projects can bring in federal funding but can't rely on this. Need to take a serious look at what is too expensive.
Eagon: Look at priorities and be pragmatic. How to fund? Partnering with private groups for important policies when it works. Look for spending reductions in certain areas, bar raids. Work with fed stimulus to plan whenever possible.
Flores: Look at fed and other grants. Also partner with people outside of government. People to be able to get to their jobs, take of people, low bus fares important.
Schmidt: Basic services need to come first. Need to be a little selfish for the district. Students utilize a limtied number of services(good luck with that). Look for economic development.

8:15 Protest Oath, would you have taken it?
Schmidt: Would do the same as Eli. Need to respect that there are laws above you. Certain things that you can't make your main issues. Eli showed his number once concern was D8, not his own personal feelings.
Woulf: Not quite sure what he answered here...
Eagon: Would do the same as Eli. Will fight the ban but need to avoid the slippery of changing oaths.
Flores: Was a pragmatic ok choice but it showed he took his role as councilman seriously.

8:09 Should Council take position on national and international issues?
Flores: Yes, when the community feels it is important they should. Even when it is just symbolic it can still send a message that people care.
Schmidt: City council members are seen as people's first line of communication on any issue. Constituents should be able to call them about anything.
Woulf: Absolutely necessary for council to take a stand on these issues. Direct reflection of constituents and Madison as a whole. It is a capitol city.
Eagon: No, that is not their role. Prioritize the local issues they can affect. Be pragmatic and realistic(well played break here).
Schmidt: No, I actually stand with Eagon on this, just talk to people, no resolutions.
Flores: It is worth it even though it is just symbolic.
Eagon: Don't just need to go along with small vocal constituency. Don't waste city time and resources.
Woulf: If these issues are more important to constituents, city needs to make passing resolution a priority.

8:05 Homelessness
Eagon: Small group of people cause most of the problems. Work with neighborhood resource teams, create more. State Street specific team.
Flores: Look at how city deals with it. Raids on game days, etc. Treat drug and alcohol abuse as a disease rather than criminalizing, Need more men's shelters.
Schmidt: Tough problem because city needs to look at the root of it, not just a "band-aid" on it. More men's shelters.
Woulf: Look at the repeat offenders. City is spending a lot of money of the same group of people. Need to pick out the problem individuals first. Reach out to them.

8:00 Lakes
Woulf: Increase funding for street cleaning to decrease runoff into the lakes. Coal plant runoff.
Eagon: Involves many different players. Street cleaning important but need to partner with other groups. What is the root cause of the problem? Manure runoff, partner with the county to purchase biodigestors.
Flores: City needs to try to do all it can. Work with the county board. Environmental impact statements.
Schmidt: Do what we can to minimize the city runoff. Partner with county and state to work on manure runoff. Needs to be a widespread effort, not just lakefront property owners.

7:56 Overture Center
Schmidt: Tough issue, times are tough, other things more important.
Woulf: What are the priorities?
Seriously, do we really want an empty theater? Let's get some substance candidates!
Eagon: High debt... City cannot afford to take it on. City can pursue private fundraising but city should not take it on.
Flores: Built with one large donation, not community, that is the problem. Did not open it's doors to the public enough.
Poor answers...

7:51 Judge? Thoughts?
Flores: He has been effective. Long history of effect D8 alders. Lighting initiative, rate my landlord. Lighting Initiative not comprehensive(Not sure Eli ever said it was...).
Schmidt: Rate my landlord, photo ordinance, change culture of student involvement, raise student knowledge of city issues.
Woulf: Eli has had strong leadership on the issues he found important. Lighting initiative is good but need more.
Eagon: Raised profile of the alder position. Well known to students. Student alder to people even outside the 8th. Accountability and student focus has been great, build on that. Continue student focus but revise policies that can be improved.

7:46 Economy
Eagon: Job creation. City should work with university and MATC to coordinate jobs with students. Work with mayor to prioritize spending that creates jobs. Green jobs.
Flores: Focus on low-income members of the community when looking at development. Do not leave them behind.
Schmidt: Attract a more diverse group of business to bring in more diversity for jobs. Look at zoning laws. Need more than bars and restaurants.
Woulf: Find ways to bring people downtown to spend money. Start green projects, reduce coal dependency. Look for federal funding.

7:42 Transportation
Woulf: Opposed to bus fair increase. Busing important to D8, increase metro funding.
Eagon: Busing, keep free bus passes. Work with gov't for more hybrids. Also opposed to fair increase, spoke at meeting. Bikes - reach platinum city bike status, reduce congestion. Rail - commuter and high speed, maybe... test with express lines first.
Flores: We pay for passes with seg fees. Also a strong bike supporter but it snows! Plows need to work on bike paths. Keep bus fairs down. Rail - need grassroots organizing again.
Schmidt: Buses are not the most vital. Need to focus on maiting sidewalks and bike paths. Expand bike paths to reach all outlying areas. Also opposed to bus fair increases.

7:38 Keeping Students Involved
Schmidt: Follow in Eli's footsteps. Lived through most of the issues already. Blog and internet availability.
Woulf: Continue Eli's alder hours. Internet - email, facebook. Direct contact with students.
Eagon: Pitches his website again. Contract to students. Pledge to students about working for them on the council. Alder hours, listening sessions, meeting with student groups, reach to students where they are, house calls, internet.
Flores: Monthly State of District 8. One ward per week per month. Each ward has different concerns, get out the door and get to them.

7:31 Landlords/Tenant Rights
Flores: Important for students and the wider community. Tenants need more protection, students and low-income. Support the tenant resource center. Provide with resources and look at creative ways to work with them. Tenant bill or rights needs to be posted in apartments.
Schmidt: Problem comes from a lack of student knowledge.
Woulf: Increased funding for tenant education.
Eagon: Supports Eli's rate my landlord. Tenants need to get more money back from security deposit. Need building inspector ratings.

7:26 Alcohol
Eagon: Repeal Acohol Density Plan but keep some of the merits. Use a cases by case basis and put the power with the review committee. No blanket ban.
Flores: Grassroots organizing. Students need to get involved and get behind the issue.
Schmidt: Need a case by case basis. Certain bars are bad and give the rest a bad name. Do not punish all of them. Students need to get more involved.
Woulf: Problem with plan is that it takes away business from downtown. Broaden entertainment licenses.

7:21 Bar Raids
Woulf: Wipe them out. Waste of police resources, not going to stop underage drinking.
Eagon: Council does not regulate police tactics. Again pushing reform of Downtown Safety Initiative, remove funding for mobile ID scanners.
Flores: There is not an excessive amount of bar raids. But police need to work where crime happens, out in the streets, outside of bars. Work with bars to promote performing bars so underage people can attend.
Schmidt: Work on decreasing bar raids. Students can sand up and show police they need neighborhood patrols.
Woulf rebuttal: No direct power for council but they do have power lobby police and start a conversation. Problem is not with mobile scanners, it is with the raids.

7:16 Safety
Schmidt: Safety starts at the home. SO to Judge on the lighting initiative.
Woulf: Key is enforcement out on the streets. Citywide issue. Open up bars to 18, 19, 20 year old crowd. Officers out of bars and into the streets.
Eagon: Immediate vs. long-term. Immediate - bar raids, look at Downtown Safety Initiative, community based policing. Go after habitual offenders. Long-term - poverty, homelessness, alcohol treatment.
Flores: More performing arts at bars. Expanding blue light phones, add to Langdon area. Agrees with Eagon on looking at causes of crime. Need open and clear communication with police. Where is the most crime happening? Work with police as a council and as a community.

7:14 Bryon Eagon. Work on student council and trip abroad to Kenya. Work on Obama campaign for the last year and a half. Will bring his passion and energy to the city level. Wants students to be engaged in the political process at the city level.

7:12: Mark Woulf. Most important experience and qualification is that he is a student. Work on alcohol and drug committees. Worried about priorities of law enforcement. Environmental focus and tenants rights will also be key.

7:10 Jacob Schmidt is next. Interned for a State Rep. and really saw the power of the people with change coming from the ground up. Can change people's lives at the city level. Economics background shapes his approach to the issues.

7:07 Katrina Flores has the first introduction. Why should students care? Change(Barack Obama SO) really comes from people on the ground. Students should see themselves a part of the Madison community. A long and impressive list of qualifications from Flores.

7:05 So it begins!

The candidates have arrived and we are awaiting the start of the Debate. No tie for Mr. Eagon, bold move.

District 8 Debate Tonight!

2009-02-08T17:38:00.002-06:00

Tonight at 7pm in 1111 Humanities the District 8 city council debate sponsored by the Roosevelt Institution is taking place. I will be live blogging the debate as it happens right here so check back at 7 if you are unable to attend!

Upcoming Events: College Democrats City Panel TODAY

2009-02-06T10:22:00.003-06:00

Here is a press advisory about our city panel tonight. The panel will be a great opportunity to learn about local issues and how we can enact "change we can believe in" in our own communities.

For Immediate Release

Feb. 6, 2009

Contact: Lavilla Capener

Communications Director, College Democrats of Madison

Lavilla.capener@wiscollegedems.org

City leaders to participate in College Democrats panel

College Democrats of Madison, Student Progressive Dane and WUD's Society and Politics Committee sponsor event to encourage student involvement in local politics

MADISON, Wis. — The College Democrats of Madison is hosting a City Panel on local issues affecting Madison and the UW campus, with opportunities for students to ask questions.

The panel will feature prominent local leaders including Alders Eli Judge and Mike Verveer, Madison school board President Arlene Silveira and County Board Supervisor Wyndham Manning.

Student Progressive Dane and the Society and Politics Wisconsin Union Directorate Committee are co-sponsors of the panel and are encouraging their members to attend.

"We want to translate the enthusiasm we saw in the fall for President Obama into real positive change," said Chair of College Democrats Claire Rydell. "Our city panel is a great opportunity for students to educate themselves about local issues and become more involved in their community."

Details of the event are as follows:

WHAT: College Democrats of Madison City Panel

WHEN: Friday, February 6, 2009

6:00 p.m.

WHERE: Old Madison Room, 3^rd Floor, Memorial Union

800 Langdon St

Madison, WI 53706

###

College Dems column in the Daily Cardinal today

2009-01-30T18:50:00.002-06:00

Nuclear worthy addition to renewable energies

By: Lavilla Capener /The Daily Cardinal - January 30, 2009

Renewable fuels may be the future, but nuclear energy may help bridge the gap until new energy technologies become a reality

By Lavilla Capener College Democrats

We are in the midst of an energy crisis, and though the urgency has lessened for an energy solution since last summer because of lower gas prices and an economic recession, the problem is no less real. Although the economy will be President Obama’s chief concern in the coming months, our energy policy affects the economy and foreign policy decisions as much as the environment and our pocketbooks. We in Wisconsin can take steps to improve our energy policy, and, working with national leadership on the issue, we can change the way America evaluates and uses energy.

Badger Herald article about College Dems kickoff meeting

2009-01-30T18:45:00.001-06:00

College Dems to move past 2008

by Heather Burian

Friday, January 30, 2009

Kicking off their spring semester by discussing “sexy subjects” Thursday, the University of Wisconsin College Democrats want to shift its focus back to state and local issues.

Chair Claire Rydell said College Democrats is going to focus on ideas formulated by members of the organization. She added it will channel its energy toward “Get Out the Vote” as well as state and local elections.

“I heard a lot of people saying, ‘Yes, we did,’ and that makes me nervous,” said Andrew Voss, vice chair of College Democrats. “Now is the time to say, ‘Yes, we can.’ We have to hold elected leaders accountable.”

Upcoming Events

2009-01-28T11:40:00.002-06:00

Come check out our office on the 3rd floor of new Student Activity Center, which is located at 333 Campus Mall. (The entrance is located next to the Walgreens next to Lucky). There is an open house today from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. There will be free food and tours!

Our Spring KICKOFF meeting is this Thursday at 7 p.m. 1121 Humanities. Come and learn about how to get involved this semester with Spring elections, internships and service/volunteer opportunities.

Badger Herald column

2009-01-28T11:38:00.004-06:00

Claire, our chair, was quoted in a Badger Herald article today about the College Republicans kickoff.
Check it out here.

Daily Cardinal columns

2009-01-27T20:49:00.002-06:00

Here are some College Dems columns from the Daily Cardinal for fall semester 2008. Look for our bi-weekly column in the Cardinal this semester!

Claire in the Media

2009-01-27T20:43:00.002-06:00

Our chair, Claire Rydell was featured in a video for Campus Voices from a conference she attended at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government available here. She also did an interview for WisconsinEye in October that is available here.

Badger Herald columns

2009-01-26T13:52:00.002-06:00

Since we didn't have a blog for a few months, I wasn't able to put up past media. So in case anyone wants to read the fall '08 College Dems columns in The Badger Herald here they are:
Sept. 12, 2008
Sept. 26, 2008
Oct. 10, 2008
Oct. 24, 2008
Nov. 7, 2008

Home again

2009-01-22T19:34:00.002-06:00

We are back in Madison now. Our flight arrived around noon today and we had a great time on our trip to D.C. Keep looking for updates on our blog for other College Dems events and media coverage. Thanks for reading!