I need your help to take back our community! I am concerned about the direction downtown is going and am especially worried about the next two years. We need a change in leadership and I am willing to take on that challenge. I got involved in this race because I grew up and went to school here, and I see this as my duty. Sadly, I have been targeted by the most negative campaign in our recent history. I refuse to stoop to the level of my opponent; however, I am willing to stand up to the tactics of my opponent because I believe our neighborhood deserves better. We deserve not only a clean campaign, but also a better direction for our community. Under the current Alder:

Madison’s rape rate rose 58 percent last year, and the current Alder has offered no viable solutions to solve this problem. At a time when more sexual predators are moving into the downtown area than ever before, the current Alder has voted to make it impossible for landlords to ask for Social Security numbers of prospective tenants in order to keep other residents safe.
Housing costs keep going up even though the vacancy rate is at all time high, due to the controlled barriers that the current Alder has helped set up. Instead of encouraging a fair housing market, which would bring costs to students down and increase quality, the current Alder has ignored basic economic principles and created a lose-lose situation for tenants and landlords alike.
Halloween has become an excuse for mayhem and student bashing — students are more responsible than they are currently given credit for, and I don’t believe that everyone should be punished for the mistakes of a few.
Drinking tickets have become a spectacle, reaching tens of thousands of dollars at the expense of students, which is highly unethical. Unfair and unreasonably priced tickets for these types of violations are actually discriminatory.
The current Alder voted to ban smoking in bars and clubs in Madison, but is against a statewide restaurant smoking ordinance. I believe if individual establishments choose to be smoke free, that is their freedom and right, but we should not mandate this.
There are efforts underway that would force purchasers to register “kegs” as an underhanded way to kill the annual Mifflin Street party, which I would be vocally opposed to.
State Street is starting to resemble an outdoor mall with only big chains able to afford to be there.

Luckily, we can make progress to fix these problems, starting today. I promise to address these issues and offer real solutions for necessary change. As a business owner, I have proven that I have the dedication and commitment required to work towards a goal and follow through with a plan.

I care about our traditions like Halloween, the Mifflin St. Party and Badger Football games. I want people to feel safe to walk home at night. I believe adults who vote or go to war for their country should also be allowed to have a drink. I know you care about these issues as well, so let’s elect someone based on common sense and common ground. This is a real job that will have profound significance in our quality of life in this district, and I promise to work my hardest, as I have done all my life, to make sure our community stays strong.

I know you are busy, but if you do not vote today, more and more of your rights will be taken away. I want us to have a sense of community again, based upon mutual respect. I will represent each one of you regardless of background, color or address. Help me make this community safer while we are still having fun.

I humbly ask for your vote so I can put my experience to work for you.