Those returning to Madison will undoubtedly remember the controversy that erupted last spring when students finally realized the annual Mifflin Street Block Party was set to be held the weekend before final exams. Students and ASM immediately cried foul and demanded the city change the date, but the city had already hired legions of extra police for May 7 and originally refused to alter their stance. However, students eventually succeeded in moving the party to a less offensive date.

In an attempt to avoid a repeat of last year's confusion, ASM is currently advocating moving the festivities from the traditional first weekend in May to April 29. We agree with this reasoning and hope the residents of Mifflin Street follow suit. We also appreciate how ASM is tackling the problem well before the clock strikes 12.

Last spring's debacle proved troublesome for all parties involved. Students were left largely in the dark, and the city lost a fair amount of money — some members of the City Council even attempted to charge ASM for funds lost as a result of the shift. Moving the party one week earlier in a timely fashion would avoid all such conflicts.

Nonetheless, ASM's influence over when the party actually occurs is far from absolute. In all reality, no governing body can mandate the party be held on any given weekend. The true power lies in those residing on Mifflin Street. They dictate when the party should be held. They could collectively refuse to buy kegs and go on vacation, in effect killing the party and putting the controversy to rest. However, this is unlikely to occur.

Few would complain if these residents ultimately choose to break with tradition and open their doors to thirsty college students. The army of police assigned to patrol the area would also presumably be less ornery and far less likely to fine a house for every underage drinker present.

On the other hand, residents of Mifflin Street risk another public fiasco if they opt to hold the celebration on the first weekend in May. ASM has taken the early lead in avoiding such a predicament, and we hope Mifflin Street residents and the City Council will follow suit.