Bridget Maniaci

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Bridget Maniaci serves on the Madison City Council as the District 2 alder. She was first elected in 2009 and re-elected in 2011. She is best known for landlord and tenant legislation, and her involvement in the Edgewater Hotel redevelopment^[1].

Maniaci is a recent University of Wisconsin graduate who previously performed a variety of jobs for Hoofers.

Bridget Maniaci
Maniaci speaks with reporters at a 2009 campaign event
Known for	Madison's 2nd District Alder

Contents 1 2009 Election 2 2011 Election 3 Alder 3.1 Committees 3.2 Issues 3.2.1 Landlord and tenant legislation 3.2.2 Edgewater 3.2.3 Mendota Court apartment complex 4 External links 4.1 Notable articles 4.2 Other resources 4.3 References

2009 Election

The toughest hurdle of Maniaci's 2009 campaign was beating incumbent alder Brenda Konkel, who had held the seat since 2001. As Konkel and Mayor Dave Cieslewicz had a strained history, the mayor actively sought an opposing aldermanic-hopeful to endorse. In March of 2009, Cieslewicz and former mayors endorsed Maniaci, who had previously served as an intern in Cieslewicz's office. ^[2]

Konkel took the District 2 primary with 347 votes to Maniaci's 230. Their numbers knocked District 2-hopeful Adam Walsh off the final ballot.^[3]

Konkel and Maniaci held a series of debates leading up to the election, covering topics such as leadership style, homelessness and campus safety.^[4]

On April 7, Maniaci upset Konkel in the District 2 race, winning slightly more than 53 percent of the vote. Konkel finished with 48 percent.^[5]

2011 Election

In her re-election bid, Maniaci faced opponent Sam Stevenson. Stevenson ran on a platform that emphasized making decisions based on the consent of the community and not lobbyists. Maniaci was criticized by Stevenson for a lack of transparency in making development decisions, particularly with regards to the Edgewater Hotel. ^[6]

Ongoing protests against Scott Walker's Budget Repair Bill during the period before elections made many local campaigns, particularly Maniaci's, a referendum on the Governor. As a result, the race was expect to be close.

Maniaci ultimately defeated Stevenson, earning 2001 votes to her opponent's 1850.^[7]

Alder

Committees

• Common Council
• East Washington/Capitol Gateway Build Steering Committee
• Housing Committee
• Landlord and Tenant Issues Subcommittee
• Landmarks Commission
• Pedestrian/Bicycle/Motor Vehicle Commission
• Sister City Collaboration Committee
• State Street Design Project Oversight Committee

Issues

Landlord and tenant legislation

Maniaci has made landlord and tenant issues a major component of her time as alder. Most recently, a city ordinance proposed by Maniaci went before the Landlord and Tenant Issues Subcommittee Jan. 21, 2010. The ordinance would limit tours to the second half of leases, instead of allowing landlords to show properties one-fourth of the way into leases as is the current practice. The ordinance was met with controversy among leasing officials, who said it would put a cramp on landlords' businesses and stress students' abilities to find housing.

Edgewater

The Edgewater Hotel resides within Maniaci's district, meaning she has been very involved in the intense debate surrounding the proposed redevelopment. The hotel is located in the historic Mansion Hill neighborhood, leading many local residents to object to the proposal's tower and other features that would not fit with the current structures. After the project came before multiple city committees and underwent a re-designing, Maniaci eventually became a supporter of the plans. She has worked closely with the developer, Hammes Co., causing some residents to express concern. Maniaci maintains the relationship is an effort to better perform as alder.

Maniaci has been quoted as saying her district was 60 to 65 percent in support of the project. The Edgewater redevelopment was denied by the Landmarks Commission in December, with Maniaci being the only member to vote in favor of the project. It was again denied by the City Council in December, but revived in January when it was referred to a February City Council meeting.

Mendota Court apartment complex

An eight-story, 100 bedroom apartment complex was approved Jan. 25 by the Plan Commission that would sit in Mendota Court. While Maniaci was originally skeptical of the building's makeup, she has since said it will make the area safer with new lighting.

External links

Notable articles

• Cieslewicz seeks Konkel challenger
• Konkel takes primary
• Mayors endorse Maniaci
• Maniaci, Konkel hold final debate
• Maniaci upsets Konkel
• Maniaci supports voting student ALRC member
• Landmarks Commission denies Edgewater
• Edgewater revived
• Proposal would limit apartment tours

Other resources

• District 2 Home
• Personal blog
• Facebook

References