SUN PRAIRIE RISING

by Andy Schoenherr

Editor, Sun Prairie Rising

Before every local election, a friend of mine texts me and asks, “Who should I vote for?”  She doesn’t have time to stay up on what’s happening locally and respects my opinion enough to go with what I tell her.  I don’t recommend that.  I would much rather folks stay engaged with local issues and educate themselves.  Following @SunPrairieRising on social media or subscribing to our newsletter is a great way to do that!

But for anyone like my friend, here’s a quick rundown of who Sun Prairie Rising thinks you should vote for:

For information on where to vote and what’s on your ballot, visit https://myvote.wi.gov/

City Council:

Note: Sun Prairie Residents only vote for candidates in the District in which they reside

District 1:

Dave Bendit.  I’ve never met Dave in person, but I feel like we’re good friends.  He’s an old-fashioned liberal who cares about the working class and advocates for people who haven’t had a lot of advantages in life.  He understands the value city services provide to the community, but would be new to the Council and provide a fresh, younger perspective. I’d be curious to hear his ideas for things to reform at City Hall while keeping a backbone of compassion and empathy. He’s not satisfied with the status quo, but rather than dismantle city government, he wants to make it better.

District 2:

Santiago Rosas.  It’s a common refrain that Sun Prairie “doesn’t want to be like Madison.”  Rosas was an alder for several years in Madison, but took his experience to Sun Prairie to help us be different, rather than the same.  He’s committed to communication and open dialogue with residents…not to tell them what they want to hear, but to understand their concerns, even when there’s disagreement.  I don’t always like the way he votes – I wish he were a more forceful defender of organizations that help the needy like the Neighborhood Navigators or Sunshine Place.  But he gets the big picture and has been a reliable public servant.

In general, I’d rather focus my endorsements on why I’m FOR a candidate, rather than against one.  But in District 2, Sara Mork is the wrong choice for Sun Prairie.  She is adamantly opposed to taxes of any kind, and seems unwilling to contend with the very difficult budgeting tradeoffs Alders have to make when it comes to funding city services.  She has publicly supported local police coordinating with ICE on federal immigration enforcement, and recently proposed removing fluoride from our water. The right-wing views she espouses are out of step with a progressive city like Sun Prairie.

District 3:

Maureen Crombie is running unopposed

District 4:

David Virgell.  I don’t agree with David on the referendum.  I think he’s wrong to vote no.  But he’s absolutely right that there could have been better communication and foresight to be upfront with the challenges the city is facing.  Our budget problems were caused by policies at the state level, but he believes we can find local solutions.  He grew up in Baltimore and understands the experiences of people who grew up in bigger cities or come from different backgrounds than the typical Wisconsin white middle class.  In a community like Sun Prairie, which says it values diversity, and is becoming less white every year, representation matters.  We’re never going to agree on everything, but David has shown a willingness to make difficult decisions that are good for the community, rather than capitulating to a few angry voices.

Sun Prairie School Board

There are 3 candidates on the ballot. 
Residents in the District may vote for 2.

Isaac Sung and Kaleena Stephan.  They’re really the only choices here.  They’re both active and engaged.  They’re endorsed by teachers’ unions and local leaders.  Sung has been a dedicated and consistent member of the School Board during a very difficult time for the district and partnered with Stephan on a joint campaign.  They even share the same yard signs.  That kind of collaboration in a political race at any level is refreshing and should be rewarded. 

  

Wisconsin Supreme Court

Judge Chris Taylor

Judge Taylor is experienced, qualified and fair.  She was an attorney, a state legislator, and a judge on both the Circuit Court and the Court of Appeals.  Throughout her career, she has been a steadfast advocate for protecting individual freedoms, including keeping healthcare decisions between a woman and her doctor, clean water initiatives, and protecting free and fair elections.  This is a no-brainer. 

Vote YES on the referendum. 
Click here to read why