Local representatives came to discuss main issues concerning the city of Madison with students Wednesday at Memorial Union.
Among those in attendance were Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, Alds. Mike Verveer, District 4, and Austin King, District 8, and state Reps. Mark Miller, D-Monona, and Mark Pocan, D-Madison.
One of the issues discussed was the cost of going to college. Miller said this year UW-Madison had a $250 million budget cut and an 18 percent raise in tuition.
\It's just not fair, and we need to take action now,"" Miller said.
Mayor Cieslewicz, a UW-Madison graduate, said the university is one of the greatest assets Madison has. He is currently working on increasing diversity of the city and campus.
Although Madison is becoming more diverse, the community is moving too slowly, he said.
Cieslewicz also discussed the positive views of both the smoking ban and the raise of the city's minimum wage.
""We are creating a track record as one of the most progressive communities in America,"" he said.
Pocan, who serves on the College and University Committee, said students not only address the committee about campus issues, but also about city issues such as same-sex marriage, sweatshops and international issues. The campus issues that students take to the committee most often are tuition increases and financial aid dollars, he added.
Ald. Robbie Weber, District 5, said she encourages people to be active in the community. Weber said she has never been approached by a student in her district about a problem.
""People don't understand how much they really can do for their community. I think it makes a stronger community,"" she said.
Verveer said he works with student issues at UW-Madison.
""Students contact me the most about troubles with landlords and law problems,"" he said.
Kate Hammarback, who attended the meeting, said although the meeting yielded a small turnout, it was a great idea.
""It's refreshing to see that you really can get out there and interact with our representatives in a way that shows they really will listen to you. They are trying, now we have to try,"" Hammarback said.
