University and city officials met with Associated Students of Madison's Halloween Planning Committee Wednesday to promote the weekend's events as a fun and safe celebration with a community focus.
Mayor Dave Cieslewicz said he was cautiously optimistic Halloween would be a success, crediting ASM's Halloween Planning Committee with changing the tone of the event from a regional party to a homegrown event.
\Most UW students develop a connection to our city very quickly and they have not caused most of our problems the last two years,"" he said. ""But they do have the power to set the right tone and join us in making this Halloween fun and safe in protecting our downtown.""
""I'm very optimistic that this weekend will not be scary,"" said Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4. ""For the first time ever we will be bringing families downtown, kids downtown to participate in what has become an amazing tradition here in Madison.""
