Candidates for the Madison City Council District 8 seat met Thursday to debate issues before the primary election Feb. 15.
Ryan Corcoran, Kami Eshraghi and incumbent Ald. Austin King, District 8, discussed topics such as tavern issues, Halloween and the protection of tenants' rights.
Corcoran began the debate by describing the reasons why he is seeking a term as alder.
King said he wants to continue serving the residents of District 8 as he has for the past two years.
\This has been the best job I've ever had in my life,"" said King. ""I get to go into City Hall everyday and represent you.""
Eshraghi, although arriving late, affirmed his commitment to students. Because of the high costs students face in tuition, rent and taxes, students deserve representation in the city council, he said.
""You need to have representation for that taxation,"" he said. ""As alder, I'll make it my personal agenda to represent each one of you.""
All three candidates support the performing arts venue license, a proposal to allow people under the age of 21 into Madison bars to see music or other performing acts.
""Those underage are better off watching a band instead of standing in front of a keg at a house party,"" said Corcoran.
Candidates also debated their positions on a citywide smoking ban in bars.
""I deferred to the views of my constituents, and was lobbied very heavily from literally hundreds of students who said, 'I have asthma, I work in these places, I'd like a place where I can go and not have to deal with smoke,'"" King said. ""So I did what's rare for a politician and I listened to my constituents.""
Eshraghi opposes the ban because he sees it as a personal choice, whereas Corcoran supports improved ventilation systems and non-smoking sections.
An issue of great concern to UW-Madison students is the Halloween celebration on State Street, which all candidates would want to continue.
""I want to fix it, not kill it,"" Eshraghi said.
Corcoran supports keeping bars open later on Halloween and encouraging students to sign a pledge against rioting. King believes the city will continue to make progress with the participation of students.
The final question candidates faced was related to tenants' rights. Corcoran wants to encourage a tenants' bill of rights, whereas King and Eshraghi both want to encourage high-density, downtown development.
Associated Students of
Madison and the Contemporary Issues Committee of the Wisconsin Union Directorate hosted the debate.
