Dane County residents had a chance to vote on the controversial Conservation Congress at the Alliant Energy Center Monday evening. Although the Conservation Congress had a number of topics on its agenda, the issue of feral-cat hunting overshadowed other issues, like lowering the legal hunting age from 12 to 10 and strengthening regulations on mercury emissions.
At the event were numerous protesters clad in cat costumes, several of whom spoke emotionally against legalizing feral-cat hunting. Delegates of the Conservation Congress were happy with Monday's turnout and said they hoped the citizens who voted on this issue will stay involved in the future.
They reported that the ballots cast both countywide and statewide should be tabulated by noon today.
The Ad Hoc Committee on the Department of Civil Rights sent a final report to Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz and the City Council Monday, approving Cieslewicz's proposal to create the Department of Civil Rights.
The DCR would combine the existing Affirmative Action Department and the Equal Opportunities Commission into a single department with one director. It would allow the city to expand its services to enforce fair housing laws, increase diversity in the government workforce and ensure non-English speaking residents can easily access city services.
Before the City Council will take up the creation of the DCR, the Ad Hoc report will be referred to the Affirmative Action Commission, the Equal Opportunities Commission and the Commission on People with Disabilities. The Council has, however, tentatively approved the DCR in the 2005 budget pending the completion of three public forums.
Wisconsin pride is the theme of the week as the state celebrates \UW Spirit Week"" at the Capitol through Friday.
""Contributions from UW alumni provide countless benefits for the public and private sectors across the state,"" UW System President Kevin Reilly said in a statement. ""UW Spirit Week is a time to celebrate those many contributions and to make sure the state protects public higher education for the next generation.""
Gov. Jim Doyle will sign a proclamation Wednesday paying tribute to UW pride.
Friday will be ""UW Spirit Day,"" with all Wisconsin residents encouraged to wear their campus colors and logos.
