I declared my candidacy for the Dane County Board of Supervisors with one thing in mind: to make the great city of Madison a better place to live, work and learn for all members of the community. With that in mind my campaign is working continuously on a grassroots level in order to better assist my future constituents with their wants, needs and expectations for the city of Madison.
As a result, I have listened to countless constituents from a variety of backgrounds. Through doorstep listening sessions with real students with real concerns, I have heard their voices, their opinions and most importantly, what matters most to them. Subsequently, my campaign and I have been championing their cause to turn those constituents' voices into real reform.
For example, once in office, I plan to lobby heavily in order to create the Regional Transit Authority. I view the RTA as essential on many levels. For starters, it will create a sustainable form of transportation for all Madisonians as well as Wisconsinites and tourists. This will result in stimulating the economy via green-job creation, building of sustainable, environmentally friendly infrastructure and promotion of transit to our great city.
Moreover, it is important to emphasize the imperativeness, and responsibility to develop transit systems that are Platinum LEED certified. By creating a state-of-the-art, sustainable transit system, we can assure for generations to come that Madison has been held accountable for our environment.
Another important concern I have heard from constituents is the need for quality and affordable student housing. As a student myself, I know firsthand some of the pitfalls of trying to keep your head above water when trying to find quality and affordable housing. From bad landlords to the lack of accessibility, transparency and tenant rights, students deserve the right to have access to affordable housing. Thus, while in office I plan on reinstating the Dane County Affordable Housing Trust Fund Subcommittee.
Moreover, I plan to work with tenant advocates to work on a legislative framework in order to enact legislation that addresses the needs of tenants while creating common-sense reform.
In addition to the RTA and Dane County Affordable Housing Trust Fund, I plan on working with social service agencies, as well as our community, to create common-sense policies that are efficient, safe and logical, all the while maintaining and enhancing our safety.
There is a lot we must achieve, and our final push is now upon us. I ask you for your vote. I ask you to stand with me so I can stand for you. Together.
––Michael Johnson
Candidate for District 5 County Board
