Student government leaders discussed Tuesday a proposal for a spring festival to be held the same day as Madison’s famous Mifflin Street Block Party, but some expressed concern over the planning process.
The Associated Students of Madison Coordinating Council briefly discussed a draft proposal for the event, which could include musical performances and vendors selling alcohol to those who are of age.
According to a draft of the proposal, student leaders, including representatives from the Wisconsin Union, the Associated Students of Madison, the Wisconsin Alumni Student Board and others, met in November to discuss preliminary plans for the event.
However, some ASM student leaders said they felt “blindsided,” as they were not consulted or notified of the extent of the proposal.
Vice Chair Maria Giannopoulos said although the “communication may not have been there,” planning for the May 4 event was mentioned briefly in previous meetings and chair reports.
Nominations Board Chair Sean McNally said although he did not agree with how the recommendation was created, he supports the idea behind it.
“This is a great opportunity to do something for the students and to do something for what I like to call the ‘silent majority of students,’ the majority of students who feel alienated by Mifflin,” McNally said.
Although Press Office Director David Gardner said he understands the safety concerns surrounding Mifflin, he did not feel ASM should have a role in an event of this nature.
“When did ASM turn into city of Madison Police Department and not the lobby to the city of Madison Police Department?” Gardner said.
According to Gardner, ASM should use its resources to lobby on student issues such as tuition and state funding, and it would be more appropriate for the Wisconsin Union to focus on the event.
A resolution regarding support for the event will be up for a vote in Wednesday’s Student Council meeting.
However, Giannopoulos emphasized Student Council will not be taking a formal stance on the Mifflin Street Block Party.
