As University of Wisconsin-Madison students, we have the obligation to participate in local government. We are not only students in Madison but also residents of the city. These roles come with the responsibility to be proactive about how we want to use resources and how to enact the changes we want to see in the city we live.
A considerable proportion of Madison residents are university students. Even though students can be viewed as temporary residents, and tend to live in Madison only while school is in session, we should still care about what goes on in Madison. If we as students are not speaking up or getting involved in local government, our voices will not
be heard.
As taxpayers, we have a say in how our money is being spent. This money should be going back to student constituents. We can complain about what goes on in Madison, but if we really care what the city or county is doing in regard to what affects us, we should speak up.
Without student representation on the County Board and certain city committees, the student segment of Madison’s population is not being accurately represented. As students we should know what we want from our local government, but if we do not step up, how can we expect more from it?
The Dane County Board of Supervisors is a body of local government students have the opportunity to join. The County Board is made up of 37 elected supervisors, one from each of the districts in Dane County. The Board acts similar to the state legislature by making policies for the county. Supervisors create county ordinances, levy taxes and approve laws regarding law enforcement. The County Board also allots money in the County budget for different county services.
UW-Madison junior Leland Pan is currently the representative for District 5, which is the area that encompasses a large portion of campus. As a county supervisor, Pan also represents the Cultural Affairs Commission; Environment, Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee; Equal Opportunity Commission; and the Homeless Issues Committee.
To run for county supervisor, you have to be at least 18 years old and an elector or resident of Dane County, so students are eligible.
There are also positions within the city’s government structures for students to get involved with. For example, students have served on the Joint Southeast Campus Area Committee, which is a group that facilitates participating in planning activities affecting the campus community. This advisory committee sends a summary of its report to the appropriate city committee with recommendations. As a student, you can have an effect on large-scale projects within the city by representing the student community on this committee.
If serving on a committee is not something you are interested in, be sure to send your concerns to your representatives. Get to know these people, and be involved with them as constituents.
Be sure to vote for these elected representatives. The next County Board election is April 1, 2014. We encourage all students to be aware of the race and to get involved with choosing who will represent them at the county level.
Getting involved in local government can teach us how to be the next generation of leaders.
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