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Property tax bills gut-punched Madison WI homeowners by a year-over-year average 11.2% this winter but most local candidates remain focused on the niche interests of “under-served populations” in service of diversity, equity and inclusion — the gold, frankincense, and myrrh of uniparty progressivism.
Ol’ Sparky, our Eisenhower-era mainframe computer, combed through the candidates’ own websites and social media looking for evidence — in words they chose for their campaigns — of fiscal frugality, penny pinching, or taxpayer pity. Election day is but four weeks off, on Tuesday, April 7. Early voting begins in two weeks.
We devised this consumer scale: Cost cutter: ✂️ Big spender: 💰
Madison school board
Seat 6
Daniella Molle — 💰 “We need an advocate for multilingual learners.” Dog-whistles the “Equity” word on her website.
Blair Mosner Feltham (inc.) — 💰 💰 💰💰 WARNING: Progressive Dane! “In the last three years, we’ve shown what our community can accomplish when we work together to support our schools: expanding 4K, raising teacher pay, … and passing two historic referenda to support students for years to come.” (More)
Seat 7
Dana Colussi-Lynde — ✂️ “I know that we are living in difficult economic times, and that we have asked for additional financial contributions in recent referendums. As your representative, I will ensure that there is transparency in how your money is spent, and that it will be spread out equitably to where the needs are greatest. This includes reviewing current teacher compensation.” (More)
Nicki Vander Meulen (inc.) — 💰💰💰 WARNING: Progressive Dane! Not a mention of the $607 million referenda, which this incumbent voted to put on the 2024 ballot. (More)
Madison alder
Each district is linked to its map.
Bobby Gronert — 💰 💰 💰 WARNING: Progressive Dane! UW campus socialist party member wants “I.C.E.-free zones” and police to stop raiding under-age drinking. This Zohran Mamdani wannabee all-Caps: “FIGHT THE FASCIST TAKEOVER.” (More)
Ellen Zhang — 💰💰 “Reproductive, racial, and climate justice.” But never taxpayer justice. Also “美國 威斯康辛州 馬迪遜.” Majors in sociology, minors in gender and women’s studies. (More)
Kate Blood — 💰💰 “I am running to provide support to unrepresented District 14 constituents—including Hispanic individuals living in our trailer parks.” Now THERE is an unmet need not even Bernie Sanders imagined! (More)
Noah Lieberman — 💰💰💰 promises to “Fight Against Fascism” and “promote racial justice and equity … strengthen our police oversight board, address the racial wealth gap, and view all issues through a lens of racial justice.” This naif has got to be the guiltiest white man in captivity! (More)
Barbara Harrington-McKinney (inc.) — ✂️✂️ “Ready to work on priorities: public safety, a city budget that is fiscally responsible, housing stability with a focus on affordable middle-income housing options.” (More)
Islam Khilji — ❓“I am dedicated to bringing change to the community I call home.” Without ever saying what that change might look like. If it’s loose change, we might consider. (More)
How can you not vote for The Fons?!
Dane County supervisor
(city of Madison only; districts link to map)
Carlos Rodríguez Lewison — 💰❓Wants to create a “veterans village,” whatever that is. (More)
Heidi M. Wegleitner (Inc.) —💰 💰 💰 💰 💰 WARNING: Progressive Dane! “I have dedicated my career as a poverty lawyer, union leader, and elected official to advocating for those harmed by an unjust and racist system. This system values private wealth over human rights.” (More)
Erin Welsh (Inc.) — 💰 💰 WARNING: Progressive Dane! Lists her values as “Equity, Inclusion, and Sustainability” — but not “Affordability.” (More)
John E. Fons — ✂️✂️✂️✂️ Our political slogan of the month: “Taxes are not the only reason I seek public office, but they’re way ahead of whatever is in second place.” (More)
Simran Arora — ✂️ “I am a homeowner … feeling the stress of increased property taxes.” (More)
Aria X. Trucios — 💰❓WARNING: Progressive Dane endorses Big Spenders only! Dig this candidate’s A-I generated word salad: “Progressive governance without fiscal discipline risks failing to deliver on what everyday people need.” (More)
Tommy Rylander (Inc.) — 💰 💰 💰 💰 WARNING: Progressive Dane! Is all about government employees, not those who pay their salaries. “Protecting employee health plans; voting to prevent outsourcing.” (More)
Sean Burke — ✂️✂️✂️ “Oversight of taxpayer dollars; safe neighborhoods.” Advocates county human service audits. Is really taking it to the incumbent for spending but Rylander got 51% in the three-way primary. (More)
Amy Larson (inc) — ✂️✂️ “We must support [population] growth without rapidly skyrocketing property taxes. … My focus is on consolidation of services.” (More)
Anthony Nino Amato — ✂️ ✂️ ✂️✂️ “The Dane County Board is dismissing the financial burden of increasing taxes and increasing service fees on residents, and is wrongfully shifting the financial burden onto homeowners, renters, and small businesses.” (More)
Rick Rose (Inc.) — 💰 💰 💰 Wants to “lead with inclusion, justice, and respect, fight hunger, stand strong for LGBTQ+ rights, defend inclusion and belonging, turn Equity into action, not just words.” How about turning tax relief into action? (More)
Goodwill Chekwube Obieze — ✂️ ❓“A proud son of Anambra State, Nigeria, and a strong representative of the Igbo community in the diaspora, now based in Wisconsin.” Did tell the Wisconsin State Journal that “rising property taxes, housing costs and child care expenses are squeezing working families” but nothing on his site. (More)
Blaska’s Bottom Line: Leave what’s left of our “private wealth” alone, Heidi!
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