Mayor Cieslewicz Challenges Incumbent Council Member Brenda Konkel

In a rare move, Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz actively sought opponents for Ald. Brenda Konkel, 2nd District, citing her approach to issues as a reason for his involvement. The mayor's attempt to challenge Konkel has drawn opposition from the council president, Tim Bruer, who believes the mayor's actions are the exception but not without precedent. Konkel, a leader in the Progressive Dane party, has focused on housing and social justice issues. The challenge has sparked debate about the level of dissatisfaction with Konkel's leadership in her district.

Key Takeaways:

• Mayor Cieslewicz actively sought opponents for Ald. Brenda Konkel, 2nd District, citing her approach to issues.
• Konkel faces four challengers: Dennis Denure, Sherman Hackbarth, Bridget Maniaci, and Adam Walsh.
• City Council President Tim Bruer advises against the mayor's involvement in races, calling it an exception but not without precedent.
• Konkel welcomed the challenge, stating "It's good for democracy."
• The city has a general lack of opposition for incumbents, with 13 out of 20 council members running unopposed.
• Four open council seats will have contested races, with a primary on February 17 and the general election on April 7.
• The landscape is different from 2007, when nine incumbents didn't seek re-election and 46 candidates ran for the 20 council seats.

Statistics:

• 20 council seats available for election
• 13 out of 20 council members running unopposed
• 4 incumbents facing opposition
• 4 open council seats with contested races
• 34 candidates running for 20 seats
• February 17: primary election for 2nd, 7th, 8th, and 17th districts
• April 7: general election, with contests in districts 5, 11, 15, and those districts already selected through primary

Sources:

• The Wisconsin State Journal, Jan. 7, 2009
• McClatchy-Tribune Information Services
• The Permissions Group Inc.