Last updated on 2011.04.09
School Board Candidates:
Nobody does it better—heck, nobody else does it, period! The Madville Times, your only source for video coverage of live local political events, proudly (and finally!) presents Dick Ericsson, Roger Husman, and Scott Delzer, candidates for Madison City Commission, as they spoke on the issues at Tuesday night's candidates' forum at the Madison High School lunchroom. Ericsson and Delzer want to keep their seats and serve second terms; Husman would like to oust one of them in our April 12 election.
First up, introductions. Incumbent Dick Ericsson tells us he has no agenda other than doing the best for Madison's residents. He also says Madison probably wouldn't be here if it weren't for all of our economic development efforts:
Next, challenger Roger Husman argues that the commission could use the perspective of a retiree like him living on a fixed income:
Then incumbent Scott Delzer tells us his local love story:
On to the issues... sort of. The Chamber Governmental Affairs Committee serves up this opening puffball: What are Madison's strengths and weaknesses, and what would you do to address those weaknesses? This video shows all three candidates' responses, first Husman, then Delzer, then Ericsson:
The Chamber gets tricky with the next question, asking the candidates what they would do about enforcement of city ordinances relating to snow removal, sidewalk installation, and property development. Delzer goes first and justifies pragmatic minarchy (I learned that word from Mr. Newland!). Ericsson "we're on the honor system" and urges you to go tell your neighbor to shovel his walk (I recommend not waving your shovel when you do). Avid walker Husman complains that rental houses are the big snow-shoveling laggards:
I didn't catch the questioner's name, but an audience members warns that kids will get killed riding their bikes on the treacherous, narrow county road to Lake Herman (the road I've ridden for over twenty years without any close calls). He asks when we're getting that bike trail:
The ever attentive Steve Sanchez sneaks in two sharp questions: (1) Will increasing water rates to win a big federal clear-well grant hit ratepayers too hard and hinder the LAIC's economic development efforts, and (2) would the city consider directing some of its tax dollars toward the high school renovation project (an idea discussed at last week's school board meeting)? Mr. Knuths breaches emcee decorum and editorializes on Husman's lack of experience... but then Husman backs Knuths up by ceding the floor to the experienced commissioners. Delzer and Ericsson defend the rate hike, then signal pretty strongly that we shouldn't expect much if any help from city government in renovating the high school:
Finally, closing statements. Delzer gives a Boy Scout speech:
Ericsson says we have a wonderful community:
Husman says he wants to get more involved in the community. He also notes that retirement gives a guy lots of time to watch what's happening around town:
And that's the city commission race! Review these videos and catch the exciting Madison Central school board candidates portion of the forum on Madville Times YouTube!