Now that the votes have been counted, I want to thank everyone for the support they've given me in this effort. I can't mention every name, but my family, friends, neighbors, and the volunteers who graciously shared their time and expertise with me were a blessing. You were amazing!

I especially want to appreciate everyone that voted for me. Thanks so much for joining with me to work for a better Fitchburg!

"Courage my friends. 'Tis not too late to build a better world!"  - Tommy Douglas

Why are you running for alder, and why should people vote for you?

I am running for Alder because I believe regular people can make a real difference and I want to bring the people’s voice into local government. I am passionate about representing community interests and pledge to support policies that put people first, and create smart growth for a strong Fitchburg.

 What are the most important issues facing your district?

The issues we face are much the same as our state and nation. Responsible government, affordable housing, and transportation are some of them. Underlying all of these is the current state of equity in Dane County and Fitchburg, and how we can continue to improve our community for everyone.

What should the city’s growth priorities be? And should the city be encouraging growth to the east?

Our growth agenda must put people first. Development that provides family supporting jobs with benefits and respects our community is essential. Protecting Fitchburg’s natural beauty, exercising conscientious stewardship of taxpayers’ dollars, and listening to the community are crucial duties of our city government and must improve. We must avoid overbuilding and protect the Waubesa wetlands, while utilizing smart development for responsible growth. The Common Council must be practical and avoid unneeded expenses for taxpayers, and more fully utilize the neighborhoods we already have ready for development before paving over more rural areas.
 
If you had unilateral control, what is one thing you would have changed about the 2015 budget?

I would fund intra-city transit. While Fitchburg lacks a central school system to bring the community together, we have wonderful amenities like our Senior Center, Library, and Splash Pad. Expanding access with more transit options would provide more residents the opportunity to enjoy these public features and strengthen our community.

Does the city have an ethical responsibility to financially support the Verona Area Needs Network and its food pantry operations as it expands and moves closer to Fitchburg this year?

VANN does outstanding work in supporting the Verona school community, and they assist many residents of Fitchburg. I believe our city has an obligation to support VANN to assist with their important work, while also working to address the root causes of the problems that make their work necessary.

Is there a way to bring the frequently disagreeing elements of the council together?

People are tired of rancor, and the failure of politicians to seek compromise threatens the integrity of our democracy itself. Making space for people to share new ideas and fresh thinking creates greater innovation. I embrace the definition civil discourse as being ‘robust, honest, frank and constructive dialogue and deliberation that seeks to advance the public interest.’  The council must work together to have thoughtful conversations about public matters of common concern. We need pragmatic and open discussion about the issues, based on evidence and argument, coupled with the willingness to learn from each other and consider all perspectives.

In the new age of social media and the Internet, does the city have a responsibility to increase its outreach efforts with citizens? What should be the top priority in that regard?

Actively engaging residents in problem solving is essential and allows them to contribute to positive, community-based solutions. However, we need to be mindful that not everyone has routine Internet access. Funding neighborhood association newsletters and providing transportation to city functions are two concrete ways to enhance outreach and engagement.

If budgets and spending limits did not prevent it, what is one project you would champion to improve the quality of life in Fitchburg?

Building light rail to Downtown Madison would take Fitchburg into the 21st century. The development in other cities along this very popular mass transit option proves it’s a triple win – better for people, the environment, and the economy. Regional transit connecting Madison and its neighbor cities could greatly expand opportunities.

What is the best thing about Fitchburg?

Fitchburg is a unique community with both rural and suburban areas. We are positioned in a key corridor between Epic in Verona and Downtown Madison. With our park system, bike trails, and community amenities we offer the best of rural and urban lifestyles and provide an outstanding quality of life.

What does the city really need to work on?

Fitchburg is at a crossroads regarding growth. Our location makes us extremely desirable for development, and we need to make sure it’s done responsibly and considers everyone.  We don’t want to sacrifice the character of Fitchburg and jeopardize the qualities that make us a great community to work and live.

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

• Name: Michael Childers
  
• Age: 48
  
• Address (street address, city): 5807 Danville Drive, Fitchburg
  
• Family: Wife and 3 sons
  
• Job (current job or, if retired, past career): Associate Professor, UW-Extension
  
• Political experience (elected offices only): 1st time Candidate
  
• Other public service (boards, committees, etc.): Community Shares of Wisconsin Board of Directors, Interfaith Coalition for Worker Justice Board Co-Chair, Partners in Giving University Coordinating Committee, YWCA Race to Equity Volunteer Facilitator
• Education (if college, list degree and subject; institution; and year graduated; if none, list high school)      MS 2001, PhD 2004 Southern Illinois University Carbondale  BS 1990 University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
• Online addresses:  www.michaelchilders.net  www.facebook.com/childersforalder twitter.com/childers4alder

Q&A:

List three of your top priorities:
I am running for Alder because I believe regular people can make a real difference. My top priorities are implementing policies that put people first, ensuring that local government is accountable and responsive to the community, and engaging with residents and creating space for people to share new ideas and fresh thinking so that we can develop positive, community-based solutions.

If you could reverse one city action, what would that be?  
Fund the Verona Area Needs Network (VANN). VANN does outstanding work in supporting the Verona school community, and they assist many families in Fitchburg. I believe our city has a responsibility to help VANN with their important work to ensure no Fitchburg children and families go hungry, while also working to address the root causes that make their work necessary.

How would you describe the council's relationship with the mayor, and how would you help improve it?
People are fed up with politics, and the failure of elected officials to seek compromise threatens the integrity of democracy itself. Our council and mayor must work together to have thoughtful conversations about matters of public concern. We need transparent discussion about the issues based on evidence, coupled with the willingness to consider all perspectives and learn from each other.

BONUS ANSWERS - questions they asked but aren't going to publish

What changes would you make in how the city handles development?
Protecting Fitchburg’s natural beauty, exercising conscientious stewardship of taxpayers’ dollars, and listening to the community is the responsibility of our city government and must improve. Preserving the Waubesa wetlands, while utilizing smart development for responsible growth is essential. We need to avoid unneeded expenses to taxpayers, and more fully utilize the neighborhoods we currently have ready for development.

What this city really needs is _____________. 
More transportation options. Fitchburg has wonderful amenities like our Senior Center, Library, and Splash Pad. Unfortunately, without a car it’s extremely difficult to reach these public areas. Expanded mass transit is a community good that would increase access and allow more residents to enjoy these public features, while reducing traffic and building a stronger community.

This will be published in the Isthmus on March 19, but here are the LWV questions and my answers:

1. What in your professional and community background qualifies you for this elective office?

Since becoming the first member of my family to graduate from college, my professional career has spanned both the private and public sector, from engineer to manager to professor. Outside of work I am involved with my church and many civic and non-profit organizations as a volunteer, board member and board co-chair.  My diverse experience has given me a unique perspective and helped me understand and connect with people from a variety of backgrounds. These experiences have been valuable and allowed me to successfully work together with people from all walks of life to achieve shared goals. 

2. What is the most effective way for the city to allocate resources to address homelessness and racial inequality?

These problems are best addressed by identifying their root causes. 
Homelessness and poverty are inextricably linked. Being poor means being one illness, one accident, or a missed paycheck away from living on the street.  Policies such as paid sick leave and livable wages make people less vulnerable to setbacks, while also respecting and rewarding hard work. Stopping wage theft and ensuring equal pay for equal work are also important.
Affirmative Action, Fair Chance ('Ban the Box') policies, and Racial Equity Impact Assessments are significant and concrete ways to continue improving our society and dismantling racial inequality.  

3. What other important issue faces the community you seek to represent, and how would you address it?

DEVELOPMENT: Fitchburg is a unique community with both rural and suburban areas. Preserving areas like the Waubesa wetlands, while utilizing smart development for responsible growth is essential. Protecting our natural beauty, exercising conscientious stewardship of taxpayers’ dollars, and listening to the community is the responsibility of our city government.
TRANSIT: While Fitchburg lacks a central school system to bring the community together, we have wonderful amenities like our Senior Center, Library, and Splash Pad. Expanding access with enhanced transit will provide more residents the opportunity to enjoy these public features, while reducing traffic and building a stronger community.