Madison Alder Marsha Rummel Champions Constituent’s Concerns, Deserves Re-Election

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives Tip O’ Neill said that “all politics is local”.   After all, at the end of the day we want our homes and neighborhoods to reflect our values, be safe and secure, and be places we can talk about with pride.

After being involved with a number of local issues, and presenting my concerns to local government, one thing is clear to me.

I can think of no better practitioner of O’Neill’s motto than Madison’s Sixth District Alder Marsha Rummel.

After having witnessed Alder Rummel deal with some serious and cumbersome issues I am most proud to endorse her for another term on the Madison City Council.  The election is April 5th.

It was through interactions with Rummel on matters that concerned my neighborhood that I was more able to understand why she is an effective Alder for the entire Sixth District.

Let me explain.

Though I had chatted with Rummel on my lawn soon after moving into the neighborhood, it was not until the trees on Spaight Street were being heavily damaged from construction crews that I had my first heart-to-heart conversation with her.

I was impressed with that meeting in two ways.

First, we both happened to be at the same restaurant for Saturday breakfast.   Though I have no problem starting conversations with anyone, I would never assume that I could just sit down with an elected official at a meal and start dissecting an issue.  But Rummel requested that my partner and I join her and talk the issue over as we ate. 

She had heard my emotional phone call about the trees, and knew I was serious about the needs of the neighborhood.   I had also expressed myself in heartfelt blog posts.  I have deep affection for the big wonderful trees of this city, and soon discovered that Rummel shared my views.  Rummel wanted information and ideas, even during a meal. 

That struck me as being sincere, and something I have never forgot.

Second, in the months to come it was due to Rummel’s work on drafting an ordinance about city trees, and fashioning the votes in support that the City Council passed a measure with teeth.    As a result there is better communication between the city and residents, revised tree specifications during street reconstruction, and most important penalties for negligence. 

It was a win for the entire city!

Another major concern to many is the shoreline erosion along B.B. Clarke Beach.  Trees have toppled due to the erosion, and the shoreline receding season-after-season is most troubling to witness.

Again, I presented my views to Alder Rummel. 

Through a series of meetings, and with diligent follow-up Rummel made sure that city monies were appropriated and a plan put forth to resolve Mother Nature’s advances. 

Finding consensus, and putting the pieces together in a logical manner underscores the professionalism Rummel brings to the job. 

I can attest that her job is not easy. 

I have placed, over time, more than one forceful call to her about this or that issue.  I always made it clear that I was not being personal, and was only exercised over the issue at hand.  That she handles the issues in a calm, methodical manner speaks to her abilities.  As a result I have come to rely on her for effective leadership concerning the matters in this community.

We all need someone in local government we can lean on for support, and Marsha Rummel has provided that for all of us.

The next two years are going to be tough ones for Madison, given the dynamics at play in the State Capitol.  As such, we need to have a tested, seasoned, and able champion of constituent’s concerns representing the Sixth District.

That person is Alder Marsha Rummel.  I ask my readers who reside in the district to cast their ballot for Rummel on April 5th.