By Anita Weier

Being elected to the Madison Common Council in 2011 was exciting. I was honored that so many of my neighbors, friends and other residents of District 18 on the Northside had put their faith in me.

Then the work began.

At my first meeting in the City-County Building, an agenda item would have authorized construction of a huge state warehouse next to the Troy Community Gardens. The problem was that the community had not been notified by the State of Wisconsin or the former alder, who had moved out of Wisconsin. I asked for a delay so I could hold a public meeting.

Little did I know that this was the start of an 18-month odyssey until state officials decided to locate the building elsewhere. Community meetings, meetings with state officials and written communications consumed much time.

Other issues included: whether a bus stop should be moved as a citizen requested, how traffic lights should be configured at an intersection, whom to recommend for committee positions and much more. 

One of the most contentious questions was whether a bicycle lane should be added to North Sherman Avenue. That controversy was nothing compared to sidewalk repair, which occurs periodically in every district. People objected loudly to having to pay part of the cost for a sidewalk that had been raised by a city-planted tree. I was accused by one irate homeowner of being paid off by a contractor.

Although salaries have since been raised, my salary per hour would have been in the minus range. This was intended as a part-time job, but considering time spent answering emails and phone calls, preparing for and attending council meetings, committee meetings and neighborhood meetings, I easily spent more than 30 hours per week on city duties. 

I enjoyed local meetings, as it was thrilling to see how engaged and involved Northsiders are. But council meetings, which started at 6:30 pm, tended to drag on, sometimes to 2 am and once to 4 am.

When I had to vote on a contentious city issue — whether a supermarket should be built in another district — I stewed over my vote for months, until I saw the heavily used Metro Market on Cottage Grove Road and realized I had done the right thing in casting a yes vote.

Though I rejoiced in accomplishments such as getting Wheeler Road between Sherman Avenue and Packers Avenue repaved, eventually the work took a toll. After serving four years (two terms), I decided not to run for re-election in 2015. 

I remain proud of my service and sometimes miss being able to vote on an important issue facing the city. Most of all, I miss the people — in the district and on the council.

I hope this article gives you an idea of what it is like to hold office — the joys and frustrations as well as the pride in performing civic obligations.