Northside News

While we remain focused on COVID and elections, we continue to try to rebuild the economic health of our city. I want to highlight some of the programs that help address the challenges we are facing in
our community.

My budget proposed to invest $4.5 million over the next three years in the Small Business Equity & Recovery (SBER) program. This program being launched includes a suite of programs that help to start, grow or sustain small businesses owned by underrepresented groups. It can help these entrepreneurs to improve their facades, buy personal protective equipment to stay operational during COVID, and more. Other opportunities within the program include the BusinessReady program to help people of color develop the skills they need to turn their great ideas into a successful business; and the Commercial Ownership Assistance program, which offers forgivable loans to underrepresented small-business owners move from renting space to owning property.

The SBER program is an addition to other ways the city supports entrepreneurs of color. My budget also continues to support the Black and Latino Chambers of Commerce to support their member businesses. The city also continues to support the KIVA loan program to help people step into small business ownership.

In addition, my proposed budget includes funding for workforce training and skill development, a $100,000 expansion in funding for youth employment, job coaching and mentoring, and more.

These are a few ways we are trying to build a Madison that works for everybody. To learn more about these efforts, visit the city’s Business Financial Assistance website (cityofmadison.com/dpced/economicdevelopment/business-financial-assistance/188). To learn more about the budget and the dates for public hearings, visit the city’s Budget website (cityofmadison.com/finance/budget).

As always, mask up, wash your hands, maintain physical distancing and stay well.

Last February, I announced my intention to retire from the Wisconsin State Legislature after 24 years in elected office, 22 of which were in the legislature. The deadline for this article is before the Nov. 3 general election. I hope its publication will coincide with a well-run election here in Wisconsin and with a clear presidential choice by voters.

I have lived in and loved Wisconsin for most of my life. I was proud to live in a state that was a national leader in environmental protection, human rights and workers’ rights; a state that boasted one of the best public education systems in the country and a world-class university; a state with one of the highest rates of health insurance coverage; and a national reputation for clean, honest and effective government.

I ran for office hoping to address the areas where we needed improvement, namely, expanding health insurance for every Wisconsin resident; making Wisconsin’s education system available to all Wisconsin students; protecting Wisconsin’s environment, particularly the valuable waters of the state; and raising wages for all Wisconsin residents, especially those at the bottom. My hope was to make progress by adding Wisconsin to the top 10 list in additional desirable categories that measure the health and well-being of the people of our state.

I was able to move Wisconsin in that direction briefly but am saddened to see that we have lost ground since 2011. One thing I hope Wisconsin will always have is the Midwest neighborliness that I have experienced all these years as a Wisconsinite and as your senator — a neighborliness that values honesty, hard work and empathy for others.

Thank you for your trust in allowing me to be your representative in the legislature these past 20 years. It was an honor to serve you.

Starting January 2021, Warner Park Community Recreation Center (WPCRC) will no longer be used as a temporary men’s homeless shelter. Instead, the First Street Fleet Services building will provide much-needed capacity and support for temporary use as a men’s homeless shelter. It will be used for much of 2021 while the city is in the process of purchasing a new men’s homeless shelter. The final location of the shelter is still to be determined.

The WPCRC provided a tremendous service to the community when it was most needed, but now it is nearing capacity. I look forward to the center returning to its original use and anticipate programming to resume in January 2021. 

The Fleet Services building will accommodate as many as 250 men, while the WPCRC had room for fewer than 150. The Fleet Services property will also offer expanded bathroom and shower facilities, and allow intake and health screening to take
place indoors.

I am preparing to convene a neighborhood meeting Dec. 9 to share information with residents and gather their input. 

Thank you to all Northside residents for listening and accommodating the men’s homeless shelter in
your neighborhood.

A new, passionate voice for the 16th Senate District

I am thrilled to have been elected as the next state senator of the 16th Senate District of Wisconsin. The opportunity to serve you is an immense responsibility and a great honor. 

The 16th Senate District is comprised of communities that I know and love. While this certainly was an unprecedented election cycle, I still had the opportunity to meet and speak with folks from all over the district. It’s clear that folks from every corner of the district want to know that Wisconsin is a safe place where everyone can reach for their dreams; where we invest in a better tomorrow; where future generations want to live, work and raise a family; where we lift one another up and move forward; and where we plant the seeds for tomorrow.

Wisconsin is at its best when we have leaders working to serve the many, rather than the few. This November, Wisconsinites raised their voices at the ballot box and voted for an investment in a better tomorrow. Folks from all across our state deserve to know that their health, safety and well-being will always be valued. Whether it is COVID-19 response efforts or addressing disparities and inequities, I will continue to support policies that ensure the health and safety of all.

I am proud of my track record where I have worked hard for all the people of Wisconsin. As your next state senator, I know that my experience, compassion and passion will bring a positive impact on all of the communities of the 16th Senate District. I promise you I will always advocate for our community, and I am ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work.

We are in this together, folks. I am thrilled to be at your service.

I was devastated to hear of the passing of my friend, Paul Rusk. I still expect to see him at meetings. I still want to grab the phone and talk over issues with him. It will take a long time to adjust to the new reality without him as my friend, mentor and partner in all things Northside.

I met Paul in 2014 when I ran for office. We met for coffee at a Northside coffee shop. I was terrified because it was my first meeting with a local elected. Soon I realized I had nothing to fear. Paul’s warm presence and welcoming demeanor put me at ease. We talked for a long time about issues facing the Northside and other business on the Dane County Board. At the end of the meeting, he endorsed me.

Through our nearly seven years of service together, we worked side by side on many issues. We brought the issue of PFAS to the county board and collaborated with local, state and federal representatives to start addressing it. We have matching anti-F35 capes. We often sat together at political events and enjoyed tacos and food cart delights before meetings. I remember the joy when he finally learned to text.

Paul was an astoundingly good man — gentle and kind, but a ferocious advocate for what he believed in. He worked hard and always made time for people. He always listened. He was dedicated to his community, especially his beloved Northside. I will miss his wisdom and his friendship. He will live on in my heart and the work I carry forward.

Please continue to take care of yourselves and each other. Through all the stress and change, I continue to see the helpers everywhere. Reach out for help when you need it, and offer it to others when you can. Together, we are stronger.

Feel free to contact me with any concerns or issues. I can be reached at 608 335-6827 or ritt.michele@countyofdane.com.

Stay well.