As your alder for six years, I have shown an unwavering commitment to representing our community even if it has meant taking on downtown interests and city government. This has required many hours of hard work and leading battles that many said could not be won. But I did it because I believed it was the right thing to do:
- That meant holding the line on the incredibly wasteful Judge Doyle Square project that has cost taxpayers millions of dollars.
- That meant shedding light on the Water Utility management that vastly overspent its budget and has now has delayed many necessary projects.
- That meant fighting back against a proposed rate hike by MGE that would have penalized homes that conserve energy. A move that they later rescinded.
- That’s why the most senior city alder, Mike Verveer, told a public hearing that I was “the conscience of the City Council.”
Our city and county governments are both located in the City-County building, but they might as well be on different planets. And it is for that reason that I want to turn my attention to county government.
With a new mayor, I believe it will possible for improved communication between the governments. Then the city and county can start real initiatives for collaboration. We should be able to have more effective and efficient governments that can save our tax dollars.
I also want to make sure that city residents receive our fair share of county services. We have not received the road aids we were promised as a result of the $28 wheel tax. Instead, the county wants the city to maintain the county highways in city limits. This costly shift will divert funds from other purposes, such as bus service and public protection.
My strong work ethic and focus on community service is why the Capital Times recently wrote, “David Ahrens has been an exceptionally hardworking member of the city council. He has not been afraid to ask tough questions and wade into contentious debates.” Capital Times, March 18, 2019.
I will be honored to continue to represent you and our community on the Dane County Board.
-David Ahrens
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