Fiscal Note
No appropriation required.
Title
Commending and thanking Alderperson Brenda Konkel for her dedicated service to the constituents in District 2 and to the City of Madison.
Body
WHEREAS, Alderperson Brenda Konkel was first elected to the Madison Common Council on April 3, 2001 and was re-elected in 2003, 2005 and 2007; and,
WHEREAS, Alderperson Konkel served as the Common Council President for the 2003-2004 term; and,
WHEREAS, Alderperson Konkel served on the Affordability Subcommittee (Housing Committee), Board of Estimates, Board of Estimates TIF Subcommittee, City-County Liaison Committee, Common Council Organizational Committee, Early Childhood Care & Education Board, East Washington Avenue Design Oversight Committee, East Washington/Capitol Gateway BUILD Steering Committee, Housing Committee, Inclusionary Zoning Advisory Oversight Committee, Landlord & Tenant Issues Subcommittee, Landmarks Commission, James Madison Park Property Planning Committee, Joint Southeast Campus Area Committee, Long Range Transportation Planning Commission, Mid-State State Street Parking Ramp Committee, Plan Commission, Section 8 Advisory Committee, State Street Design Project Oversight Committee, Tax Incremental Financing Policy Ad Hoc Committee and Transit & Parking Commission, and,
WHEREAS, Alderperson Brenda Konkel also served on various subcommittees or work groups of the CCOC or the Common Council including the Ad Hoc Committee on Security Cameras, CCOC Subcommittee to Review the Creation of An Elections Advisory Commission, CCOC Subcommittee on Legistar Issues, CCOC Chapter 2 Subcommittee, CCOC Subcommittee on Council Information Technology Issues, CCOC Lobbyist Registration Work Group, CCOC Subcommittee on Public Input & Process, CCOC Subcommittee on Committee Creation & Rules, CCOC Subcommittee to Review City Hiring Practices & Policies, President's Work Group on Council Webpage Redesign, CCOC Subcommittee to Review Council Staff Position: Legislative Analyst, President's Work Group on Council Website Policies & Guidelines, and the President's Work Group on Improvements to the Budget Process; and,
WHEREAS, during her tenure as Council President, Alderperson Konkel held a series of Neighborhood Public Hearings to gather input from city residents on their experiences with city government, was involved in the implementation of the Legistar legislative tracking software, held discussions on creation of a Rafah Sister City and streamlined the process for appointing interim alderpersons; and,
WHEREAS, she was a tireless voice for everyone in the city of Madison and advocated for those of lesser means through her work on affordable housing, quality affordable childcare, sensible bus service and homeless programs; and,
WHEREAS, she had a passion for including the public in the City's public policy decision-making and worked relentlessly to ensure that local government was transparent and accessible to Madison residents and that the public was given equal consideration to moneyed interests; and,
WHEREAS, she worked hard to make sure that local government was more consistent and predictable through land use planning and creating policies that would guide development and Tax Incremental Financing decisions; and,
WHEREAS, she worked well with City staff, listened to their needs and, when necessary, advocated on their behalf; and,
WHEREAS, she was well prepared, well informed and wasn't afraid to ask tough questions and challenge people, including the Mayors she served with; and,
WHEREAS, even those who disagreed with her respected her, because they could rely on her integrity, and they will miss her leadership and guidance in navigating City Hall; and,
WHEREAS, she will be remembered for the many qualities that make for an excellent public servant: hard work, intelligence, commitment, dedication, and unparalleled principles,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Common Council commend and thank Alderperson Brenda Konkel for her dedicated service to the constituents in District 2 and to the City of Madison and wish her well in all her future endeavors.