City Cast Madison invited all qualified Madison Common Council candidates to complete a short questionnaire to help voters learn more about the people running to represent them in city government. All candidates were sent the same questions, and as you'll see, some questions are more policy-oriented and some are a little more fun!
The unedited responses for District 16 candidate Sean O'Brien are below.
Read the rest of the questionnaire responses here.
1. What is the single most pressing issue facing Madison?
Madison is facing an affordability crisis. As a young homeowner with parents who are living on a fixed income, I’ve seen firsthand the price squeezing that is happening across our city. Madison’s growth presents unique challenges and opportunities, but we have to make it more affordable for people to live, buy a home, and raise a family here if we want to see the full benefits of that growth. The city must use every tool available to prevent people from being priced out, including improving efficiency, building more affordable housing in neighborhoods with access to services and opportunities, and providing financial relief for seniors and those struggling most. If elected, I am committed to finding ways to lower costs and make Madison affordable for current and future residents.
2. What's the most important issue facing your district and how will you go about addressing it?
I often hear that people in District 16 feel disconnected from the city. As an alder, I want to ensure that our neighborhoods are heard and have a voice in projects that affect them. I’m committed to being responsive and finding new ways to communicate with residents. But connectivity extends beyond just listening. I will prioritize bringing more public transit options and city services to District 16 that connect us to the rest of Madison. District 16 is just as much a part of our city as every other district, and we need to make sure our residents are feeling the benefit of new programs. If elected, I will also prioritize affordability, safe streets and parks, clean water, and economic opportunity.
3. What sets you apart from your competitor or, if running uncontested, what would you like voters to know about you?
As the policy director of a statewide civil rights organization, I’ve worked with every level of government, drafted policy and budget proposals, and built relationships with leaders across the state. I’m ready to hit the ground running on Day 1 to deliver for District 16. As a civil rights advocate and proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, I am no stranger to listening, fighting for others, and protecting them from unfair treatment. I believe it’s time for a new generation of leadership that will bring new ideas, energy, and a fresh perspective to government focused on lowering costs and protecting our values. I want to bring thoughtful, collaborative leadership to the council, and I’ll work with anyone to get things done for District 16.
4. Did you support the $22 million property tax referendum? Why or why not?
In November, voters approved the referendum to keep our city services funded for the near future and avoid cuts across the board. As is the case in other municipalities, Madison’s budget deficit is a structural problem that will only be fully solved with state funding policy changes. However, I believe there is nuance to this issue and that the city must use every tool available to increase efficiency, lower costs, and bring in more dollars from the state to reduce burden on taxpayers. Having worked in the State Capitol, I’m uniquely positioned to partner with legislators on a long-term solution to secure a fairer shared revenue deal and bring more state dollars back to Madison. As an alder, I will always consider each of my votes based on whether the benefits are worth the costs.
5. What should Madison look for in its next police chief?
We need a police chief who has a demonstrated track record of working with communities, keeping neighborhoods safe, and building trust with our most marginalized and underserved residents. I have confidence that the Police and Fire Commission will do what it has done for decades and choose a competent, qualified chief for the Madison Police Department. I look forward to working with whoever that may be to ensure residents of District 16 are safe and have access to fast, reliable police and emergency services.
6. What's something the city currently isn't doing, but could do to help ease our housing crisis?
We need to diversify and increase Madison’s housing stock. I am committed to investing in the city’s affordable housing fund, maximizing support from federal and state grants, and finding more effective ways to incentivize developers to build more affordable housing where it is suitable. We need to be responsible with where we build this new housing, prioritizing access to public transit, job opportunities, and businesses. But in addition to lowering barriers to entry in our housing market, we also need to support current homeowners and help them stay in their homes. We can accomplish this through programs like property tax assistance for seniors, support with municipal utility bills, and finding new ways to cut costs and give residents more breathing room.
7. What's something you wish more residents knew about Common Council/city government?
Many residents in District 16 feel disconnected from the city. I wish more folks knew what city services are available to them and what programs they can take advantage of as Madison residents. As an alder, I will always make it my priority to listen to my neighbors and be responsive to their concerns. I want to ensure that the city is keeping everyone informed and giving them a voice in decisions that impact them. There are also some things that are truly out of the Common Council’s control, from funding public schools to lowering the cost of gas and groceries. But I look forward to working closely with District 16 residents to address what is in Madison’s control and do everything possible to make their lives easier.
8. What's one thing you wish you could change about Madison?
It’s going to take time, resources, and commitment to tackle our city’s affordability crisis, but it’s something I am fully dedicated to. I wish I could snap my fingers and build more affordable housing in order to meet growing demand and bring down costs for everyone in the housing market. In a perfect world, it would be easy to do big things that help a lot of people. But we don’t live in a perfect world, and sometimes change is difficult and takes time. We can’t stop Madison from growing and changing, but we can make sure that the change is positive, responsible, and keeps our city moving in the right direction.
9. What’s your favorite meal in Madison?
That’s a tough one! I’m a big foodie, and we have so many incredible dining options in Madison. As someone who grew up on the east side, I’m inclined to say Ha Long Bay or Monty’s Blue Plate. But I do love the fried rice at Ahan too! The Red Rooster is also a fun spot right here in District 16 with great food and live music.
10. Anything else you'd like to add?
I’m a lifelong Madisonian and a proud product of our public schools. I had my first job at the Chocolaterian Café on the east side, starting as a dishwasher and working my way up to being the manager. I’ve seen Madison grow and change over the past 26 years. As an Eagle Scout, I was always taught to leave the world a better place than when I found it. That’s exactly why I’m running for alder. I’m proud to have the support of trusted leaders, including Congressman Mark Pocan, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin, the Democratic Party of Dane County, and the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and tackle the toughest issues facing our city. To learn more, visit seanformadison.com
