Caffeinated Politics

A couple of days after the shooting of Corey Ruiz at a Williamson Street intersection, I asked the following question on the Marquette Neighborhood listserv.

We had a friend who was going to buy some do-it-yourself project materials this morning for the weekend from the hardware store but felt it would be hard to navigate, as Williamson Street is closed, and wasn’t sure about her safety while walking.  This is a real mess for businesspeople.  And would-be shoppers. Does anyone know when the city will reopen this major thoroughfare?

One response came from a local who castigated my past support for the Madison police department, as if that, in some shape, manner, or form, addressed the issue of shoppers and businesses on Williamson Street.

Calling attention to that (police shootings) by blocking a throughfare is an intentional move and we can deal with it. And support it. And how else do you get things changed after so many empty promises on police use of force reform/ study/whatever??

Another person in the neighborhood made the following statement.

This (the shooting) should be extremely – excruciatingly – difficult for all of us.  It should not be something that we are able to absorb.  When this happens it should disrupt every part of our being; every part of our life.  

I responded to those who seemingly couldn’t understand the requirements of keeping the street open and businesses operating.

To dismiss her concern (the would-be shopper to Ace Hardware) is akin to giving a middle finger to a segment of the population who are not 25, not into protests, and simply want to use the road she paid taxes for and shop at stores that, at any other time, we would be encouraged to enter.  Yes, these are trying times, but logic should not be the first thing we toss aside.

I was glad that at least some of the Marquette Neighborhood Association Board met at an unannounced meeting at someone’s home the night before the street reopened and were fashioning some paths forward in this tough time. Forces in our community had the businesses’ interests in mind, and they deserve thanks. But what might happen now to add some energy and uplift to this street and the shops that have suffered financial losses? After all, the city taxpayers should not be asked to carry the burden. Most of the city alders seem to understand that viewpoint.

So, here is an idea.

After the famed Al Johnson’s Restaurant in Door County had to close in 1987 because a worker had hepatitis, the owner knew he needed to reopen with a credible bang.  So, he called his friend Governor Tommy Thompson.  On a pleasantly warm morning in Sister Bay, the governor and a bevy of local and state officials sat down and had food while a goat was on the roof. I was with the group because I was then working with State Representative Larry Swoboda, and I can attest to the turnaround in how people saw that eatery. Smooth sailing after that public relations move.

Now, a huge section of a major city street needs to be reclaimed through public relations. How about volunteers and store owners cleaning things up, removing debris, and making it as enticing as possible for shoppers to walk up and down the street again? There are many folks in this area with all sorts of connections, so I toss out an idea.  What if a sports personality came to our neighborhood, signed autographs for kids at the firehouse, strolled about, and ate at a location on the street and talked with locals walking a dog or pushing a pram?  Cue up the local news channels and let them know Williamson Street is back in business for the community.

Harder to get a Brewer player, as they are on the field most days.  Perhaps a named summer actor from APT.  Or have a local bluegrass band play, and the folks at the firehouse could host a porky pancake breakfast-type affair. 

With all the connections we have, there is every reason to reopen the street for the people and businesses with a positive, splashy headline.