MADISON (WKOW) -- As the City of Madison faces a $22 million budget shortfall, a group of former elected officials is urging people in Madison to vote against an upcoming referendum.
This group argues it should not be on the individual to fix the financial crisis the city faces.
Former Madison Mayor Paul Soglin, former Dane County Sheriff Dave Mahoney and former Alder Sheri Carter believe current elected officials created this financial crisis. Therefore, they believe it should be up to these leaders to correct the budget.
"It's real simple," Soglin said. "The City of Madison needs a government relations lobbyist program. There are Republicans who should not be berated, but should be engaged in discussion."
Soglin says Madison cannot continue to offer community services with the current financial status the city finds itself in. He says raising property taxes would make the city even more unaffordable for homeowners and renters.
Carter says many families do not have room to make the sacrifices that she believes voting in favor of the referendum would entail.
"Over half our children in the school system qualify for free or reduced lunch," Carter said. "Can families be generous with this referendum? Should they have to choose between the lights and saving the city? You tell me."
If voters reject the referendum, the City of Madison says this would lead to 5% cuts of the budget, the reduction of hours for many workers and vacant positions throughout city services would be eliminated.
These cuts would impact several positions and agencies, such as waste collectors, librarians, police officers, firefighters and more.
More at WKOW 27 News