'Zero tolerance' of bad behavior needed to keep city safe, unique

Our downtown belongs to the entire community - it exists because and for the people of greater Madison who have worked hard over the decades to make it the best downtown in the Midwest.

It has taken decades of citizens stepping up with their visions and financial commitments to build a downtown where people can live, work and play - a downtown where there are people on the streets morning and night enjoying the many events, activities, restaurants and unique shops - and all of this while feeling safe. That's why downtown safety is everyone's concern.

Downtown is still the safest place to be in the city of Madison, but in the last couple of years we have seen negative behaviors (many of them alcohol driven) that are creating a perception downtown might not be as safe as we would want.

Downtown Madison Inc. and the mayor's office take this seriously. We applaud the mayor for his Downtown Safety Initiative that is part of the 2007 city budget.

Community members, along with the Madison Police Department, are working on many initiatives to improve downtown lighting, increased police foot- patrols and quarterly community meetings.

There has been increased awareness and work among downtown businesses so negative behaviors can be identified sooner rather than later and can be communicated to the police.

In other words, there is work being done with everyone at the table and commitment from all for a safe and active downtown Madison.

Since the beginning of 2007, the data show that the Downtown Safety Initiative is making progress on the issue.

There is a proposed Alcohol License Density Ordinance that will come before the Common Council in July. Months of discussion has taken place about how effective the proposed ordinance would be in reducing alcohol-driven behavior. Whether it passes or not, time will tell, but in the meantime people are talking - they are coming up with solutions - and that is a good thing.

The reality is our community needs to have zero tolerance for negative behaviors not only in our downtown, but in the entire community.

We need to stand up and demand it because this is our downtown and community. The best thing about all of this is that we have the kind of community that can accomplish this goal.

We have an enlightened business community and thousands of citizens who care deeply about the quality of life in our city and who will speak-up and commit to this vision.

Zero tolerance is required because this is OUR community!

Susan Schmitz is president of Downtown Madison Inc.