Sister-city vote delay likely
11:44 PM 7/05/04
Dean Mosiman Wisconsin State Journal

Supporters of a controversial sister-city relationship with the Palestinian city of Rafah on the Gaza Strip are expected to delay a Madison City Council vote on the proposal scheduled tonight. <

The vote will likely be delayed until July 20 to let council members consider new information, the measure's prime sponsor, Ald. Jean MacCubbin, 11th District, said Monday. <

The council, which meets at 6:30 p.m. at the City-County Building, will consider several major issues, including a change from manual to automated collection of garbage and recyclables. <

The Rafah proposal has seven sponsors. Supporters continue to lobby council members but MacCubbin is uncertain if they will get the 11 votes needed for passage. <

City Council President Brenda Konkel, 2nd District, a supporter, said, "I think it's gaining support. I haven't counted the votes, but I think they're there." <

The Madison-Rafah Sister City Project wants to create a formal relationship to support Rafah, which is beset by violence, suffering and conflict with Israel. Critics, including the Madison Jewish Community Council, say Rafah leaders have connections to terrorists who attack Israelis. <

Mayor Dave Cieslewicz says the sister city proposal is dividing people here and he doesn't support it. The debate is giving critics of the sister-city program more cause to cut funding, Cieslewicz spokeswoman Melanie Conklin said. <

The council's organizational committee will discuss at 5 tonight a revised Rafah proposal, which removes some controversial language and lets the council president sign documents if the mayor doesn't. The committee is expected to make a recommendation to the council later in the evening. <

But supporters will seek a two-week delay in the council vote, MacCubbin said. <

While debate on Rafah has been intense, the council tonight will also consider a less controversial proposal to establish a sister-city link with Cuzco, Peru. <

Also on the agenda: <