Madison voters reject incumbents, elects new leadership
Maura Wroblewski left as only veteran city council member
MADISON – Madison voters rejected the only contested incumbents in city council races today, ushering in new leadership for the city. John Seifert, who represents district 7 and is the city council president, was defeated tonight by Kenneth Jackson. Seifert had 609 votes (46.31%) to Jackson’s 706 (53.69%).
A 2004 graduate of Bob Jones, Jackson advocated on the campaign trail for a slower rate of residential development compared to what the city council has approved in recent years.
“I am so excited to serve as your next District 7 council member!” Jackson stated on Facebook after the election. “I am looking forward to working hard for each of you.”
Karen Denzine, who represents district 6, was also ousted. A runoff election will be held Sept. 23, between Erica White and Scott Harbour to determine who ends up the winner of that race.
White led the contest with 715 votes (45.69%), but lacked the 50% threshold to avoid a runoff. Harbour garnered a little over 34% with 537 votes, and Denzine trailed at 20% with 313 votes.
The defeat of the two incumbents leaves only District 1 representative Maura Wroblewski as the only veteran city council representative, winning reelection by default. She had no challengers.
Three other candidates also won by default, securing their first term. They are David Bier for District 2, Billie Goodson for District 3, and Alice Lessmann for District 5. Connie Spears (District 2) and Teddy Powell (District 3) decided not to run for reelection, while Ranae Bartlett (District 5) ran successfully for mayor.
Bartlett decidedly won the position over two opponents, city administrator Steve Smith and activist Margi Daily. Bartlett nabbed 56% of the vote with 4,581 ballots cast in her favor. Smith followed with 2,620 votes (32%) and Daily trailed with 966 votes (11.83%).
In District 4, Michael McKay easily defeated Rachel Homolak, both newcomers. Greg Shaw decided not to run for reelection for that position. McKay captured 656 votes (73.21%) to Homolak’s 240 votes (26.79%).
Voter turnout was low for this year’s municipal election, a notch below the estimated 20% at 17.76%. Out of 46,105 registered voters, only 8,190 went to the polls.
