Weekend, April 17-20, 2014 - The Daily Cardinal

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University of Wisconsin-Madison

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Weekend, April 17-20, 2014

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Does student apathy jeopardize democracy? Story by Siddharth Pandey

ON CAMPUS

Real talk

Janet Mock, a writer and transgender activist, spoke at Union South Wednesday to promote her new book “Redifining Realness.” + Photo by Alivia Richter

City plans to initiate rideshare regulations By Patricia Johnson THE DAILY CARDINAL

A recent topic of contention in Madison addresses the rideshare services, such as Uber and Lyft, which do not follow the same regulations as taxi cab companies. Uber and Lyft are both relatively new additions to the city’s public passenger vehicle market. They allow customers to access a smartphone app and request a ride at the push of a button. In order to function as an official taxi cab service, revenue has to be made within the vehicle, according to Ald. Scott Resnick, District 8. “Right now, they claim that there’s no commerce occurring inside the vehicle, although we’ve heard rumors that that’s not true,” Resnick said. “If that’s the case, then they’re in violation of the law.” Some major concerns about the rideshare services involve the safety of accessing unregulated vehicles. Resnick is currently in the process of creating a proposal that would allow the businesses to operate in the city while following appropriate regulations. “There are several provisions that would regulate them similarly to taxi cabs. We’d have background checks and make sure that the vehicles are safe,” Resnick said. “We’re trying to create a framework that maintains the same level of safety whether you’re in a traditional taxi cab or using one these net-

work services.” According to a Cap Times article, Mayor Paul Soglin is opposed to allowing rideshare services in Madison that are not required to follow the same regulations as taxi cabs. Soglin believes the companies will be damaging to the current taxi market in Madison. Taxi cab companies currently operating in Madison have strict regulations including providing 24/7 service. Uber and Lyft are not currently required to follow such regulations. Richard Nesvacil, general manager at Madison Taxi, said it was unfair to have rideshare companies operating in the city when they run during prime business hours. “The idea here is that we’re required by city law to do this and I don’t think it’s fair to have a two-tiered system,” Nesvacil said. Nesvacil also expressed his concern over allowing potentially privately insured drivers to transport customers. Wisconsin state law requires independent contractors to have workers’ compensation. Resnick said the proposal will undergo deliberation with city officials to address all areas of concern. “As long as we’re on a level playing field ... and if other considerations are made to make sure it’s fair, then we’ll look at it,” Nesvacil said. Mayor Paul Soglin could not be reached for comment.

Voter turnout. These two words have come to symbolize the increasing disillusionment and distrust people feel toward democratic governments, illustrated by the plummeting numbers recorded at recent elections. When students are added to the fray, the issue takes on the characteristics of a long-term puzzle for which few people hold the pieces. Students form one of the most important election demographics for the simple reason that most of them are undecided as to their political leanings when they come of voting age. Furthermore, research shows graduates end up voting for the same side of the aisle they first voted for in college, if at all. As more students disengage from the political process, candidates are elected into office without the consent or mandate of the majority of the population. The factors contributing to this state of affairs is as complicated as it is numerous, and only increases as the issue is viewed

from different perspectives. Speaking to Charlie Hoffman, chairman of the University of Wisconsin-Madison College Republicans, it immediately becomes apparent that despite major efforts to mobilize students on campus, falling voter turnout gives him little reason to be optimistic. “A number of students have their residency in their hometowns, which means that they can’t vote here,” Hoffman said. He explained how ineligibility cultivates a culture of indifference while right-leaning students are discouraged from exhibiting their political colors. “The campus is largely leftleaning and Republican students feel their voice won’t be heard,” Hoffman said. He added organizations such as his strive to give students an outlet for conservative dialogue, ensuring students do not feel ideologically alone. Seeing as the core problems stem from residency restrictions and a lack of interest in local politics, making it easier to transfer residency along with better strategies to involve students locally could solve the problem to a large extent, if not fully. However, politics are taking

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STEPHANIE DAHER/CARDINAL FILE PHOTO

The city will replace food carts beginning in May to accommodate Library Mall renovations expected to last for six months before the fall semester.

Food carts to be moved off State Street for more than six months beginning in May About 20 food carts will be relocated off State Street starting May 19 through October 31 due to construction, the university said Tuesday. New locations include the East Campus Mall area and North Lake Street, according to a university news release.

Construction is scheduled to begin after the semester ends and will conclude before the beginning of the fall semester. The construction is for the new State Street Mall, which will have improved paving and lighting, additional seating areas and a raised pedestrian cross-

The Daily Cardinal reviews Madison pizza spots Find the meat of the story inside

a different direction according to Zachary Madden of United Wisconsin, a pro-democracy interest group. “The last four years under the Walker administration and the attacks on voting, specifically making it much more difficult for students to vote, is a large piece of the problem,” Madden said. “The Republicans know that students overwhelmingly vote for the Democrats and thus the GOP has fought back, and they’ve done a pretty good job of it.” Madden also called attention to the time and resources presidential candidates have at their disposal compared to city and county candidates. The employment of those resources leads to higher turnout among students and the general public. “I know that United Wisconsin, and all the other progressive groups will do all they can to ensure that students have all the information they need to make a well informed decision when casting their ballot,” Madden said of the upcoming gubernatorial elections. Despite educational campaigns, disinterest still persists.

walk at North Park Street. Steven Lawrence, owner of the highly successful Fried and Fabulous food cart, said he was displeased by the news and potential relocation. “There are a lot of vendors

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“…the great state University of Wisconsin should ever encourage that continual and fearless sifting and winnowing by which alone the truth can be found.”


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