Pure Madnesson

Leaders of the Chamber of Commerce, Smart Growth Madison, Wisconsin Realtors Association, Madison Area Apartment Association, Tavern League, Wisconsin Restauran Association, Madison Area Builders Association and Common Sense Coalition filed paperwork today to begin the annexation of a large piece of unincorporated land just outside of Madison under the name of The Business Community. Downtown Madison Incorporated is considering joining the conglomerate, as well. Asked about plans for the land, Ray Allen of the Common Sense Coalition stated, "The Business Community needs a place of our own where we make the rules. Madison has become too unfriendly to us."

Plans submitted with the initial paperwork include a 50 square mile gated community consisting of a mix of commercial and residential development. The proposed governing structure is completely devoid of regulations. Local governance includes an appointed Board of Directors to manage contracts for snow plowing, policing and other basic services. All such services will be privatized. Jennifer Alexander of the Chamber of Commerce will serve as the Chairwoman of the Board for The Business Community and plans to appoint additional board members as soon as the annexation is complete.

Asked about the annexation, Alexander immediately corrects, "It's more of a corporate takeover than an annexation. Government should be run like a business for the businesses." According to Alexander, large and small businesses may move to The Business Community as long as they pay the $1 million initial move-in fee. Businesses will not be taxed but will pay a fee for services used. Alexander explains, "In the interest of fairness, fees will be based on actual usage. If I generate 4 bags of garbage this week, I am billed for pick-up of 4 bags of garbage. The streets will be privately owned, so I will own the segment of street in front of my home. I can hire someone to plow my section or pay a fee to The Business Community to have their contractors do the plowing." Private security will be hired to police the community, and community members will be charged on a per call basis for policing. The Business Community will also contract with a privately owned company for fire protection, ambulance service and other such needs.

Judy Compton, currently an eastside Madison alderwoman, plans to make the move. "I'm thrilled that businesses will finally have a place to really flourish," said Compton. "I'm sick and tired of all these silly laws stifling economic development." Alderpeople Jed Sanborn, Cindy Thomas, Zach Brandon, Paul Skidmore, and Santiago Rosas will all be leaving their Madison posts to make the move too. Sanborn expressed great pleasure with the opportunity to "finally live in a place where the free market can work without interference." Thomas says that she is just thrilled to finally move into a gated community where she doesn't have to worry about crime anymore. "The gates and the move-in fee will keep the criminals out to begin with, and I can buy as much police protection as I want," said Thomas.

Alderwoman Lauren Cnare, a business owner herself, is unsure whether she will make the move. "My business is quite small, and I'm not sure I can swing the move-in fee. Zach (Brandon) is pressuring me to make the move, but the mayor thinks I should stay here. It's quite a dilemna for me." Alderman Larry Palm also expresses interest in following Brandon but has concerns about the cost, as well.

Six of the seven alderpeople who are part of the local political party, Progressive Dane, find the annexation "laughable" according to Alderwoman Brenda Konkel. One Progressive Dane Alderman, Mike Verveer, says that he is "intrigued" by the idea, though.

Although the annexation is not yet finalized, the group has already begun distributing brochures to prospective residents. According to the literature, The Business Community will provide "a regulation-free atmosphere where business can flourish without the interference of local government; a fee-for-service model without heavy taxation; the best private schools; a business environment based solely on the spirit of free market competition; complete safety and security of a gated community; and a community of like minded individuals" among a host of other promises.