Pure Madnesson

Mayor Dave Cieslewicz has officially resigned his post as Madison's mayor, as he has accepted a job with PBS. Cieslewicz will be hosting the acclaimed children's television show, Mister Rogers Neighborhood. Public television officials say they are thrilled that Cieslewicz has accepted their job offer.

PBS has been recruiting Cieslewicz ever since the death of Fred Rogers in 2003. Cieslewicz says he was initially hesitant to leave Madison, but his love of trolleys finally won out. He has been an avid fan of trolley cars since childhood. "I have never been able to get enough of those shiny red trolley cars. I see one and my pulse starts racing." As mayor, Cieslewicz has come to realize that his dream of trolleys in Madison may never take shape. "As Mister Rogers, I will get to play with trolley cars every single day."

Cieslewicz will maintain the name, Mr. Rogers, as "it would be just plain silly to expect kids to pronounce Cieslewicz." He did give some consideration to Mr. C, though. In his new role, the mayor will continue Mister Rogers routine of changing his shoes at the start of the show (left foot first, of course). The Mayor's staff chipped in to buy him a year's supply of Odor Eaters as a parting gift.

Asked if he will make substantive changes to the show, Cieslewicz claims, "I will make Mr. Rogers neighborhood the most progressive neighborhood in TV land."

In other news from PBS, the station has also announced plans to recruit Aldermen Larry Palm and Zach Brandon to play the rolse of Bert and Ernie on its new "no more Muppets" version of its popular Sesame Street series.