No decisions in Halloween debate

Despite continuing discussions among UW–Madison students, Madison police and the city, no firm resolution has been reached over whether the city’s annual Halloween celebration will be staged in 2006.

Mayor Dave Cieslewicz visited with UW–Madison students last week at a Wisconsin Union Directorate Community “Cookies and Milk” event sponsored by its service committee.

In response to questions about the event, Cieslewicz suggested that community input from outside the downtown area was needed on whether the event could be staged safely, and whether costs should be shared among those who benefit from the event, as opposed to being covered solely by the city, university and other public agencies.

“There are two major problems with Halloween,” he said. “The first problem is the cost of the event: $350,000 for the city alone. It’s probably a half million with all the regional help we get. There’s also the problem of over-consumption of alcohol by young kids.”

UW–Madison spent approximately $96,000, including police and University Housing staffing and equipment costs, as well as additional funds for a light truck and portable toilets.

The Offices of the Dean of Students continues to work with Madison police to compile statistics and information about students who were cited or arrested at the event. Information about visiting students will be forwarded back to their home campuses.

Approximately 120 of those arrested or cited by police were immediately identified as UW–Madison students, with most offenses related to alcohol use. The Offices of the Dean of Students will follow up with all students who had police contact, but will pay special attention to those accused of violent or disorderly behavior.