Statement of Madison Mayor Paul Soglin on the Dismantling of Walkerville

I appreciate the cooperation of everyone involved in the roughly ten-day experience known as Walkerville in downtown Madison. There were many city and county employees, downtown business leaders, residents and Alders involved in numerous meetings and negotiations which allowed the event to proceed as smoothly as it did. The city made a genuine effort to balance the free speech rights of the protestors with the rights of the residents and businesses downtown to maintain their quality of life. While there certainly were complaints, I feel that Walkerville organizers did their best to comply with requests and correct permit violations. City Parks, Mall Concourse and Police officials are to be commended for their patience and willingness to work with the Walkerville residents. I additionally thank businesses and residents of the downtown, I am aware that you dealt with a number of issues, particularly noise at night. At the request of organizers, Madison Street Use Permits are being terminated at 5:00 p.m. Friday, June 17, 2011.