"I'm taking my ball and going home!" seems to be the new mantra among Madison's special interest policy groups. This approach is about as effective now as it was on the playground so many years ago. The kid who runs home with her ball finds herself without playmates while the kids on the playground continue having fun.

Smart Growth Madison is the latest in a growing list of groups unwilling to compromise or to even participate in a civil discussion.

Delora Newton, spokesperson for Smart Growth Madison, said in a press release:

However, the group offers no suggestions for improving the ordinance. On a local radio show on WIBA on Monday, Newton explained that the group felt it had to work with Progressive Dane and the mayor on the original ordinance as passage was inevitable, but that position has now changed. She justified this with mention of new members on the Common Council.

Smart Growth joins other Madison groups in promoting an "all or nothing" mentality.

During the debate over the two failed smoking ordinance repeals earlier this year, the Tavern League (and Coalition to Save Madison Jobs) and Tobacco Free Dane County (and other anti-smoking groups) expressed no interest in compromise. The tobacco free groups wanted it all, while the Tavern League and friends insisted upon nothing. A group of alders sought compromise and were supported by no one.

The Healthy Families, Healthy City coalition invited input from the business community, and specifically the Chamber of Commerce when crafting its sick leave proposal. Speaking for the Chamber, Jennifer Alexander made it clear that her group would not participate, stating:

There must be someone out there who can bring these groups together and "foster and expand dialogue among government agencies, neighborhood organizations, businesses and interested parties..." Sound familiar? The statement is taken directly from the Common Sense Coalition's mission. Don't expect the Common Sense Coalition (CSC) to step in and promote dialogue on Inclusionary Zoning, though. After all, two of CSC's board members include Delora Newton and Curt Brink of Smart Growth Madison. Terrence Wall was also behind the formation of both CSC and Smart Growth. One can easily guess what position the CSC will take, and it likely won't include fostering or expanding any dialogue.