MADISON, Wis. – Nearly a year after an unarmed 19-year-old was shot and killed by Madison police, city council members considered naming March 6 after Tony Robinson.
Ald. Marsha Rummel sent an email to her fellow council members this week, introducing a resolution to declare the date to be Tony Terrell Robinson Day and asking for co-sponsors.
Some alders responded to voice their opposition.
“It really would serve to divide the community,” Ald. David Ahrens said Tuesday. “I think it would reignite a lot of bad feelings on every possible side of the issue.”
City Attorney Michael May responded to the email as well, reminding council members the city advises against commenting on “any matter involving pending litigation.”
During a news conference Wednesday morning, Mayor Paul Soglin called the proposal “inappropriate.”
The city is currently facing a civil rights lawsuit filed by Robinson’s family.
Rummel rescinded her proposed resolution in a follow-up email Monday.
Robinson’s mother was aware of the potential resolution but said she instead would like to see a civil service day of sorts. She is asking the community to get out, help their neighbors and simply do some good.
“Take that day and do something positive in the community,” she said. “Help us, in some form, heal. Whether it’s in my son’s name or not, just you know, pay it forward.”
