Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/235251
Analiese Eicher Programs and development manager, One Wisconsin Now "My name is Analiese and I have student loan debt." A member of One Wisconsin Now, a communication network for Wisconsin progressives, Analiese Eicher is comfortable stating this publicly, and thinks you should be, too. A large debt with no relief can be crushing, she says. "You can't refinance it, you can't file bankruptcy with it and it typically takes about two decades to pay off," she says. Having represented UW-Madison students as the District 5 Dane County Supervisor and as the chief lobbyist for the United Council of UW Students, Eicher's aim is to give students a voice—and voice concern. Groundbreaking research on the student loan debt problem at One Wisconsin Institute shows graduates with debt are less likely to purchase a new car or buy a house, thus reducing their potential contributions to their communities. Eicher's next step this election year? Help solve the problem. –E.L. Photographed by Bobbi Petersen (opposite), Shanna Wolf (top), Bobbi Petersen (middle) and Shanna Wolf (bottom) Chris Taylor State Assembly representative for the 76th District "I never thought I'd be in elected office—my goal was always just to do good work that helps improve people's lives," explains Chris Taylor. But not only did the political newcomer win her assembly seat in 2011, there's already talk she could one day be a contender for governor. Why all the attention? Her brazen voice. A lawyer and former public policy director for Planned Parenthood, Taylor hasn't kept a low profile as many freshman Assembly members would. Instead, she's often put herself into leadership roles, not only authoring legislation, but taking the floor during debates to offer rousing speeches on the state's thorniest issues. She recently introduced a bipartisan bill mandating investigations of officer-related deaths and promises to deliver others that address children's rights, environmental policy and more. And though her outspoken approach may win her admirers and skeptics alike, don't expect Taylor to slow down any time soon. –M.P. Bridget Maniaci Former Madison alder, potential candidate for mayor of Madison in 2015 Though Bridget Maniaci hasn't officially declared a run for mayor in 2015, she's carefully keeping her options open. She maintains a Madison residence, returning frequently to meet with former colleagues while pursuing a master's degree in public policy and management at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburg to gather key analytical skills and new perspectives on Madison. If she were to declare a campaign this year, tackling poverty would be a key aspect. "We have clear poverty issues that we cannot afford to pocket away into specific corners of the city," she says. As a young alder, she's remembered for her strong resolve and support of The Edgewater project. For her, local politics is personally fulfilling. "It's really important to me to be able to walk around my neighborhood and see the improvements," she says. Once a dedicated city council member and district advocate, we'll soon see where her feisty spirit takes her. –A.M. JANUARY 2014 | bravamagazine.com 39