MADISON, Wis. -- WISC-TV spoke with Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz Wednesday about reports that he tried to encourage candidates to run against Common Council Member Brenda Konkel.

Konkel has been on the Common Council since 2001. She said her focus is open discussions and open government.

The mayor said he has encouraged others to run for her office in District 2 in the past. He said he disagrees with Konkel on many issues.

"I disagree with a lot of the positions Brenda has taken. She supported the Overture refinancing, (and) obviously that was a mistake. She opposed what we've done with Halloween, (which has) been a tremendous success. She fought it tooth and nail," Cieslewicz said.

Four challengers filed paperwork for District 2 on the Madison Common Council. Konkel will face Dennis Denure, Sherman Hackbarth, Bridget Maniaci and Adam Walsh in the February primary.