EDITOR: I am writing to urge Madison residents to re-elect (Democrats) Mayor Robert Conley and Councilwoman Maureen Byrne and to cast a vote for (Democrat) Rachel Ehrlich for Borough Council.

I love living and volunteering in Madison. I arrived here 11 years ago and this is the first place I have ever felt the deep sense of community I experience here. Community is no accident. It is purposefully built and cared for. In my experience, the dedicated leaders we have in Mayor Conley and Councilwoman Byrne are committed to nurturing our community and to keeping Madison the No. 1 town in New Jersey.

I have spent time with Rachel Ehrlich going to door-to-door. I am impressed by her deep knowledge of careful development in town and her interest in learning about the critical concerns of Madison residents. She is an excellent listener and thoughtful in her responses to each neighbor she comes in contact with.

Mayor Conley and Councilwoman Byrne, along with the rest of the Madison Borough Council are strong proponents of protecting our land and historic resources. With careful use of the Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Fund, Borough leadership has received many matching grants from both the state and the county. This excellent management of limited resources has allowed the Borough to multiply the dollars available to provide recreation facilities, build new walking trails, and ensure critical restoration for the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts.

Madison is a special place to live. I ask that my Madison neighbors vote for the dedicated and passionate leadership of Mayor Conley, Councilwoman Maureen Byrne and Rachel Ehrlich. They lead by example and are motivated to build upon the tremendous foundation of community we have here.

MELISSA HONOHAN