TO THE EDITOR: Through the tough events that we are witnessing on a national and global front, it is very important to remember the foundations of our political system: local elections.

That being said, this election season is becoming more and more crucial than ever to turn out and vote for the candidates of your choice. Our Borough Council has consistently been a key factor in establishing a strong sense of community for its residents, with easy access to New York City, embracing our diversity, and living up to its title as “#1 Best Place to Live in New Jersey.”

This primary election, I have the privilege of supporting Councilwoman Rachel Ehrlich and Tom Haralampoudis, who are running for Borough Council, so that we can continue to strive for the high standard of community living that we have grown so appreciative of. Their strong stances on Madison’s environmental policies, as well as their extensive volunteer experience throughout our Borough, proves that these two candidates live up to the expectations that are seen of our Borough Council members.

As someone who has lived in Madison for over 20 years and witnessed first-hand the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which was during my final half of senior year, Rachel Ehrlich’s quickness to help enact the Mayor’s COVID-19 Relief Toolkit, which included an electric bill of up to $200 for residents who had been furloughed or laid-off, as well as a credit of $400 to Madison businesses who were required to close or were suffering financial hardships, was by far one of the most helpful things our Borough Council was able to do during this time.

In addition, Ehrlich’s commitment to making Madison a decarbonized community, and her partnership with green team members to create and adopt the Climate Action Resolution for Madison. This acknowledges the threat of climate change and aligns the borough with the New Jersey state Energy Master Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The dedication that Tom Haralampoudis has towards the town of Madison defines his clear qualifications to be on our Borough Council. His presence on the Madison Library’s Board of Trustees, the Board of Health, and his work with the Madison Housing Corporation, highlights his extensive work within the Borough. He continues to be an active member of the Madison Rotary Club, and works intermittently with the Interfaith Food Pantry, and the Morristown Community soup kitchen. Haralampoudis also is the president and founder of the Madison Junior School Sports Program, which is responsible for coordinating all the athletic programs that run through MJS. As someone who went to Madison High School with his kids, I know that his dedication to student-athletes is one of his priorities as he runs for Borough Council.

So, when it’s time to cast your vote on June 7, I hope you will join me, and vote for Ehrlich and Haralmpoudis so that we can continue to preserve Madison’s strong sense of community and our Borough Council’s dedication to restoring Madison to its pre-pandemic state.

LUKE BIAS