Madison Democratic Committee (MDC) co-chairs, Alix Jennings and Christine Preston, shared their excitement that following a vote by the Madison Council, John Forte was appointed to serve temporarily in the seat vacated by Deb Coen until the November election and that Melissa Honohan has received the nomination and support of the MDC for that position in the November general election. “We’re thrilled that John was appointed to this position and will have an opportunity to make an immediate positive impact on the council and we couldn’t be happier that Melissa has agreed to run in November for the remainder of Deb’s term.”
Forte will officially be sworn in at the next Council meeting on May 22 and participate in the executive session prior to the meeting. As per the process when a seat is vacated, he will serve until the November 7 general election at which time Madison voters will select who will serve the remainder of Ms. Coen’s term through December 31, 2024. John Forte remains on the ballot in November, together with Council member Bob Landrigan, for a regular three-year term.
John Forte expressed his gratitude in a statement issued by the borough: “I would like to express my immense gratitude to the Mayor and Council for this appointment to serve with them. It is truly an honor to have their trust put in me to continue the good work they’re doing as stewards of Madison for future generations. I look forward to learning from their collective decades of experience and I am ready to serve the residents of Madison to the best of my abilities. This is an honor that I take very seriously, and I pledge my commitment to listen to all members of the community and do my best to ensure that Madison continues to be a vibrant, desirable community that attracts residents and businesses. I look forward to the work ahead and collaboration with the mayor, council, borough administration, and all the dedicated employees and volunteers. Again, I’m grateful for this honor and I am truly humbled by their vote of confidence in me to serve in this role.”
The MDC has a new candidate who joins the campaign: longtime resident and prolific volunteer Melissa Honohan, who was nominated to appear on the November ballot in the election for the remainder of Ms. Coen’s unexpired term through December 2024. With a victory in November, Ms. Honohan would be sworn in and immediately begin serving at the next Council meeting, replacing the interim John Forte.
Ms. Honohan has called Madison home for many years, along with her family, and has a passion for helping people and a desire to give back to the community that has done so much for her and her family. Ms. Honohan was appointed to and has served on the Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Advisory Committee since 2011 with multiple stints as chair, is a current member of the Planning Board, member of the Madison Community Garden, member of the Board of Trustees of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and is currently organizing the June 2023 National Trails Day event in Madison.
Ms. Honohan shared: “I am excited to join Bob Conley, John Forte, and Bob Landrigan in this campaign for Mayor and Council. We all share the same desire to give back to Madison and have already demonstrated that commitment with our many volunteer roles. In my volunteer roles, I have been able to work closely with members of the Council, the Borough Administration, and other volunteers and know first-hand the hard work it takes to build consensus and work towards success. I am ready to serve all members of the Madison community.”
The mayor position and three seats on the council are up for election on November 7, 2023. With the MDC endorsement and nomination, Mr. Conley, Mr. Landrigan, Mr. Forte, and Ms. Honohan will appear on the Morris County Democratic Committee, Inc. line on the June 6Primary ballot and receive the full support of the MDC and its members.