My move to Madison in 2008 was prompted by both an employment opportunity and the desire to raise my then four-year-old daughter closer to extended family. Because my parents already lived in the Borough, I knew Madison offered great amenities, a strong public school system and an engaged, welcoming community. In the 15 years that have since flown by I’ve been fortunate to become a part of this incredible community, and my life has been enriched by Madison in many ways, and on many levels.
In my profession within the medical field, I’ve been fortunate to have held a series of roles in which I’ve helped patients get the treatment they need to live longer and healthier lives. The passion I’ve always had for helping others very much aligns with my dedication to volunteering in Madison. This amazing town has played such an important part of my life for many of my most meaningful years and that fuels my desire to pay it forward by doing what I can to ensure Madison continues to remain a strong, multifaceted community for all who are fortunate to live or work here.
I’m a lifelong soccer fan and have been a volunteer coach for the Madison Recreation Soccer League and Head Coach for the Madison Soccer Club. I was appointed to and have served on the Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Advisory Committee since 2011 with multiple stints as chair. In addition to serving on the Madison Borough Council, I served as a member of the Planning Board, am a member of the Madison Community Garden, a past member of the Board of Trustees of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, and am currently organizing a National Trails Day event in Madison, which will take place in June. I am also an active member of Grace Church in Madison (Altar Guild Lead), and I credit this with helping me build my leadership skills while instilling a sense of belonging and a commitment to giving back.
Ultimately, I’ve found the more involved I’ve become with different aspects of Madison life the more appreciative I am of our unique town. I know how much my family has benefited from great Borough leadership, careful town planning, and a strong school system. That’s really what has motivated me to get involved with our town’s democratic system and what drives my decision to run for re-election to Madison Borough Council. I feel compelled to step up to listen to my neighbors and community members, to represent their ideas and give voice to those in the Borough who don’t always have the opportunity to speak up about issues that matter to them.
Madison is exceptional because it offers residents a strong, ever improving public school system, historic neighborhoods, vibrant local businesses and access to well-maintained parks and recreation facilities. I realize this doesn’t just happen – it takes focus and dedication from leaders and the entire community. I take our responsibility to protect our environment for future generations seriously and believe we have an opportunity to work collaboratively to protect the natural resources in town (including the Drew Forest) and to continue to reflect the input of the community to the Master Plan by balancing historic preservation with a thriving downtown.
I also believe opportunities remain to improve the Madison experience for all of its 16,000 residents, regardless of age, ethnicity or income. I will work to continue to build on walkability and accessibility in town, bringing senior services and activities back to the Borough in addition to addressing the need for affordable and senior-friendly housing. We have the opportunity to continue to live in a safe, welcoming, sustainable and diverse community. With careful long-term planning and open communication these goals can be achieved.
Through my volunteer efforts and service as a member of the Borough Council, I know first-hand the hard work it takes to listen to others with different opinions, build consensus, and accomplish community goals. While national politics may be polarizing and frustrating right now, the importance of voting in local elections is paramount to how our families live and thrive in our town. Each person has their own perspective on every issue and every vote truly matters. If re-elected, I would work with the Borough to continue to ensure that residents have ample opportunities to provide feedback on the Council’s work. While we may not always make every Madisonian happy, it’s our obligation to be as transparent and inclusive as possible.
I am excited to run for re-election this year with Eric Range and hit the campaign trail to talk to as many Madison neighbors as we can. It is an ongoing honor to serve Madison and I would welcome the opportunity to continue working with Mayor Bob Conley, the Borough Administration and my fellow Council members. Together we represent decades of serving the town we love and our diverse skills and experiences can have a significant, beneficial impact on how Madison evolves. I hope my Madison neighbors will continue to place their trust in me to represent them, as we continue to make Madison an even better place for all of us to call home.
