Candidate for Council Melissa Honohan’s motivation to serve is straightforward, “I know how much my family has benefited from great Borough leadership, careful town planning, and a strong school system,“ she explains in a prepared statement. “That’s really what has motivated me to get involved with our town’s politics and what drives my decision to run for re-election to Madison Borough Council.”
Council member Honohan was first elected in November 2023 to complete the unexpired term of Debra Coen. She is now running for a full three-year term along with running mate Eric Range, the Council President. “I am excited and energized to be running for a full three-year on Council with Eric,” says Honohan. “We both volunteered for many years before serving on Council, and we take seriously our responsibilities to serve the Madison community.”
It’s a community Honohan knows well, having participated in many aspects of Madison life over the past fifteen years. “I knew Madison was a lovely town with many wonderful amenities, as my parents had already lived there for several years,” she explains. Raising a daughter with her grandparents nearby has given Honohan unique perspective into 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,” she explains. “I want Madison to remain a vibrant community with resources for people of all ages and interests.”
Honohan has prioritized her efforts with the Council accordingly: “I jumped into the complexities of developing the 2024 budget, worked in partnership with the borough administration on the Masonic Lodge development and design, and reconnected with the Senior Center of the Chathams,” she says. “My ongoing goal is to ensure we have good partners moving forward to eventually have a return of strong senior programming in the Borough of Madison.”
Honohan is also a huge advocate for Madison’s natural resources: “I love exploring the Memorial Park trails for a quiet walk to unwind and recharge,” she shares. “I also organized the 2024 National Trails Day event in June, following an extremely successful 2023 event.” Honohan believes such citizen stewardship is key to maximizing Madison’s potential. “Like all politics, all action is local, and we really need to take control through the things that we can change. Just starting with something small makes a big statement and it also sets an example for the rest of our community and beyond.”
It’s a sentiment Honohan has in common with her running mate Eric Range: “We share a love for Madison, an optimism for the future, and the passion and commitment to do the hard work it takes to keep Madison moving forward.”
Together, Honohan and Range have both been endorsed by the League of Conservation Voters of New Jersey (LCVNJ) for their “demonstrated exceptional leadership in addressing the pressing environmental challenges we face.”
Ms. Honohan has also been endorsed by the Political Action Committee of the National Organization for Women (NOW) of New Jersey.
“I am honored to receive the endorsement of NOW NJ PAC,” said Honohan. “Together, we can build a more equitable New Jersey where all women have the opportunity to succeed and live free from discrimination.”
When asked what her ‘Madison Musts’ were, Melissa Honohan stated that “my go-to takeout is Grillera. It has a great appetizer sampler and welcoming hosts. My perfect Saturday morning is a visit to the Farm and Artisan Market followed by a walk around Giralda Farms.” As for a can’t miss list for visitors, she suggests: “a walk downtown to see the train station, Borough Hall, and the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts. And if it is the first Saturday in October, then the absolute can’t miss is Madison’s signature event: Bottle Hill Day.”