TO THE EDITOR:

Thank you to the people of Madison for the confidence you have placed in us and for the opportunity to continue serving this community. It is a responsibility and a privilege that neither of us takes for granted.

We are grateful to our Democratic Committee, our campaign volunteers, our families, and everyone who supported us. But our thanks extend well beyond an election. Madison is fortunate to have so many people who give their time, talents, and energy to make our community a wonderful place to live. Whether you serve on a board or committee, coach a team, volunteer with a local organization, help a neighbor, or find another way to give back, you are part of what makes Madison special.

We also hope more people will step up and get involved. You don’t need to hold elected office to make a difference. Strong communities depend on people who are willing to participate, lend a hand, and care about the place they call home.

While elections are naturally partisan, governing our community should not be. Once the election is over, our responsibility is to represent everyone, whether you are a Democrat, Republican, independent, or don’t think much about politics at all. Everyone deserves to have a voice and a place in our community.

We can disagree without being disagreeable. We can listen to one another, treat people with kindness and respect, and make sure Madison remains the open and welcoming community we all value. How we do the work matters just as much as the work itself.

Over the past several years, the mayor and borough council have worked together to deliver real results for Madison. We’ve continued investing in our roads and water, electric, sewer and stormwater systems. We established a 24-hour emergency ambulance service, invested in our parks and recreational facilities, and completed our first full season operating the Madison Community Pool.

We’re also moving the Heller Center forward, preserving an important part of Madison’s history while creating a new home for senior programs and other community uses. We’ve made progress on housing and sustainability, including the opening of the Forum at Madison, while continuing efforts to preserve important open space like the Drew Forest.

None of these accomplishments happen because of any one person. We are fortunate to have dedicated borough employees and professionals who work every day to serve our residents and keep Madison running. We want to thank them for their hard work, professionalism, and commitment to our community. We also thank the many residents, volunteers, boards, committees, and community partners who contribute their time and expertise. The mayor and council may set priorities and make decisions, but delivering for Madison is truly a team effort.

There are also significant challenges ahead. Addressing PFAS in our water supply will require a substantial investment, and providing safe, reliable drinking water remains one of our most fundamental responsibilities. We must also continue maintaining our infrastructure, managing growth responsibly, keeping Madison affordable, supporting our downtown and local businesses, and preserving the character of our community.

There will always be different opinions about how we meet those challenges. That’s okay. What matters is that we listen to one another, work together, and make thoughtful decisions based on what is best for Madison as a whole.

Most importantly, thank you to everyone who contributes to our community in ways large and small. Madison is a special place because people are willing to step forward and do their part. We encourage others to join them. There is always an opportunity to serve, volunteer, participate, or simply help a neighbor.

We are grateful for the opportunity to continue serving you, and we look forward to working with the mayor, our fellow council members, our borough employees and professionals, and all of you to keep Madison a wonderful place to call home.

Thank you,

JOHN FORTE AND BOB LANDRIGAN