Common Council

My Resignation: It has been a great honor representing District 12

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

After almost 4 years serving the community as an alderman on the Madison Common Council, the time has come for me to resign and leave District 12.

Seven years ago, I first got involved with our Madison community as a citizen member, serving on various committees and as co-chair of the Eken Park Neighborhood Association, until I was elected in 2019 to represent the North district of Madison. It has been my great privilege and honor to work with you. 

Together, we fought against the deployment of the F-35 fighter jets, worked hard to protect our wetlands at Hartmeyer (ultimately, protecting 15 acres), developed bike paths behind Kwik Trip, invested in and supported affordable housing units, supported the Tiny Home Village, fought together to clean up the contamination at the Oscar Mayer site, pressured the City, County, Airport and Air National Guard to clean the PFAS contamination, introduced the Plastic Straw Upon Request ordinance to reduce plastic waste, introduced an EV charging ordinance, and in a first for the City of Madison, we created a Tax Incremental District (TID) to support a WHPC affordable housing project (on the corner of Fair Oaks and East Washington). Last, but not least, just last week, we were able to protect the future of the Public Market.

All of this could not have happened without your support and love. I truly appreciate everyone who supported me during my last two terms and helped me work to build a strong, equitable community. I also would like to thank my dear wife, Holly, and our two young daughters. Without their continuous support and yours, I wouldn't have been able to create the impact I have had in just four years.

Resigning is not an easy decision, as I have loved serving you, my constituents, and helping solve issues. The challenges of the district became my own and I am so thankful to have built lifelong friendships and bonds with many of you.

When I first campaigned to be elected to the Council, Holly had the worst morning sickness. But she was still fully devoted to caring for our toddler while working full time. A few months after I was elected, our second baby was born. I was fully involved as alder of District 12. It wasn't easy juggling a full time job, being Vice President of the Common Council, and having a newborn and a barely two year old. However, Holly made it possible. She has been my forever champion and supporter from the day we met. I am so grateful.

Now, with a 3 year old and a 5 year old, I want to spend time with my family before they grow up in front of my eyes. I can't believe it's been five years since we started having kids. 

There will be time to serve the community again, but my babies will never be this small again. My elderly father plans to visit us and I want to give him and my family my full attention. As an alderman, I gave it my all and I truly believe that is what the community deserves from its representatives.

This is not goodbye; it's "see you out in the community." I won't stop championing what's right, but for now my service to the community needs to take a backseat to my home life. Right now, my daughters and my family deserve my full attention. My last day on the Council will be on November 30th. 

Again, thank you for believing in me and for believing in our District 12 community.

Happy Thanksgiving to those celebrating.

Syed