Not Seeking Reelection This Spring

I've decided that I won't be running for reelection in the spring 2027 local election and have submitted my Declaration of Non-Candidacy to the Clerk's Office. Serving the people of District 3 and of Madison has been a tremendous honor.

My guiding goal has been to do this job the way I would want my own representative to do it. I'm proud of the work I've done to get the City's attention on the needs and concerns of our Eastside neighborhoods and plan for the future, doing so alongside so many caring District 3 residents, devoted Council colleagues, and incredibly talented City staff professionals.

What's this job like?

It isn't easy. Alders are responsible for tracking a great many legislative items across dozens of topic-focused committee meetings before deciding how to vote, where to raise concerns, or when seek changes. Alders are appointed to be members of a handful of those committees and join their regular meetings. Alders should communicate relevant City business to district residents and consider their input. Perhaps most importantly, alders need to consider legislative solutions to issues that emerge within the district, determining when solutions by City government are both possible and feasible.

Doing this job on a part-time basis requires alders to prioritize the topics and issues that rise to the top, necessarily at the expense of other worthy causes. The ongoing and most frustrating issues are those our community has not yet managed to solve - primarily due to funding and staff constraints, legal limits on the role of local government, or the rapidly changing nature of societal problems in our economy and our country. Passions about these issues can run high and lead to difficult votes, messy meetings, and hurt feelings - all of which require alders to have a thick skin, see through the drama, and stay focused on the bigger picture.

Despite those challenges, doing the work of an alder has been an incredibly meaningful experience. Alders get to decide for themselves how to do the job and which values to model in their decision-making. For me, this meant:

• Thoroughly tracking City business to highlight issues deserve residents' attention
• Communicating local government news and participation opportunities each week for interested constituents via the District 3 blog
• Planning for our community's future needs through major planning initiatives
• Being responsive to constituent needs and the needs of the City, including providing constituent service and developing or changing policy in a way that responds to those needs
• At times, acknowledging and being transparent about the constraints or inconvenient realities that can stand in the way of the City doing something people wish it would do

I don't think this is the end of my public service, but after what will be four years, I am tired and could use a break. The schedule, workload, and controversies take a toll on all of us and our families. Also, I believe our local democracy is healthier if there are at least a handful of people in the district who could step up to do the job.

I will offer a high level of onboarding support to whomever wins District 3 voters' support in April. There's a lot to learn and I'll be around to help.

Have you thought about running? 

This Madison Clerk's Office webpage is a great resource that lays out what you need to know. Candidates can begin circulating nomination papers on December 1st.

Let me know if you have questions beyond what I've shared above: district3@cityofmadison.com. I'm happy to schedule a call or coffee over the coming weeks with those who are considering running. 

Finally, thank you!