Mayor Paul Soglin announced today that Alice Fike has been selected as the recipient of the fifth annual Jeffrey Clay Erlanger Civility in Public Discourse Award. The award will be presented at tomorrow night's Common Council meeting.

This award was created by the Common Council to honor a Madison resident who exemplifies Jeff Erlanger's model of fairness, openness, and civility in public discourse. Jeff, who passed away in 2007, was committed to public service and understood the importance of bringing people of differing opinions together through civil debate and constructive advocacy.

Alice Fike has served as a member of the city's Commission on People with Disabilities and the CDA's Long Range Planning Committee and has been a dedicated volunteer for the South Madison Coalition of the Elderly and the Bayview Foundation Ethnic Fest. As a resident of the city's triangle housing complex, Ms. Fike has advocated for disabled residents and has served as the unofficial "house mother" for Brittingham.

"Alice Fike's unofficial role in her neighborhood can't be overemphasized," said Mayor Paul Soglin. "She sees a need and steps in to fill it without being asked. Her positive attitude and cheerful disposition are a wonderful example of how one individual can make a meaningful contribution to the community."

"We are very pleased with the selection of Alice Fike as this year's recipient of the Jeff Erlanger Award." said Jeff's parents Howard and Pam. " Alice's activism on City committees and her advocacy for people in need show how much can be accomplished without the need to create controversy. We hope many people will emulate her quiet determination."