Mayor Dave Cieslewicz announced today that Nan Fey has been selected as the recipient of the third annual Jeffrey Clay Erlanger Civility in Public Discourse Award and will be awarded the honor at tonight's Common Council meeting.

The award was created by the Mayor and Common Council to honor the example of civility in public service set by Jeff Erlanger, who passed away in 2007. Nominations were reviewed and a winner selected by a committee that included a representative of the Erlanger family.

"Nan Fey is widely respected across our community for her ability to lead while ensuring fair, civil discourse on contentious issues," Mayor Dave Cieslewicz said. "She exemplifies the civility and service to the community that Jeff Erlanger demonstrated, and I'm pleased to recognize her with this award."

Fey has served on several city committees and currently serves as the mayor's designee on the Madison Plan Commission, which she chairs. Over her years of service on city committees, she has been known for her leadership skills and ability to moderate courteous, civil debate on controversial issues. She is also an ongoing advocate for the City's sustainability efforts as well as community gardens.

"My husband and I are very pleased with the selection of Nan. She truly embodies the principals that Jeff stood for and continues to make great contributions to the city," said Pam Erlanger, a member of the selection committee and Jeff's mother.

The Erlanger Award is an annual recognition, to be awarded at the Common Council meeting that falls closest to Jeff Erlanger's birthday of November 30. Fey was nominated by Kelly Thompson-Frater.