How's it Going? Lyons' First 100 Days In Office

MADISON, CT — Peggy Lyons' first 100 days in office as Madison's First Selectwoman have been at once busy and exciting.

In two brief meetings with Patch, Lyons was distracted by the business of Madison; whisked away by staffers, busy on the phone, pouring over documents and plans, and checking the time as she went from one meeting to the next. In a word, she was busy.

Lyons was asked about her first hundred days focusing on the learning curve, how she's settled in, what surprised her most about the job, what challenges she's faced and what challenges lie ahead for the town, she was mostly upbeat and focused on the future but getting down to business. The impression of Lyons is that: she's all business. Her tidy, bright office is not littered with paper rather neat piles that include budget documents — which sit not far from a small jar with leftover holiday chocolates and photos of her family.

Ellyn Santiago/Patch

Lyons wears a smile as she takes a call and then pauses to speak to a staffer. She doesn't have much time for pleasantries. She has work to do. And that includes taking to Facebook - on two pages, one the original and official Office of the First Selectman and another, hers, First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons. updated almost daily and chock-a-block with important news and information with the community, from a notice about a roadway being closed after and accident, to announcements of public meetings (and later, the link to the minutes or video for those who missed it), requests for people interested in serving on town committees, including the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, visits in the community including a recent sit-down at the Senior Center, her Thursday 'Coffee & Conversations With Peggy' reminders and myriad more.

Lyons is busy. And said she loves her job. Patch wanted to know:

How has the first 100 days gone?

"The day I was sworn into office I promised to deliver to the people of Madison a better, more effective town government. I laid out a series of short-term and long-term goals and my administration continues to work towards these. During my first 100 days, I’m proud to say we’ve made a lot of progress."

Which includes:

• Moving two major bonding projects toward a stand-alone fall referendum - projects that will position our schools for success while addressing major facility issues, and bring community closure to the future of the Academy building
• Completing a bi-partisan 20/21 Budget that would result in a below average mill rate increase of 2%. It addresses many important capital and operating issues, and reflects many community priorities like Ambulance Services and the new Scranton Library
• Launching an Ad Hoc Island Future Use Committee to determine the future of Island Avenue School, while also working to finalize a temporary lease extension for OLM Prep until the community determines what it wants for that property
• Launching an Ad Hoc Government Studies Committee to explore best practices in town government and lay the groundwork for a potential revision to our Town Charter
• Launching a number of initiatives to improve operational functionality and government responsiveness, including a communications plan, plans to livestream meetings, First Selectwoman office hours, and a tracking system for community complaints
• Tackling beach management and safety issues by re-instating lifeguards, gateguards, and a beach pass sticker program, and identifying other necessary quality of life improvements
• Identifying a number of unresolved and unfinished projects that need resolution and a timeline for completion if appropriate

How Lyons has settled in to her job

"I’ve spent a lot of time these past 100 days learning how municipal government works, and about all the great work our town employees do to keep the town running smoothly. I entered office facing many significant challenges – two major bonding initiatives unresolved, a long list of unfinished projects, and a general distrust and frustration with our town government. I feel I have set in motion a number of projects and initiatives to address these concerns. This includes implementing common sense business practices like re-instituting staff meetings, project status reports, and challenging staff to think in new ways. I’ve also tried new things to encourage more public involvement like changing Board of Selectmen meeting times, launching livestreaming of meetings, establishing monthly coffee and conversation hours – all to show I am still listening. "

What most surprised her in her new role? What did she quickly learn about the community?

"As an everyday citizen, I don’t think I fully appreciated what a great group of employees we have working in our town government. Whether it’s our public safety workers, town clerk, road crews, or our technology team, we are fortunate to have a group of highly dedicated professionals across the board working to make Madison a great place to live."

Her biggest challenges since being sworn in

"Getting things accomplished quickly in government is a challenge. In the private sector, leaders have the ability to take decisive action and implement change quickly. In government, it requires more shepherding – moving things forward slowly while getting as much buy-in as possible from other stakeholders such as elected boards, town employees and the public."

What's the one issue that she believes the public needs a better understanding of

"We are facing two important bonding referendum this fall. I hope the people of Madison will take the time to learn the facts about each of these important projects, and understand the critical role they each play in the future of our community. I will work hard to ensure every citizen has access to critical information to make an informed vote on these issues."

Lyons says being accessible is important to her. To follow and reach Lyons, visit her Facebook page, including the 'Ask Peggy' section, call or email. Or catch her out and about in town.

"Please reach out and share your thoughts and ideas with me, and get involved! It is only through citizen engagement and community activism that we can bring progress and change to our town. You, the people of Madison, offered me this opportunity and I promise to do my best to serve you well," she says.