Madison Election 2021: Peggy Lyons Running For First Selectman

MADISON, CT —The state Municipal Election is Tuesday, Nov. 2.

Patch contacted candidates to answer questions about their campaigns.

Democrat Peggy Lyons, 53, is running for Madison First Selectman in Madison.

Occupation: First Selectman

Family: Husband David, daughter Rose (12), son Patrick (9)

Experience: Current First Selectman, former member of the Board of Finance, Police Commission, and & Economic Development Commission

Family in government: No

The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it:

Madison needs to stay on track towards a strong post-COVID recovery. Despite the difficulties of the pandemic, our town is well-positioned for a long-term revitalization. Madison has some of the top vaccination rates in the state, a strong fiscal outlook, a rapidly recovering local economy, and a booming real estate market. The future of our beloved Town is bright, but we need to start solving some of our most pressing problems now in order to create a more sustainable vision for our future. This includes ensuring Madison residents vote on some key strategic issues, such as the Madison School Renewal Plan, so we can plan for our future educational facility needs; the Academy Community Center proposal, so we can make a decision after 15 years of procrastination and neglect; and the proposed sale of Island Avenue School to OLM Prep, so we can find a permanent solution for the property in a timely way. These three projects, which I support bringing to a citizen’s vote in February 2022, will enable us to close a chapter on Madison’s past, while embracing an exciting future. We also need to focus on the growing challenges of development in our community, which are changing the look and feel of our town. This includes creating an economic plan that moves away from a “grow the grand list” mentality by balancing our fiscal needs with our residents’ vision. We can find ways to encourage economic vibrancy, not just simple economic growth, by matching our community goals with policy goals, and prioritize keeping Madison an affordable place to live.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I have a proven track record of successfully leading this Town through an unprecedented public health emergency while also maintaining, and improving, the integrity of our local government and its essential services. As First Selectman, I am transforming our Town government to be more transparent, collaborative, follow good business practices, listen to the people, and offer a vision for our future. In addition, my professional career in corporate finance and strategy has taught me a lot about good management practices, the importance of long-term planning, and the key attributes of successful companies. As First Selectman, and I have been able to leverage these important experiences and skills to bring more effective management to our town.

Accomplishments:

I believe Madison is in a better place today than it was two years ago, despite the very difficult and ongoing challenges of COVID. I have proven I can lead during a crisis while also getting things done in Town government. When I took office two years ago, there was a long list of unfinished business due to the procrastination and stagnation of previous administrations. There were some high-profile projects that had been languishing for years, but there were also other important concerns that had been either neglected or just plain forgotten. I put the wheels in motion to move ahead on many different projects while also keeping our community safe. This included implementing many needed organizational changes to improve the performance of Town government, all while controlling staffing levels, maintaining our premier financial credit rating, and keeping tax increases at historic lows. I also have prioritized transparency and accountability in Town government. This includes promoting the establishment of an Ethics Commission to provide a mechanism for the public to inquire about conflicts of interest, and greatly improving the level of communication between the Town and residents through informative messages when they were needed the most.

Other issues:

Two years ago I was elected to bring better leadership and progress to Madison, and I have delivered on that pledge. I believe good leadership is not about brash proclamations - it’s about keeping a steady hand at the helm of the ship while leveraging important leadership skills like collaboration, decisiveness and transparency. In addition to managing this town through a historic crisis, I worked closely with Town staff to improve the management of our beaches in the face of a tsunami of demand, re-organized departments to create operational efficiencies, streamlined access to Town services through technology, and provided frequent communication on important issues that residents care about. Now, in a second term, I’d like to continue to implement operational improvements to save taxpayer dollars, pursue important policy goals to preserve Madison’s crown jewels (our schools and beaches), and work with the community to make some key strategic decisions about our future.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I came to know Madison through my husband David, who was born and raised here. We bought his family home and chose to raise our two children here because we love and appreciate all that Madison represents: educational excellence, spectacular natural beauty, and a strong New England community spirit. If we don’t keep moving forward and working together as a town, I worry Madison won’t live up to its potential and will fall behind in an ever-changing Connecticut. I am a proven First Selectman who has the business experience, strategic planning acumen, and resolve to co-create a long-term vision with our citizens and see it through—someone who listens and leads. I believe I can continue to deliver if given the opportunity to serve another two years as First Selectman.