Banisch Faces Challenge Tuesday In Madison 1st Selectman Race

MADISON, CT - Republican Tom Banisch is asking voters to return him to Madison's top elected position on November 5th for a third term. Standing in his way is Democrat Peggy Lyons, who is hoping to pull off an upset at the polls.

Banisch, who is a realtor and who also owns his own chemical trading company, also chaired the town's Republican Party for many years.

Banisch, who spent 25 years involved in youth sports and is a member of the Parks, Beach and Recreation Commission, said he'll work on making Madison more self-sufficient so possible continued reductions in state aid won't take its toll on the community.

THEIR BACKGROUND
Banisch has lived in town for over 30 years.

"From my involvement in youth and scholastic sports for over 20 years, including 16 years as the President of Madison Little League, to my service on the Beach and Recreation Commission, to chairing two Charter Revision Commissions and the Republican Town Committee to helping my wife, Eileen, with her work in the Madison Chamber of Commerce. To know our town is to see it from many sides, and I have had that opportunity," Banisch said.

Lyons moved to Madison in 2007.

On her campaign website, she says about her background: "Since making Madison our home, I have been actively involved in many aspects of our community and town government. In addition to being an active school mom, I am privileged to have served our town in many volunteer roles. I currently serve on Madison's Police Commission as its Secretary, and I previously served on Madison's Board of Finance and Economic Development Commission.
"My professional background also provides the right kind of skills our Town government needs to tackle our growing fiscal challenges. I completed my undergraduate degree at Cornell University and my MBA from The Wharton School of Business. As a former finance professional, I spent seventeen years solving complex strategic and financial problems for companies both large and small. I have experience in corporate finance, mergers & acquisitions, and strategic planning."

THE ISSUES

Banisch takes credit, he says, for keeping the town fiscally fit even though the overall state is stumbling.

"Madison is fortunate to be a fiscally sound town in a state whose economy continues to stumble. Many cities and towns are struggling, and businesses and citizens continue to leave Connecticut for more friendly environments. I firmly believe that we can't let Madison suffer because of the policies of the state government," Banisch said.

He adds: "I love this town, and it means a lot to me. The shops and restaurants that populate the bustling downtown district. Our quality schools. Our Youth and Scholastic sports programs and the traditions that continue to grow. Our love of the arts and history as evidenced by the Madison Art and Historical Societies, the Charlotte Evarts Archives, Madison Cultural Arts , the concerts on the Green, and so much more. Madison is truly special. But as well as things have gone, we face real challenges ahead. Property taxes are now the number one issue as the economy in Connecticut continues to falter. As more taxpayers leave Connecticut for business-friendlier states, those of us who remain are carrying a heavier burden as is evidenced by each new round of taxes that the state levies.

Lyons has run her campaign on several key issues, including:

"We are a traditional New England, small town that treasures our open spaces, protects our coastal beauty, honors our past, but is welcoming to new families and visitors alike. We also value diversity in our community and are open to new ideas and new faces. Any public policy or plans should be in line with our community values and not detract from our greatest assets.

"Madison has prided itself on offering its citizens "good value" for tax dollar. To do this, we need to invest in and improve those services that are most attractive to residents, while also preserving our fiscal strength. We should tactically use our balance sheet when necessary to support appropriate investments, and approach the capital improvement process holistically rather than piecemeal. The entire community should be offered choices of what, when and how much money should be spent on improvement projects, with full and accurate information on how each fits into a grander plan. Ultimately it is our citizens that should determine at the voting booth what they believe to be "good value", rather than town politicians."

MADISON SCHOOLS
Here is what Bansich has to say about the state of Madison schools:

"Our declining school enrollments and school facilities requests are another challenge. The Academy School building continues to sit dormant downtown as committee after committee ponder proposal after proposal."

Lyons position on school issues?

"Most people move to Madison for the schools and/or the beaches. We need to modernize and maintain our public buildings in ways that are cost-effective and sustainable - so that families will want to move and stay here. Good schools benefit everyone, not just parents and students."
Banisch ticks off other important issues he says he will carry through on if relected.

"We are investing in our infrastructure as evidenced by the improvements we've seen in our roads, but we still need to invest more and we are competing with ourselves for resources. We have great opportunities. Our town budget process has been modernized.
"Our police department is a model for the state of Connecticut and our fire and emergency rescue departments are regional sources of pride. The Downtown Center Project has transformed our attractive, but somewhat tired downtown to a vibrant district. We are working on finishing touches to get the poles down even as we renovate the Tuxis Walkway and improve the pedestrian walkways around downtown.

Lyons also has other issues she cares about.

"Good communication with stakeholders is the foundation for any good government. We need to educate the public about issues affecting our town through better, more timely communications. This includes offering meaningful opportunities for public input and participation before plans are presented to the community - and listening and acting in a way that respects diverse points of view.

"We also need to modernize and streamline our town services to make them more user friendly, and encourage greater transparency in how things get done.

"Madison is a multi-generational community and we need services and facilities to reflect that. We need housing stock that can be attractive to many facets of our community, and we should prioritize development that targets underserved segments of the population. We should also be welcoming to new businesses, amenities and services that serve across demographic lines. It takes a village to raise and educate future generations and we are all in this together. We need to refrain in public discourse from pitting the interests of one generation against another for political purposes.

"Our town leadership should be proactively pursuing opportunities to share services with our neighboring towns – those services that fit within our community values. By identifying low risk ways to share costs, we can improve some of our services while save money through the benefits of economies of scale.

Besides the top of the ticket race there is a full slate of candidates in Madison running for Board of Selectmen and other towns and boards endorsed by their respective parties.

POLLING LOCATIONS

Polls are open 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
District 1

• Madison Senior Center 29 Bradley Road Madison, CT 06443
• All registered voters who live at properties on the even numbered side of Green Hill Road and South.

District 2

• Dr. Robert H. Brown Middle School 980 Durham Road Madison, CT 06443
• All registered voters who live at properties on the odd numbered side of Green Hill Road and North.