Patch Candidate Profile: Peggy Lyons, Madison First Selectman

MADISON — As the 2023 municipal elections get closer in Madison, there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Madison Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will publish candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Peggy Lyons, 55, is running for First Selectman in Madison as a democratic candidate.

Lyons holds a B.S. from Cornell University and an M.B.A. from Wharton School of Business. Lyons is married to her husband David, a Madison native, and together have two children who both attend Madison Public Schools.

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

Current Chief Elected Official for Madison as First Selectman (2109-current). Past service on the Madison Board of Finance (2008-2011), Madison Police Commission (2016-2019) and Madison Economic Development Commission (2008).

Why are you seeking this office?

Serving as Madison's First Selectman has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I hope to continue to serve the people of this Town with honesty, integrity and transparency while also keeping us on track for a future filled with optimism, confidence and success.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing our town today is our commitment to stay on track with a plan for our future, making smart investment decisions today rather than pushing them off to some unknown tomorrow. To address this, I have launched a ten year strategic planning initiative with significant community input that will guide us in our decision-making process for years to come, and make sure we align our policies and our services to deliver what residents want the most, now and in the future. We are also challenged by our ability to maintain a strong value proposition to Madison taxpayers while delivering the services and amenities they desire in a fiscally responsible way. A strategic plan will help set our budgeting priorities and ensure we make financially sustainable decisions.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

As First Selectmen for the last four years, I have a proven track record of leading Madison successfully by offering a vision for our future, working collaboratively with others, keeping us fiscally sound, and delivering improved government in many ways. I also had the unique experience of leading us through an unprecedented public health emergency, guiding us to a better place filled with optimism, prosperity, and pride.

Notably, I came to this office in 2019 after an extensive career in finance and management, enabling me to leverage my skills and experience to bring more effective leadership to our town.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

During my next term, I promise to keep us moving towards a more sustainable future by:

• Completing community approved projects as promised to voters.
• Maintaining our strong value proposition to seniors and families through prudent budgeting and planning, cost containment, and tapping outside funds to offset local tax dollars.
• Addressing major challenges like climate change, housing affordability, and changing demographics.
• And continuing to protect and invest in our beaches and schools - these are why people move here and why they choose to stay here.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Proudly I have a proven track record of leading Madison successfully these last four years to a better place. First, by moving projects and policies along that have laid dormant for years. Working together with all the Town boards, we've been able to tackle issues in a bi-partisan way with incredible success. This includes important voter approved initiatives like Academy, the Madison School Renewal Plan, selling Island Avenue School, and delivering a new Town Charter.

Second, I’ve worked diligently to keep us fiscally sound, despite great economic uncertainty, by leveraging my finance and management experience to keep taxes stable, control our budgets, improve town operations, and target grants to replace local tax dollars. Since taking office, I’m proud that Madison has been awarded a record $13 million in state and federal funds, saving Madison taxpayers millions.

Third, I’m a proven leader who listens to everyone for the betterment of the Town. During COVID, I successfully guided us through one of the most challenging periods in our history with frequent communications, transparent policies, and respecting each other no matter what our differences.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Always strive for an "A" in effort, "A" in conduct. Positive results will follow.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

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. One day, when our kids are grown, we want them to be able to return to a thriving town that is sustainable and economically viable. If given the opportunity to serve another term as First Selectman, I pledge to keep us on that path towards a vibrant future.

Does your campaign have a website?

https://www.peggyforfirst.com.