Council Honors Byrne, Swears In New Members At Madison Reorganization

MADISON, NJ — To kick off the new year, the Madison Borough Council bid farewell to outgoing member Maureen Byrne while swearing in the two new council members to their three-year terms at its annual reorganization meeting.

Last week's meeting was Byrne's final as an elected official, and Mayor Conley took the time to recognize Byrne for her dedication and hard work for Madison.

Byrne declined to run for re-election last year, allowing Thomas Haralampoudis to successfully run alongside Ehrlich for the open seat.

Conley thanked Byrne for her years of service and presented her with a borough proclamation. Conley listed the numerous borough committees Byrne has served on and the local organizations she has served while reading the official proclamation recognizing her contributions.

Conley also revealed that an official condemnation and a flag, which were flown over the Capitol, were issued by Representative Mikie Sherrill all the way from Washington.

Council members Ehrlich, Debra Coen and Eric Range echoed the mayor's sentiments about Byrne's friendliness, willingness to assist and overall dedication to Madison.

"Through all the years that I have known Maureen, there hasn't been a person more dedicated to the values that Madison portrays and to the value of the people and all the things that the people need," council member John Hoover said. "Maureen works tirelessly; she works relentlessly and she is an incredibly honest person."

Byrne has held a number of positions over the years, including the Shady Tree Commission, the Downtown Development Commission, the Environmental Commission, the Park's Advisory Commission and the Chamber of Commerce.

"It's been a privilege to serve Madison over the last 12 years, six of them on the Madison Borough Council. In that time I have worked with so many who generously gave of their time and talent to make Madison a great place to live, work, visit and shop," Byrne said. "I'm sure the new council will continue to keep the interests of the town front and center."

During the Friday, Jan. 6, reorganization meeting, state assemblyman John McKeon swore councilwoman Rachel Ehrlich into her second term.

The oath of office for new Councilman Haralampoudis, who took over Byrne's place on the governing body, was administered by state senator Richard Codey.

John Hoover was unanimously chosen by the council to serve as its president for 2023.

Conley concluded the meeting by reflecting on his administration's accomplishments as he prepared to begin his second year as mayor during the Borough Council's annual reorganization meeting.

He took time to highlight the ongoing efforts of the local nonprofit, Friends of the Drew Forest, who, according to Conley, are making the forest's preservation a reality.

"The work of our Climate Action Committee, Environmental Commission, and Sustainable Madison working to make the world around us better not only for today but for future generations," Conley said.

Madison was recently honored for the third time this year by Sustainable Jersey for its commitment to sustainability, demonstrating the borough's enthusiasm for the environment. The borough received 835 points, making it the second-highest-scoring municipality in the state and the highest-scoring municipality in the medium category.

"Bob Conley epitomizes everything they say about good stewardship. He has guided us well and served as a mentor to me over the years," Byrne said. "I know he will continue to serve Madison as we negotiate Madison's growth over the next few years."