Two years ago Tom Banisch was elected to his first term as Madison’s first selectman. Within a very short time following his election Tom further developed his already keen understanding of the challenges facing Madison and how those challenges could be resolved. In addition, on many occasions Tom demonstrated the leadership skills needed to implement the solutions required to solve those challenges.

Recently, as a board member of the Madison Youth & Family Services (MYFS) Department, I was part of a small group of staff and board members from MYFS that approached Tom to discuss the space needs of the department. Tom listened carefully to our explanation of the space needs of MYFS and one possible solution to the problem. Tom agreed that MYFS needed more space. However, being acutely aware of the difficult financial situation faced by many Madison taxpayers and our state, Tom also looked for the most cost-efficient solution to the department’s space issues. Tom’s approach to this problem is an excellent example of his open-minded approach to solving issues in local government. If Tom believes that one solution is not cost efficient in these difficult times, he presents alternate solutions to solving a problem.

Tom’s willingness to listen, his problem-solving skills, and his concern for the taxpayer are the main reasons I will be voting for Tom Banisch for first selectman in November.

Arthur Symonds

Madison