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02/09/2022 07:00 AMNext week, Madison voters will have the opportunity to make important investments in our community’s future. I’m excited to support each question, and I want to share why.
First, the School Renewal Plan. The result of a multi-year, collaborative, bipartisan effort by professionals and dedicated volunteers, this plan offers the best for our students, educators, and taxpayers. Especially when compared with the costly and inefficient maintenance alternative, the renewal plan—which has earned public support from both Democrats and Republicans—is the clear choice.
Next, the sale of Island Avenue. As much as I loved Island as an elementary student in the ‘90s, the building simply isn’t a part of our right-sized educational footprint. We’re lucky to have the opportunity to sell it after a fair, thorough process, and to relieve the town of unnecessary maintenance costs, allowing us to focus elsewhere.
Which brings us to Academy. I had the privilege of serving on the Academy Community Center Design Committee in 2019, charged by the Board of Selectmen with developing the most popular option resulting from the GreatBlue Poll. We met with a variety of stakeholders—community groups, town officials, private enterprises—and worked hard to refine a concept to move the project forward while maintaining the flexibility to meet evolving community needs. I’ve been particularly excited at the possibility of Madison Youth & Family Services finding much-needed space in the renewed municipal building, alongside a variety of activities and worthy initiatives that’ll make our community stronger and more vibrant. Yes, this project is an investment—but a reasonable one that I believe will benefit our neighbors and families for generations to come.
I’m grateful for everyone who shepherded these projects and for the community’s thoughtful consideration. I’m excited to vote “Yes,” and I hope your readers will join me.
State Representative John-Michael Parker (D-101)
Madison