Madison Borough Councilman Don Links has stepped down from his re-election campaign for health reasons, and Carmen Pico, who waged a write-in campaign in the Republican primary, will join John Hoover on the ballot in November, the Madison Republican Committee has announced.

A statement from Links about his decision references the physical challenges of his battle with ALS, and says he plans to serve the remainder of his term, which ends in December.

"I have decided to withdraw as a candidate for Madison Borough Council," Links said. "When I announced my re-election candidacy earlier this year, I acknowledged the physical challenges I face with ALS, but expected they would not hamper my ability to run a rigorous campaign. But today, I feel that it would be best if I stepped aside and allow someone else to put themselves forth as a Republican candidate to run with John Hoover for the two open council seats."

He said he is delighted the Madison Republican Committee selected Pico as his replacement Tuesday night and wholeheatedly endorses the Hoover and Pico team.

“While we are saddened that Councilman Don Links has decided to withdraw from the campaign due to health reasons, we are very excited that the Hoover and Pico team will be a great addition to the Madison Council,” Paul Daly, chairman of the Madison Republican Committee, said.

Daly said former Councilman Edward Rebholz was another name considered by the committee for the ballot, and Pico won after a good-natured debate.

Hoover said he is sorry he is no longer running with Links, but is thrilled to partner with Pico.

Pico and Hoover praised Links' dedication to Madison.

“Don’s dedication to this town has been inspirational," Pico said. "Madison is indebted to Don for his service. I am honored to run in his place.”

"Don has consistently demonstrated that he is a man of impeccable integrity, high energy, and many, many accomplishments for the betterment of Madison and its residents,” Hoover said.

In his statement, Links said he is "proud of the accomplishments that the borough has achieved in the past three years, and the small part I have played in those accomplishments" and thanked his supporters for their unwavering support.

"Three years ago, when I ran for council, I promised to control spending and contain taxes, work to maintain and improve the vitality of our downtown, and deliver on and improve recreational spaces and programs for all ages," Links said. "Working with my colleagues on council, I believe we have fulfilled these promises and more. We have delivered three balanced budgets with minimal
annual tax increases. We have provided a major facelift to Lincoln Place, and have completed the development of the Madison Recreation Complex, which is now serving thousands of children."