Cooperative, Transparent Government Is Best, Byrne/Gertler Say

The following statement was provided by Democratic candidates for Madison Borough Council Maureen Byrne and Jeff Gertler.

In a joint announcement, Maureen Byrne of Albright Circle and Jeff Gertler of Pomeroy Road announce their candidacy for Madison Borough Council.  The candidates state that, “As long time Madison residents and community volunteers, we believe that we can bring to Council needed skills, experience, creative ideas, and the right approach to government.

"Our town has a rich historical legacy.  Originally settled over half century before the American Revolution, Madison has always been a great place to put down roots, raise a family, and engage as members of a thriving community.  As members of Council and representatives of all of its constituencies, we will do our very best to ensure the quality of life of our citizens.

"One of our town’s greatest strengths has been its tradition of cooperative government.  When the tradition is observed, Madison's issues are made first and foremost  well before party affiliation and loyalty.  A cooperative, transparent governing process has been and remains the best way to address the needs of our citizens, and that is how we plan to govern.

"We believe that to be fiscally prudent, a strategic long range planning guide for capital and infrastructure projects must be completed for the town.  Madison faces a backlog of projects that must be addressed in a timely fashion, balancing expenditures with the need to maintain a healthy financial surplus. The only way to do this is to develop a comprehensive plan and then adhere to it.”

Byrne added, “As the Chairman of the Friends of the Madison Public Library, I became an active participant when the Library was challenged by Council to conduct this type of strategic planning, and it was illuminating.  A broad group of Madison stakeholders shared with us and our planning committee what they liked and disliked about the library, and more importantly, what they wanted from the library in the future.  Armed with this information, the library is already making changes to better serve the Madison population.”

Byrne continues, “I have lived in Madison for almost twenty years.  We have raised our family here, and I have volunteered on exceptional committees and have met many people who have challenged me and made my life richer for the experience.  I have been a member of the Madison Downtown Development Commission (DDC) for the past five years, and one of my roles on the DDC has been to supervise the annual Madison Farmers Market on Waverly Place.

"I am also currently Co-Chairman for the ‘Taste of Madison’ event.  In addition to raising funds for the DDC, the Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Foundation, the Taste of Madison highlights our wonderful town as a premier area dining venue.   This program and other DDC sponsored activities, demonstrates to prospective residents the positive aspects of relocating to Madison.  It is that spirit of cooperation that I hope to continue as a member of the Madison Borough Council.”

Gertler stated that “he and his wife have been blessed with great neighbors, friends, school system and overall quality of life in Madison.  We have not, for one day, ever taken for granted how fortunate we were to have found a home in this town and have had the opportunity to raise our family here.  I recognize that this is in part possible because of the many Madisonians who donate their time and energy to create this wonderful environment.  It’s the volunteerism aspect that has intrigued me and beckoned me to always do more.

"Participation in Madison came easy, when former Mayor Jack Dunne asked me to consider being a member of the Planning Board, over nine years ago.  Following Mayor Dunne, Mayors Kerkeslager, Holden and Conley have all asked me to continue to serve on the Board.  This is something I continue to do with great enthusiasm, and I hope compassion, knowing that our decisions often impact the lives of our neighbors and businesses in very meaningful ways.  

"I have also served on the Madison Environmental Commission for seven years and am very proud to have been on the original group that started the Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Advisory Committee.  Having acquired and preserved valuable property in Madison, and now in the position to help the Madison Recreational Complex, this committee has proven its great value to the community.  

"Maureen and I believe that the downtown and East End Business Districts are critical to Madison’s prosperity.  Anchoring the town, they bring in business, potential home owners, and corporations looking to relocate within New Jersey. We are now at a critical juncture, with commercial vacancy rates at levels not seen since 2009.  We need to be reaching out to a diverse group of potential investors to locate in Madison and continue to provide a retail experience that brings residents and neighbors to our downtown shopping district.   The proposed development of the Green Village Road School, as well as the Giralda Farms property present opportunities to attract quality organizations and their employees to Madison.

"I look forward to running with Maureen Byrne and serving with her on Borough Council.  We believe that we have the experience and the expertise that will be needed on Council for effective borough government and a thriving community.”

Jeff Gertler graduated from Rutgers with degrees in Civil Engineering and Economics and has a degree in Architecture from CCNY.  He began his own architectural firm in New York City in 1985.  The firm now employs thirty people, performing work nationwide, for institutional, health-care, commercial, industrial, residential and retail clients.  

Maureen Byrne received a BA in Political Science and Economics from Goucher College in Towson, Maryland.  Prior to moving to Madison, she was Assistant Vice President, Finance for Paine Webber in New York City.