Lyons seeks third term, cites voter approval

MADISON — Standing in front of Memorial Town Hall, Peggy Lyons announced Wednesday she will seek a third term as First Selectman.

Lyons is seeking reelection to a four-year term as per the new town charter, adopted after the November 2022 election, which increased terms of the office of First Selectman and Board of Selectman from two years to four.

Lyons, a Democrat, won the seat in November 2019, replacing Republican incumbent Tom Banisch.

“I’m so grateful to see a Madison arriving in such a magnificent place — a place of vibrancy, prosperity and pride in our town,” Lyons said, as her supporters waved “Re-Elect Peggy Lyons First Selectman” signs over their heads and chanted “Four more years, four more years.”

“I’ve worked tirelessly with my fellow board members, town staff and so many community volunteers to tackle the problems of the day with creativity, collaboration and vision, and will continue to make the necessary changes and investments needed to prepare us for the road ahead,” she said.

Lyons outlined the successes

of her administration since taking office four years ago.

“Madison used to have this long list of unfinished business,” she said. “There are so many examples of success, but I’m going to list our top four greatest hits.”

As Lyons listed these accomplishments, her supporters clapped and cheered.

These include the voters’ approval to turn the

Academy School into a community center; the $89 million Madison School Renewal Plan, which includes a $61 million elementary school; the sale of Island Avenue School to OLM Prep for $2.3 million and a new town charter.

“Why did each of these initiatives get so strongly approved by the people of Madison?” asked Lyons.

“Because each option was not what government wanted for the community, it was what the community wanted from this

government,” she said.

State Sen. Christine Cohen, a Democratic representing the 12th district, welcomed the news.

“Peggy has been a strong, dynamic leader for Madison,” she said.

“Her frequent and active engagement with our state leaders has ensured that Madison gets the support that it needs to move forward on so many critical public improvement projects,” she said.

“She understands what matters the most for her residents and works hard

to get their voices heard when it can be most effective,” she said.

Lyons, a 15-year resident of Madison, 54, is raising her children, 11year-old son, Patrick and 13-year-old daughter, Rose, with her husband, David.She said she is committed to working in the best interest of the town, if reelected.

“I pledge to keep working hard to keep the momentum going and will make sure we stay on track towards an everbrighter future,” she said.

Sarah Page Kyrcz/Hearst Connecticut Media As First Selectman Peggy Lyons announced her bid for reelection, she was joined by Selectman Scott Murphy, left, and Selectman Al Goldberg.

Sarah Page Kyrcz/Hearst Connecticut Media Supporters of the Re-elect Peggy Lyons for First Selectmen campaign gather outside Memorial Town Hall to hear Lyons announce her reelection bid.