The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Madison named as Young Elected Officials 35 under 35
Elyria City Councilman Marcus Madison recently was honored as one of the best and brightest and progressive leaders across the nation.
The YEO Network, a nonpartisan program of People For the American Way Foundation, is the first and only national initiative to provide a network of support to the newest generation of progressive leaders at every level of elected office, according to a news release.
The Young Elected Officials Network 35 Under 35 List recognizes passionate and impactful young elected leaders at all levels of government who have advanced progressive change, made meaningful impact on their communities and contributed to the growth of the YEO Network and the progressive pipeline, the release said.
Honorees were chosen from a selection committee of YEO staff, alumni, and progressive champions close to the network and were scored based on four main criteria: overall contribution as a member of the YEO Network; effectiveness in advancing progressive policy; involvement in and impact on their local community; and historic imprint on the seat or body in which they are elected.
The Class of 2020 is a group of a dynamic progressive champions elected to municipal, county and statewide office in 13 states.
“You all represent a small snapshot of the over 800 young leaders that make up YEO’s core membership and the hundreds more mentors and alumni across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands, but depict perfectly the bold, focused, bighearted leadership that an ideal member of our network embodies,” said Svante Myrick, director of Youth
Leadership Programs, People For the American Way Foundation.
“I am proud to serve my Fifth Ward community,” Madison said. “I am honored to have been named part of the inaugural cohort of YEO’s 35 under 35 honoring the best and brightest in progressive leadership across the nation.
“I’m humbled to share this designation with such a dedicated and dynamic group of passionate leaders. What I know for sure, is that the residents, families and businesses of the Fifth Ward start each day, with earnestness, determination and resolve.
“We embrace the struggles and celebrate the victories together as we work to make our community and Elyria a better place. I proudly accept this honor on behalf of all of those who continue to believe in our community and our collective efforts to improve the Fifth Ward neighborhood.”
Madison also is interim co-executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lorain County.
“I’m humbled to share this designation with such a dedicated and dynamic group of passionate leaders. What I know for sure, is that the residents, families and businesses of the Fifth Ward start each day, with earnestness, determination and resolve.” — Marcus Madison