I want to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy holiday season as we welcome in 2019. We are fortunate to live in a community where our neighbors care and support one another in so many ways. The Northside News is filled with information about what is happening to strengthen the bonds that tie us together. This was evident when I attended the recent event at Warner Park Community Recreation Center announcing the merger of Madison’s senior focal points to best serve our growing senior population.

As I write, we are in the midst of preparing the 2019 annual budget for Dane County. This is a very complicated process that is being impacted by mass flooding in August, horrific gun violence in Middleton and our ongoing goals of helping our citizens who are most vulnerable. This includes persons with behavioral challenges, homeless individuals, children and seniors. The opiate crisis continues to take a toll on families as overdoses increase and our systems try to get folks into treatment. These are just some of the issues we work to address throughout county government to help enhance quality of life for all.

The budget includes numerous initiatives to move water through the Yahara chain quicker to lessen the impact of major rain events that are occurring with greater frequency. Climate change is clearly having an impact on Wisconsin, with local government playing a key role.

By the time you read this, the rancor of the elections will be over. We are fortunate to live in a democracy where we can all participate in the future direction of our local, state and federal government.