Thank you to the Northside News for giving me this opportunity to communicate with readers about the issues of our community and the state. This is my first column as the State Representative for the 48 District (formerly represented by Senator Melissa Agard). 

For those readers who don’t know me, let me briefly introduce myself. I am Samba Baldeh (pronounced “Ball-day”). I was born and lived in the West African nation of The Gambia until in my late 20s and then immigrated to the U.S.

I came to the U.S. to study computer sciences, first at MATC and then UW. I was employed at American Family Insurance for many years as a software engineer and IT project manager. My wife, Fatou, and I live on the east side in the Glacier Hill neighborhood.

I have always been intrigued by local government because it allows people to have a voice in government that goes beyond voting for elected officials. 

In 2015 I decided to realize my interest in local government by running for the Madison Common Council. To my surprise and that of many others, I won. 

Briefly, my six years on the Common Council focused on ensuring quality city services to my large and disparate district. These included building a new library and community center in Reindahl Park in the next two years. I also worked on efforts to stop the distribution of PFAS-contaminated water and the siting of F-35s at Truax. 

In the next few months, my priority is to help pass a budget that puts the immediate needs of people first, especially those who have been affected medically or economically by COVID-19. 

I would like to know about your concerns and views on the state’s policies and programs. You can contact me at Rep.Baldeh@legis.wisconsin.gov or my office at 608-266-0960.