Formal Resignation Statement from Alder
After much reflection, I have made the difficult decision to resign from my position as Alder for District 4 in the City of Fitchburg. With two young children at home, this is a season of life where my focus must be on my family.
It has been an incredible honor to serve our community, both on city council and on the Verona School Board as the Fitchburg voice. My goal has always been to ensure Fitchburg grows equitably and with fiscal responsibility—preserving what we love about this great city by establishing growth that respects our neighbors and the beautiful land we have.
I have sought to advocate for our children and families, ensuring that new playgrounds are built with accessibility in the forefront so that kiddos like my niece can join in on the fun, even from a wheelchair. Ensuring that new housing addresses not just single units but also multiple-bedroom dwellings across all income levels, making space for families. I worked hard to pass a $19 Million referendum for our Verona schools, funding teachers and staff to ensure children have access to the talented people they deserve. As the board clerk, I had the honor of penning the final signature on the Lacy Farm purchase, which will be a future site for a VASD high school here in Fitchburg.
As a Summit Credit Union Female Entrepreneur Fellow, and now a successful small business owner, I’ve worked to highlight Fitchburg’s role as an economic engine for Dane County, while ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. My company employs a Fitchburg business, Adesys, and has sponsored another non-profit in our broader community, Madison Reading Project, hoping to support businesses to make their home here. As the owner of my own financial P&L, I understand what budgets and spending mean on a very personal level. That’s why I’m so proud of people like our arborist, Anna, who writes for grants until her hand cramp to try and receive federally available funding for trees. Why I’m so proud of the police station project that came back on scope and $10M under budget! Why I’m so impressed with that same police department who, after a failed community referendum, got savvy and put together a departmental staffing model that helps our community, and the whole-person wellbeing of our officers, while staying within budget.
Lastly, it’s been an honor to listen to and advocate for our rural and agricultural communities. America has left the independent farmer behind. I am proud that our community is one who can step outside themselves and try and see someone else’s life and struggle differently than their own. And the majority of the farming community has afforded me the opportunity to understand. To ask questions. To be curious and to help pass zoning changes that allow people to stay on their family’s land.
But at the end of the day, all of these reasons are not enough to shadow the reason I do all of this- my beautiful family. My son was in a stroller while I knocked doors during my maternity leave, to run for school board. My daughter came with me the first time I voted for myself. I discreetly used a hand breast pump, while still on stage, at a VASD board meeting, as to not miss an important vote. My son was even at the last board meeting, giving the hilariously-timed chuckle as he watched his tablet and colored. It has reached the point that my children need me more than before. And at this point, in addition to being a mom, I can only have 1 other job, not two.
To my fellow alders, I have been so honored to serve with all of you.
This decision was not made lightly, but I know Fitchburg will continue to thrive because of the dedicated residents, leaders, and partners who call this city home. I remain deeply grateful for the trust my neighbors placed in me and for the opportunity to serve.
— Nicole Vafadari
