Alder Kristen Slack Announces Resignation from Madison Common Council Effective January 10, 2024; Applications Being Accepted to Fill Vacancy

Today, Alder Kristen Slack, District 19, has announced her resignation from the Madison Common Council effective January 10, 2024, at noon.

“It is with sincere regret that I announce my resignation from the Madison Common Council. Since the election in April, my family has been dealing with a major health issue that has significantly altered our lives. I have tried for many months to balance these changes with my responsibilities as a City Alder, but it is simply no longer tenable”, said Alder Slack.

“It has been my honor to serve the residents of District 19. I have strived to represent you fairly and transparently as well as approach complex issues with humility and thoughtfulness. There are many different perspectives and views across District 19 as well as the City of Madison. I believe that when we really listen to each other and treat each other with respect and compassion, working together is not that hard. It is a great hope of mine that City staff, Common Council members, members of Boards, Commissions and Committees and residents of Madison stay focused on the incredible opportunities and accomplishments before us if we make every effort to work together”, Alder Slack added.

Council President Jael Currie thanks Alder Slack for her service as alder. “Alder Slack has contributed a strong analytical and data-driven approach during her time on the Council. I appreciate her service to District 19 and the city and wish her and her family the best going forward,” said President Currie.  

“Alder Slack worked hard to engage her constituents and represent their interests on the Council. I appreciate that, as well as her dedication to nature-based solutions and infrastructure. I know everyone at the City wishes her and her family well,” said Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway. 

Slack was elected to the Common Council in April 2023. She served on the Board of Public Works, Housing Strategy Committee, Community Development Block Grant Committee, and the Vending Oversight Committee.

Applications Being Accepted to Fill Vacancy

Must be received no later than 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 9, 2024.

The procedure for filling a vacancy on the Common Council is set out in Madison General Ordinance 2.03 and Wisconsin State Statute 17.23(1)(a).

District 19 residents are invited to apply to fill this vacancy for the remainder of the term, which ends on April 15, 2025.

Check whether you live in District 19 

The Common Council President oversees the application process to fill the vacancy. Received applications are reviewed by the Common Council Executive Committee (CCEC). This process includes an interview of applicants at the CCEC meeting on Tuesday, January 23. After conducting interviews, the committee will make a recommendation to the Common Council. On Tuesday, January 23, 2024, the Common Council will vote to appoint the interim District 19 alder, who will serve until April 15, 2025.

Applications should be emailed to ccec@cityofmadison.com and must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 9, 2024.

Applications should include:

• Name
• Address
• Telephone Number (Home/Mobile/Work)
• E-mail address
• A biographical resume should include education, work, neighborhood, and civic experience
• A statement on why you wish to serve
• A statement of what you wish to accomplish
• A statement on whether you plan to run for alder in the Spring 2025 election

The following is the timeline:

• Tuesday, January 9, at 4:30 p.m.: Applications to fill the vacancy due.
• Tuesday, January 23, at 4:30 p.m.: CCEC for applicant interviews and recommendation of selected candidate to Council. Note: time may change due to volume of applicants.
• Tuesday, January 23, at 6:30 p.m.: Common Council meeting—Appointment of District 19 interim alder.