MADISON – In an interview with 256 Today, Ranae Bartlett discussed why she’s running for mayor and outlined her vision for Madison’s future. The Aug. 26 municipal election will bring significant transition in the government, including the departure of Mayor Paul Finley and several City Council members not seeking re-election.
“I bring experience, leadership, and continuity,” said Bartlett.
Bartlett was elected to the City Council in 2020 where she has served as Council President, Finance Chair, and currently Council President Pro Tempore. Prior to being elected to the City Council, she served almost ten years on the Madison Board of Education including terms as president and vice president.
Like most of the region, Bartlett said the biggest challenge Madison faces is growth.
“Madison faces the same challenges this entire region faces, and that’s just growth. Growth can be exciting, but it also presents challenges,” she said. “And as I’ve watched how we’ve managed growth in the past, we’ve had a good example of city leadership helping and supporting and partnering with the schools to reach the best solution to the issues and challenges that they faced.”
Bartlett said she will work to make Madison a place where businesses prosper.
“I think it comes down to focus and intent,” she said. “We need to tell developers what we want to see in Madison, not just wait for them to bring projects to us.”
Bartlett also said the city’s economic development should focus on fostering a business-friendly environment.
“If we want businesses to thrive here, we have to be intentional about making Madison a place they want to invest in,” she said.
Bartlett also discussed the city’s sales tax challenges, particularly the loopholes in the Simplified Sellers Use Tax law.
“Madison isn’t receiving the fair share of sales tax revenue it should, and that’s something we need to address,” she said.
With the growing prevalence of online shopping, Bartlett noted that local businesses are at a disadvantage, as online purchases are taxed at a lower rate than in-store transactions. Bartlett said she is committed to working with state legislators to close the loophole and ensure a more level playing field for local businesses.
Bartlett, who describes herself as a “numbers person”, lists improvements to traffic, maintenance of roads, and creation of sidewalks as priorities, while also being fiscally responsible.
She encourages residents to speak to city leadership.
“Pick up the phone, send an email, share your concerns with us,” Bartlett said. “We can often solve problems before they even come up at a City Council meeting.
“We’re always looking into issues and working to resolve them. When a citizen emails us, we investigate and bring the issue to the appropriate department heads. We do everything we can to meet the needs of the people we serve.”
Since announcing her candidacy last Thursday, Bartlett said she has received overwhelming support.
“I’ve been amazed at how many people have reached out to me — many of them aren’t usually involved in city government, but they’re excited that I’ve stepped up to lead,” she said.
Those supporters also include many of Bartlett’s former “chess kids.” Bartlett served as executive director of the Madison City Chess League before taking a position with the U.S. Chess Federation. Bartlett introduced chess programs into the school system in 2013.
“It is so rewarding to watch kids grow up and to get to know them in elementary school,” she said. “And by the time that they’re in high school, I can write really good letters of recommendation for them from college because I can tell them what I’ve seen these kids do, how they’ve overcome adversity, how they compete, how they’re constantly challenging themselves.”
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our email newsletter to have all our smart stories delivered to your inbox.
