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Nominations are now being accepted for a new annual citywide award that will recognize an individual or organization that has made a significant positive impact in Madison, Mayor Dave Cieslewicz announced Tuesday.
The Jeffrey Clay Erlanger Civility in Public Discourse Award commemorates a Madison native who passed away last June at age 36. Erlanger was a quadriplegic man and a strong political force in fighting for the rights of disabled people.
After a lifetime of activism, an award will be given in his honor this November.
“He was a very inspiring member of this community,” said George Twigg, communications director for Cieslewicz.
Erlanger, who had been a quadriplegic since shortly after his birth, began his public career at age 10 when he appeared on “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.” His impact on the lives of children extended through his roles as camp counselor and religious schoolteacher.
In Madison, Erlanger served as chair on the Commission on People with Disabilities where he advocated for disability rights. He is most noted for helping to bring accessible taxi service to Madison, according to a city release.
“When it came to the thing that he believed in, he never gave up,” said Ald. Zach Brandon, District 7, who worked with Erlanger on several city committees over the years. “He didn’t take no for an answer. He was one of the most passionate activists in the city.”
In addition to being chair on the Commission on People with Disabilities and running for City Council in 2002 — although unsuccessfully — Erlanger served on the Civil Rights Department Ad Hoc Committee, the Economic Development Commission and was chairman of the board forthe nonprofit organization Community Living Alliance. He also served on the board of the Madison Area Community Land Trust, the Wisconsin State Rehabilitation Council and the board of Jewish Social Services.
The Erlanger Award, created in September 2006, “seeks to honor other people in the community who share Erlanger’s approach to public life, which was one that really emphasized civility and respect for differing opinions,” Twigg said.
The award’s mission statement says the award will be given to individuals or organizations that share “Jeff Erlanger’s dedication to and compassion for public policy development, politeness, civility, individual and human rights.”
The recipient of the award will be selected this year by Erlanger’s mother Pamela Erlanger, as well as Enis Ragland, a representative for the mayor, Common Council President Mike Verveer and two members of the community.
Nominations must be made no later than Nov. 15, as the recipient of the award will be chosen at the City Council meeting that falls closest to Erlanger’s Nov. 30 birthday. Nominees must be citizens of Madison who are 18 years or older and whose work and dedication to public advocacy have had a positive impact on Madison and its residents.
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Nobody gave half a hoot about Jeff Erlanger until he died. They ignored or laughed at him until it was politically advantageous to praise him. Cieslewicz, King and the whole noble crew should be ashamed of their proselytizing shenanigans.
Posting by Pam and Howard Erlanger: We feel it important to let folks know that we disagree with the comment posted by Anonymous 0n 10/24/07. Jeff always felt that Dave Cieslewicz was tremendously supportive of him, and frequently spoke about that to us and to others. We don’t know as much about Jeff’s relationship with Austin King, but our understanding is that once the election was over, Jeff and Austin found common ground on a number of issues they both were interested in.