Madison's
City Council and Mayor Dave Cieslewicz will award the first annual Jeffrey Clay
Erlanger Civility in Public Discourse Award to a Madison resident Tuesday.

The award,
which will presented to a local civic leader, is dedicated to Jeffrey Erlanger,
a lifelong quadriplegic who died June 10, 2007, at 36 from a choking-related
incident. According to Pamela Erlanger, Jeffrey's mother and member of the
Erlanger Award selection committee, Jeffrey was known for his kindhearted
nature and devout efforts in making the city a better place — especially for
those with disabilities.

"He
involved himself in so many [of] what people would consider controversial
issues, but yet he never really made an enemy," Pamela Erlanger said. "He had
this way of bringing people together on issues."

George
Twigg, communications director for Mayor Cieslewicz, said Jeffrey's pleasant
demeanor and compromising tactics were always appreciated.

"The mayor
always thought that Jeff was one of the most effective and civil people working
in the city," Twigg said. Pamela Erlanger said the award was created to
recognize other citizens in the community that follow Jeffrey's unique, civil
approach while developing and advocating public policy.

"The mayor
did this to encourage others to follow in his footsteps in terms of being civil
when trying to accomplish public policy for Madison, and to commemorate his
passionate, yet civil style in advocating," Pamela Erlanger said.

The award
will be presented to nominee Dick Wagner, an accomplished civic leader in
Madison. His past experience includes participation in the development of
Period Garden Park, Monona Terrace and Olbrich Gardens, as well as service as a
member in numerous Madison City Council committees.

"I think
he and Jeff worked very similarly, and he accomplished so much because of his
style," Pamela Erlanger said. "He was exactly what we were looking for. He has
values and passion. And it sounds like Jeff would have loved him."

Pamela
Erlanger said she is grateful for the city's decision to honor Jeffrey's
compassionate attitude and willful dedication to civility in public service.

"We had just been so touched that the mayor
and Common Council created this award because we couldn't think of a better way
to memorialize Jeff and what he stood for," Pamela Erlanger said. "This has
just been a wonderful thing for us and it sounds like it will be a wonderful
thing for the Madison community."