Sandra Strain to run for open seat

MADISON — The widow of the city’s former alderman-at-large here is the first to throw her name into a special election set next month to fill the empty seat. 

Warren Strain died last month after a months-long recovery from a cerebral hemorrhage he suffered on Dec. 23, 2019. His widow, Sandra Strain, hopes to continue his legacy. 

“I got Warren’s blessing,” Sandra said. “I want the entire world to know that I got that sweet angel’s blessing.”

Sandra said that prior to Warren’s passing, she had a conversation with him about stepping down from the seat. In turn, she would run for the position. 

“We’re a team,” she said. “I told him and he squeezed my hand so hard. That’s when he said yes.”

Madison will host a special election on Dec. 15 to fill out the remainder of the term, which ends next spring.

“I am committed to maintaining the level of excellence that our city already has set in place,” Sandra said. “I plan to keep Madison moving forward while honoring my husband and serving the incredible citizens of Madison.”

Madison Mayor Mary Hawkins Butler said she supports Sandra’s run for the alderman-at-large seat. 

“I think she has the heart and passion of service Warren had and is on a mission to help fulfill his dreams,” she said. 

The qualifying deadline is Wednesday, Nov. 25. Candidate information packets are available in the office of the city clerk at 1004 Madison Ave.