Welch Won’t Seek 3rd Term; Forrester Announces Bid

Forrester has served under Welch since January of 2012 as Community Relations Directo

Mayor Damon Welch announced Friday that he will not seek a third term in 2019, opting instead to endorse Andrew Forrester, who will launch his first bid for public office.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as Madison’s Mayor for the last seven years. Although I strongly considered seeking a third term, I believe it is the right decision for me and my family. I am excited about my final year in office and I will continue working every day with Council and my staff to meet the needs of our community, being visible and active, and seeing progress on the projects already in the works. The accomplishments over the last seven years have been a complete team effort. There have been too many projects to mention, but ones that come to mind immediately include tearing down the old shopping center, securing a new bridge approach that will start next year, improving communication with residents on social media and text messages, improved resident services like compost and recycling pickup, and a much-needed new police station. I want to thank all my staff, department heads, and city employees for their unrelenting hard work and willingness to support our vision.

Those who have run a relay race realize that the most important part of the race is a successful handoff to his teammate, one who is skilled and dedicated and is familiar with what it takes to be successful. So that is why I endorse Andrew to continue what I’ve started and take it to the next level. I have seen his temperament and decision-making process first-hand and I know those skills will translate well to the Mayor’s Office. He has been a part of every conversation and project since 2012 with many coming from his own initiative, like creating our first Comprehensive Plan since 1999 and leading the America’s Best Communities and Stellar Communities designations. I know he will be prepared, knowledgeable, and capable from day one to bring our current projects to completion and bring about even more successes as your Mayor.”

Welch has served as Mayor since January 2012, first winning election in 2011 and winning re-election in 2015. Before running for Mayor, he served as City Councilman At-Large from 2007 to 2011, including a stint as City Council President.

With Friday's news, the 29-year old Forrester is launching his first bid for public office.

“It has been a privilege to work under Mayor Welch for the last seven years and serve the community we both love. He is a great leader and an amazing person. Even though we have accomplished a tremendous amount in the last seven years in Madison, we are still at the very beginning of what we are capable of doing and becoming as one of the most special and unique communities in the country.

In my current position, I have been able to work with and get to know so many of Madison’s residents. I’ve seen first-hand that our community members are generous with time and money, have great ideas, and are engaged in the future. I look forward to talking with everyone about Madison’s future as I campaign over the next few months, and then put those conversations into action as your Mayor to make Madison’s future even brighter.”

Forrester has served under Welch since January of 2012 as Community Relations Director. While in that role, Forrester has served as the Mayor’s liaison to community groups and organizations, expanded the City’s social media efforts, spearheaded Madison’s Comprehensive Planning process, coordinated and fundraised for free community events such as the Movies in the Park, Regatta and Christmas parades, and Red White & BOO, led Madison’s successful Stellar Communities and America’s Best Communities efforts, and secured millions in grant funds for projects such as the repaired boat ramp and new dock.

Andrew is a 2007 graduate of Madison Consolidated High School, a 2011 graduate of Wabash College, and received his Master of Business Administration in 2015 from Indiana Wesleyan University. He is an active member of the Madison Rotary Club, Calvary Baptist Church, Salvation Army Advisory Board, Life Choices Clinic Board of Directors, Historic Madison Inc Board, and is former board member for Lanier Mansion Foundation and Jefferson County United Way. His wife Kendra (Morin) is a Jennings County native, Hanover College graduate, and Occupational Therapist. Andrew and Kendra were married in 2016 and reside on Madison’s hilltop.