Mayor emeritus

John Madden served as Middlesex Borough mayor for four years, concluding at year-end 2023. He will continue to carry that title into the future with the word “emeritus” attached.

Madden was honored with the issuance of a proclamation appointing him “mayor emeritus” at the Borough Council’s Tuesday, Feb. 13 meeting.

That title is largely ceremonial, a sign of appreciation and respect for the years of service holding the municipality’s highest elected office.

Madden became acting mayor in December 2019, shortly before his mayoral term was scheduled to begin. Roughly a week before Christmas, Madden’s predecessor Ron DiMura was indicted on charges he laundered campaign donations through a scholarship fund and bilked private investors in a Ponzi scheme.

As council president at the time, Madden took the helm of borough government when DiMura resigned after the indictment. Madden had defeated DiMura in the mayoral election the prior month.

Madden was hit with unforeseen challenges shortly into his mayoral term. Problematic budgeting maneuvers used and hidden by DiMura were uncovered. In March 2020, Madden was tasked with guiding the borough through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Current Mayor Jack Mikołajczyk has made it clear he sees a continuing role for Madden in borough government. Mikolajczyk has said he may continue to tap his predecessor to represent him in certain roles and at some events.

That has already been in evidence with the Joint Land Use Board. The mayor – or their designee – holds a seat on the JLUB. At the January reorganization meeting, Madden was named to serve this year, representing Mikolajczyk.

Prior to reading the proclamation, Mikolajczyk poked fun at Madden’s knack of engaging in public speaking.

“You didn’t write a speech did you?” Mikolajczyk asked.

“It’s only 14 pages,” Madden replied.

The proclamation applauded Madden for being an “invaluable and influential member of the governing body” who provided “indispensable leadership to the Borough of Middlesex during a particularly challenging period.”

Madden said he’s recently had time to reflect on his mayoral term and referenced its challenges. 

“Staying the course finally put us on firm financial footing,” he said.

Madden thanked his wife, Barbara for her support. He concluded by repeating a famous quote by Winston Churchill – “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

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