For Immediate Release Contact: Mary Rathbun January 12 2017 (608) 469-9893

COMMUNITY LEADERS IN FITCHBURG AND ACCROSS DANE COUNTY ENDORSE WANDA SMITH FOR ALDER.

Fitchburg – Community leaders from across Dane County, including Madison and Fitchburg endorse Wanda Smith in her campaign for Fitchburg Alder, District 1, Seat 2.

Among the dozens of endorsements was Lisa Peyton-Caire, community leader & former Fitchburg resident who wrote of Smith "I am proud to support Wanda Smith for Fitchburg City Council. Wanda is a committed leader, advocate and collaborator who can be found working in the trenches on pressing community issues that impact and improve the lives of all residents, including the most vulnerable. Her track record of service and deep engagement with Fitchburg neighborhoods and residents demonstrates her willingness to walk the talk and make a powerful difference. Wanda’s voice and presence on the Council will add a needed perspective and effectiveness in growing a stronger, healthier, and more thriving Fitchburg for working families, youth, and seniors." Lauded community advocate Corinda Rainey-Moore also endorsed Smith. "I am pleased to announce my support of Wanda Smith for Alder." Moore wrote, "Wanda has continued to be an advocate for areas of the community that have not often had a voice around issues of access, inclusion, and disparities. She seeks to bring all ethnic groups together to work for the common good of all. Wanda is able to bridge the gaps among communities and ethnic groups. In addition, she will listen to the voice of the people. Wanda is also not afraid to make the difficult decisions that are required of an Alder. That is why she will make an outstanding Alder." Executive Director of Breaking Barriers Mentoring, Caliph Muab'El shared these words about Smith "Wanda Smith is a dedicated and devoted community leader and activist. She is a mobilizer, organizer and service provider. What stands out to me the most about Wanda, is her tenacity, her drive to see improvement in undeserved and unrepresented people from all walks of life. Grateful for the praise of her colleagues, Smith responded "It will be a honor to work with community leaders across the city of Fitchburg and Dane County to make sure there is equity and safer communities for all people in District 1 and the city as a whole. It takes a village and we have just the expertise to make the needed impact for all people."

With her non-profit, Smith runs a homework club for neighborhood students that meets multiple times a week in the pilot community center, also started by Smith's team, that is located in the basement of the Fitchburg Fire Station in the King James neighborhood.

A full list of endorsements, events and updates is available on Smith's website. http://www.friends4wandasmith.com

### Authorized and Paid for by Friends for Wanda Smith, Kelley Shumate, Treasurer