Local politics may not make national headlines, but the choices made here in Madison will shape the world we inherit. From the funding of our schools to the neighborhoods being built around us, the mayor’s office makes decisions that directly affect our daily lives. For students, this election is more than a campaign — it’s about the classrooms we learn in, the taxes our families pay, and the opportunities that will exist in the city we call home. With the election tomorrow, The TeenView sat down with mayoral candidate Ranae Bartlett to go beyond signs and hear about her leadership, her priorities, and her vision for Madison’s future.

As voters head to the polls, the question becomes which candidate is best prepared to meet these challenges. Experience, vision, and a record of service are what set candidates apart — and for Ranae Bartlett, those qualities define her campaign.

In the race for Madison’s next mayor, Bartlett stands out as the only candidate who has served on the Madison City School Board. Her years of experience as an elected city official have shaped her into a leader who understands both the opportunities and challenges that come with running one of Alabama’s fastest growing cities.

Her path in public service began when she was elected to the School Board, where she was placed on the finance committee in just her second year and later served as Board President for two years. As she explains, “Municipalities were affected by new legislation, and we had to adapt quickly. That experience showed me how decisions at every level impact our schools and our community.” She recalls how the half-cent sales tax originally created for James Clemens High School caused confusion in the community. At the time, overcrowding at Bob Jones was urgent, and she became a spokesperson for ensuring both schools could be supported. By working with the community and identifying funding tools like the Qualified School Construction Bond, she was able to help advance the building of James Clemens while also renovating Bob Jones.

This financial experience, she believes, sets her apart from her opponents. “Our schools are required to educate everyone,” she says, “and with a growing city, we can’t afford to make decisions that leave us in debt or underfunded.” Where other candidates may call for heavy taxation or diverting funds, she stresses a careful balance: using revenue responsibly while protecting the stability of Madison’s schools.

When asked about balancing funding for education and infrastructure, Bartlett ensures that both areas are of priority. While the mayor does not have direct influence on the school board, Bartlett says, it is still important for a mayor to push for scholastic funding. She believes that as mayor, she would put an emphasis on this budget allocation, stating that she has “advocated for funding at the state level for our schools.” However, despite a dedication to allocating funding for schools, she also shares that many constituents wish for better roads. Bartlett believes that the “plan to fund roads is not to take funding from schools.” Bartlett believes that if Madison continues funding for schools, instead of splitting it for other needs, property values will increase, bringing more money to the city and its inhabitants. Thus, by continuing to invest in education, Bartlett believes that the city can further gain the means to improve other areas such as infrastructure.

Bartlett believes that her leadership style is collaborative, and that she actively listens to fellow government workers and her constituents. She cites her efforts to connect with the community through personally-started programs and canvassing as examples of this civic dedication. When asked how she would increase community involvement with the local government, Bartlett details plans to form advisory councils with members of the Madison community. Specifically, she wishes to work with Dr. Ed Nichols, the Madison City Schools superintendent, to form a council on severe weather shelters. This would entail the use of school shelters, like those at James Clemens High School, to house those in the community without shelters.

Bartlett shows a great respect for the Madison City Chamber of Commerce, applauding its members on initiatives such as the Back to School Breakfast, which raised money for students who are not able to afford extracurricular activities. Given her deep appreciation for the Chamber, Bartlett displays a desire to work closely with its members to better the community and raise funding for myriad programs. In the small business sector, Bartlett cites another point of great respect, highlighting small businesses as vital to the community. Bartlett goes on to claim that “small business is the life blood of Madison,” following a commitment for city hall to work closely with small businesses. On the topic of civic engagement as a whole, Bartlett shows similar enthusiasm towards working with students and the younger generation. She not only wishes for more interaction between city hall and the youth, but also wishes for younger leaders to rise up and provide perspectives on city issues.

When it comes to taxpayer dollars, Bartlett has also made transparency a centerpiece of her platform. She proposes creating dedicated budget meetings, multiple public readings, and building public-facing tools that allow residents to track projects and spending in real time. Drawing from her council experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, she noted how livestreams and virtual meetings increased engagement, but also pointed out that platforms like Facebook and YouTube are not city-owned. She spearheaded efforts to archive and stream city meetings on official channels, and she wants to expand that so residents can access reliable records directly from the city. “Transparency is key,” she emphasizes, “and people deserve a clear record of what’s happening with their money.”

Her leadership style is also rooted in accessibility. Beyond government, she has poured her time into community service — from being a PTA mom and book fair volunteer to founding a chess club at Rainbow Elementary that eventually grew into a nonprofit. “It was never about me,” she says. “It was about reaching out, mobilizing people, and building something bigger together.” That collaborative spirit, she argues, is what builds trust and distinguishes her from other candidates.

For young people, Bartlett sees an even bigger role ahead. She lights up when asked about ideas like Youth Advisory Councils or student town halls. “I love that,” she says. “As a parent, I realized how important it is to get involved. Young people need to be aware, raise their voices, and vote.” She points out that student governments once contacted her directly, and she hopes to rebuild those connections, making participation in city government both accessible and meaningful for Madison’s youth.

She also acknowledges that many residents feel left out of appointment processes, from the School Board to planning commissions. While mayors can only influence certain boards, she wants to spread the word about openings and recruit people with diverse perspectives and strong backgrounds. “We need more voices at the table,” she explains, “and that starts with better outreach.”

Looking ahead, Bartlett believes transparency also means communication. She envisions newsletters, expanded social media campaigns, and even community-focused content that keeps residents informed and engaged. From highlighting city projects to celebrating small wins, she believes Madison has room to grow in how it shares its story. And when it comes to youth initiatives like The TeenView, she sees clear potential. “Platforms like this are powerful because they keep younger residents informed and connected,” she says. She hopes that teens will continue to shadow council members, attend meetings, and bring fresh ideas to the table.

For many students, local politics can feel like something adults deal with — distant and disconnected from our own lives. But the truth is, every decision made in City Hall impacts us, whether it’s funding for our schools, resources for mental health, or the roads we take to get to class. What Bartlett highlights is that these issues aren’t abstract policy debates — they’re about the Madison we are growing up in, and the Madison we will one day lead.

That’s why this election matters. Tomorrow, Madison chooses its future, and young people have a stake in what comes next. If you’re 18, this is your chance to cast a vote and make your voice heard. If you’re 17 and registered, you have the rare opportunity to shape your city before even graduating. And if you’re not old enough to vote yet, staying informed is still powerful — because paying attention now ensures we’re ready when our turn comes.

The mayor elected tomorrow will make decisions that last far beyond a four-year term. They will influence how affordable Madison is for our families, how our schools adapt to growth, and how seriously youth voices are taken in shaping the city. Whether we’re casting a ballot or learning how to engage, we can’t sit this one out.

This is our future. The Madison we help shape today is the one we will inherit tomorrow.