A new chapter Maura Wroblewski embraces council responsibilities
A political newcomer, Wroblewski successfully reached the District 1 seat, relinquished by Tim Holcombe. Her long, hot summer of campaigning paid off, securing almost enough votes in the primary with two opponents and then winning the runoff.
“I’ve always been interested in politics, whether at the local, state or national level,” she said. “Now that our children are grown, I have the time and energy it takes to devote to the city. I’m an effective communicator and will work well with my fellow councilmembers and mayor.”
Her communications have started with her website, maurafordistrict1.com, relaying specific details for District 1 and general updates for the city. “It’s important to have a woman on the council, as I bring a different perspective and insight to the table,” Wroblewski said.
District 1’s greatest need is an increase in sidewalks and greenway spaces, she said. “We’re a walking community, as evidenced by Hughes Road at 5 p.m. on any given day. My hope is to have a multi-use walking path, similar to both sides of County Line Road, from the intersection of Wall Triana and Gillespie south to Browns Ferry Road.” This pathway would give apartment dwellers better access to Madison’s new Kroger. “Right now, this community is considered a ‘food desert,’ an area lacking access to affordable fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk and other foods for a healthy diet. By building a sidewalk, we make access both easier and, more importantly, safer for the community.”
Wroblewski also wants that same sidewalk extended along Browns Ferry to Balch and Gillespie roads and Wall Triana, effectively encircling District 1. “When we moved to the Bridgefield neighborhood in 1999, our builder indicated our children could walk to West Madison Elementary School. It’s 18 years later, and that still hasn’t happened,” she said.
In addition, she wants to extend greenway space from Madison Dog Park from Balch/Browns Ferry to behind Oakstone, Park Meadow and Bridgefield neighborhoods at Wall Triana. She said she believes a traffic circle would alleviate traffic congestion at Balch/Gillespie.
Madison’s preeminent need is increased retail development. “Huntsville has had a stronghold in retail development,” Wroblewski said. “It’s a struggle to provide services our residents need, expect and deserve when our tax base does not meet demand.”
Wroblewski said she is excited about Town Madison and continued growth on Madison’s western perimeter. “Our future looks very bright,” she said.
Her husband Ron works as a human resources specialist for the Department of the Army on Redstone Arsenal. The Wroblewskis moved to Huntsville in October 1998 and then to Madison in July 1999. “Ron and I consider ourselves blessed that both of our children received the solid foundation of their education in Madison City Schools,” she said. Their son Zach, 23, graduated from Bob Jones High School and then Berry College with a double major in secondary education and political science. Zach received a Fulbright Scholarship and is teaching English and playing professional soccer in Krompachy, Slovakia. Also a Bob Jones graduate, daughter Sarah, 20, is a sophomore at Marion Military Institute. After graduating from a four-year college, Sarah plans to join the U.S. Air Force.
Maura earned an associate’s degree in liberal arts at Pensacola Junior College and a bachelor’s degree in marketing at University of West Florida. She worked several years in the food sales industry with Kraft Foods, Kimberly-Clark and Nabisco. In Madison, she received a substitute teaching license and worked as a school crossing guard at Bob Jones and Liberty Middle School.
Maura is a member of Madison Hospital Women’s Council and teaches the Christian Families class for Sunday School at Asbury United Methodist Church. For three years, she has participated in the 100-mile swim challenge at Hogan Family YMCA. In 2016 she swam 133 miles.
