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Firsts

I've never been so close to an election before. I have never known so many people personally who were running for public office. It has been educational and exhilarating. And, at times, stressful. As much as I have been inspired and hopeful, I have also been indignant. What some people do when they want to win makes you question the whole process.

I'm thrilled for Tom Coale. It's difficult to find any other words. Running for the right reasons, doing it the right way, he made small-minded attempts to derail his candidacy shrink down to nothingness. How? 1) Just by being himself. 2) Empowering others to get involved.

I'd like to see a whole lot more of that in politics.

I'm excited to see that candidates for Board Of Education whom I supported will be advancing to the November election. In particular, it is lovely to see Cindy Vaillancourt as the top vote-getter. Ms. Vaillancourt has continually showed respect for parents and the community in the educational process, supported music and arts education, and was willing to be an independent voice when others on the board made it uncomfortable for her. Let's all make sure she has more responsive board members to work with in November. There is a lot more work to be done on that front, but this is an excellent start.

I'm happy for friends Abby Hendrix, Marcia White, and Candace Dodson-Reed who did so well in the race for Democratic Central Committee. They certainly worked for it! I'm looking forward to seeing what their presence means to the work of the Central Committee. It can only be good.

I have to admit that I am sad about Wendy Jane Royalty's loss in the County Council primary race. I truly identify with her message, her goals, her way of working with others. She ran because she truly wants to do good for people. I also know what it is like to lose an election. That makes it hurt more, I guess. I do know that someone as gifted as Wendy won't be down for long.

If you voted, thank you. If you didn't, you have some time now to get ready for November so that you can make informed choices.

You do know this is only the beginning, right?

 

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