Dear Neighbor,
By now you may have seen in the news that I’m not seeking re-election for a fourth term as your state representative. This decision was a hard one, but it’s the right one. And to quote my favorite Beatle, “all things must pass.”
In addition to the great honor of serving in office, I’ll always be grateful for your overwhelming support over these past six years. Serving everyone in our district means having combined (as best I could) three essential considerations when deciding on every vote, initiative, or decision. Those are: 1) researching what is best for the majority; 2) listening to what constituents have wanted; and 3) paying attention to my own moral compass.
What I have not considered in taking votes and making decisions: my religious beliefs, what was politically expedient, or the faux grievances of those blind to their own privilege.
To my detractors who managed to remain civil (you know who you are) I thank you for engaging with me respectfully despite our differences.
To the selectmen and selectwomen who govern our towns: thank you for being the steady hand at the till; I’m glad we had the chance to partner on so many projects for the towns we love.
To our registrars, election monitors, and poll workers: you have my sincere thanks for impartially safeguarding our democratic process.
To my friends who pitched in to call hundreds of elders during the worst of COVID: thank you for your help during some of our nation’s most terrifying years.
To all the volunteers on town boards and commissions: thank you, sincerely, for stepping up, for lending your expertise, and for the long hours you put in on tasks that often seem thankless.
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