Last Tuesday marked a significant milestone in my life. Although I was not successful in my campaign for one of the Democratic nominations for Lackawanna County Commissioner, I must say that my commitment to and love for this area has grown and deepened as a result. Over the past four months I had the opportunity to meet the most wonderful people, being welcomed in your neighborhoods, churches, firehouses, local bars, and community centers. I enjoyed every minute of the campaign and that was due entirely to the kind, supportive, and encouraging people I met along the way. I am deeply grateful to the people of this county for welcoming me personally and, perhaps more importantly, for being receptive to my kind of candidacy.
I would like to thank all of you who made me feel even more at home here, to everyone who introduced me to a friend of yours, to the many who invited me into your homes, and to those who considered me even if you didn’t vote for me. And the most heartfelt thank you goes to all those who supported me from the beginning—my campaign staff, my volunteers and cheerleaders, my contributors, my poll workers, and each one of you who put a sign in your yard (who says signs don’t vote?!). Candidates are only as good as the people who surround them and I am proud of the passion, integrity, independence, and dedication of the family that emerged from this campaign.
Running for office is a humbling and infinitely rewarding experience. Good candidates become better citizens after running, regardless of the election outcome. I have a sense of this community now in ways I had never dreamed possible and I look forward to many, many more years of giving back to this area. Thank you for letting me call Lackawanna County home.