Gratitude and Attitude

A few comments following the election.

First, thanks to the 607 people who got out and voted, including those of you who voted for Mr. Rutherford.

Thanks, too, to Mr. Rutherford, who ran an issue- and idea-driven campaign of which he can be proud.

Congratulations to Alderman Klatt and Aldermen-elect Burger and Randolph. Ladies, I look forward to getting to know and working with you. Kudos, too, to the other candidates who inspired voters and shaped the campaign with your own thoughts and ideals. We are all better off for your participation.

Special thanks from me to:

• my wife, who makes endless sacrifices in order that I can do the things I do;
• my family, who went door to door to door hundreds of times over without a complaint;
• K.S. (you truly went above and beyond – I hope you don’t get sick after yesterday!);
• J.B. and R.B. for mining and turning out votes I would never have found;
• the firefighters, especially those who went door to door for me, worked the polling places and put out and picked up signs on election day;
• the people who made contributions to the campaign;

and last but not least;

• the person with a Rutherford yard sign who slammed their door in my face and twisted the blinds closed as I came to ask for your vote – you truly inspired me to work even harder to be re-elected than I otherwise might have.

I think most people will agree that democracy works better with more participation rather than less. Like many others, I wish turnout had been higher than the approximate 8% in Ward 2. While turnout was low, I think for the most part the people that voted in this election - in all four wards - are voters who make a point to follow the campaigns, educate themselves on the candidates and issues, form thoughtful opinions, and then go vote. Turnout may not be the panacea it may at first seem if higher turnout dilutes the impact of the truly informed voters.