Thank you, everyone!

I am humbled by the support I have received leading up to this election.  The many volunteers who offered their time, financial contributors, sage advice from mentors, residents who offered words of encouragement, and the most incredible, hard-working campaign team: Lorraine and Cathi, Megan, Jane, and Isabel.

More than 14,500 Monroe county voters supported me in the primary.  Thank you to each and every one of you.

Warren and Geoff were also elected last night…Congratulations!  I believe we comprise a strong slate for the November election.  I would also like to thank Will Murphy and Marcus Moir for running strong, positive campaigns.  Marcus has been a strong opponent of the construction of a new jail.  Will has been a strong opponent of poverty.   I am grateful for these candidates for highlighting these issues.  I absolutely agree that we must (and can) reduce poverty in our community.  A strong local economy will in that regard, and I pledge to support our area’s social service agencies as they provide the necessary short-term relief to our residents.   I also believe we can work to reduce the recidivism rate in our adult jail - to avoid building a new one.  We can do this for less than $ 9 million per year (the estimated cost of building and operating a new jail).  While I believe we need a juvenile justice facility, it should be focused on therapeutic treatment and assistance rather than incarceration.  Poverty is directly connected to the crime rate and the problem of recidivism.    

I look forward to getting our message out to all the voters of Monroe County.   And I look forward to working with each of you as we create a better future for our county residents.

Again, thank you!

Thank you and here we go!

It’s nearly election day. 

I could not have come this far in the campaign without a fabulous team!  Lorraine and Cathi are the best co-managers a candidate could have!  Organized, efficient, smart, fun, savvy.  Many thanks for Megan for serving as Treasurer and also serving in many other capacities.  We always say “thanks Megan” anytime we buy anything “paid for by….Megan Hutchison, Treasurer”!  Isabel Piedmont has been a great help to me (as a mentor) and to the campaign - good ideas, hard work.  Jane has been the creative force behind the campaign.  I have heard so many positive comments about the campaign logo and the literature (from quarter sheets to the postcard) are always inviting and easy on the eye.  Regina and Dee served the campaign well as advisors.  Their wisdom and strength are inspirational.

There have been many donors to the campaign - both small and large contributions.  We have spent the money wisely, and have done so with a focus on sustainability (recycled paper made from banana peels), in support of our local economy (we utilized local printers and a local vendor for shirts, signs and buttons), and in support of labor (see the union bug on our yard signs.

The contributions extend beyond money.  So many kind people have walked on behalf of the campaign (Isabel, Jane, Megan, Cathi, Lorraine, Tonia, and Jillian).  They served as wonderful representatives of the campaign.  I heard so many raves from voters who answered the door to one of their friendly faces!  From welcoming early voters at the Curry Building to chatting with the locals at the Farmers’ market - I am blessed to have such a great team.

David is a new friend of the campaign - he met Isabel when she walked door to door on behalf of the campaign, we corresponded via e-mail, he made a financial contribution to the campaign, and tomorrow (election day), he has volunteered to work at a polling place as a volunteer to distribute campaign literature.  Thank you for your enthusiasm and contributions, David!  I am looking forward to meeting you face-to-face!

Thanks to Michael for being the support at home (and in my heart) that helps keep me going!

Lastly, thank you to you, the voters.  The enthusiasm this election season is palpable.  No matter how you vote, your engagement in this process has inspired so many of us!  Thank you! 

Now, it’s up to you.  I am eager to continue serving Monroe County.  If most of you agree with my plans / ideas, then you will let me know.  I trust you and I trust the process.

Thank you for the opportunity to run!