It’s over.
Several months of interviewing for party endorsements (or collecting signatures to be on the ballot), developing positions, soliciting donations, meeting voters all over town, sitting for debates, knocking on doors, answering questions from the media, creating mailers, writing emails and notes, placing yard signs, skipping family events, and finally — last night — awaiting election results has come to an end.
(Photo/Matt Murray)
Some candidates won. Others lost.
All spent countless hours doing something most of the rest of us would never dream of doing: running for local office.
Their reasons vary: a complex mix of personality, personal goals and professional expertise.
But they always include a desire to step up and serve the town they love. And the town they think they can make even better.
To do that, they had to put themselves front and center, in a very public way. They opened up about who they are as people, and what they believe in.
They opened themselves up to criticism too. Some of it got personal, and nasty. No matter how thick-skinned anyone is, that had to hurt.
Today — the day after Election Day — our unsung heroes are every man and woman who had the desire, the energy, and the courage to run.
Westport would not be the vibrant, exciting, challenging town it is without you. Win or lose, you are all winners today.
Now go pick up your yard signs.
(Photo/Dan Woog)
And let’s not forget our Staples High students.
They had yesterday off. But 85 SLOBs — members of the school’s Service League of Boys — fanned out to all 9 polling places.
From 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., they handed out “I Voted!” stickers. It was a great lesson for them in civic involvement, and they were excited to help.
A number of students also participated in campaigns, for various candidates in a variety of offices.
Of course, we could not have provided last night’s “06880” coverage without 4 outstanding reporters: Dylan Robbin, Catherine Campagnino, Zara Saliba and Will Enquist. They rocked it.
Our future is in good — no, great — hands!
Handing out stickers at the polls (from left): Rei Seltzer, regional head of Civic Leaders of America; Owen Goldfarb, and Zach Gillman. (Photo/Aiko Nose)
(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)
Dan – as usual you are right on. EVERYONE WHO HAD THE COURAGE TO RUN —especially but not only in these challenging times —deserves a thank you for each and everyone one of us.
Great post, Dan. You summed it up very well.