Over the past four months, I've met a lot of new people, had innumerable conversations, taken part in five forums, multiple interviews, and consumed enough coffee that I'm getting java-scented thank you cards from Juan Valdez. I knew this would be hard on my family, but I didn't realize how hard. Even the dog has started looking at me like I'm a stranger. Through it all I've been happy to have a strong support network of old and new friends to rely on, to pep me up, to defend me, to cheer me on, and to believe in me. I am truly grateful. I will never be able to repay you all for the countless hours spent on this endeavor.
From the beginning, I promised to run a positive, issues-based campaign. I laid out what issues I believed in and went out with the help of my awesome campaign staff and my good friend and new MBA grad, Amber, and we tackled this seemingly impossible task. I don't know how the journey will end today, but if nothing else I know I've formed a lot of great relationships.
I believe that we need to take control of this unique moment in our history and focus on our district's long-term future in both facilities and programming. We need to ensure that every child in every neighborhood has an opportunity to achieve their highest potential. That's what a public school system should be about. To have the perception that there are good and bad schools does a disservice to our students and our teachers and is unhealthy for our community.
Apparently, I'm not the only one who feels this way and the sentiment is district-wide. The outpouring of support both in sweat equity and in donations to our cause was humbling. We couldn't have run our campaign without all of you. Win or lose, I am forever grateful.
When the campaign finance reports came out last week, I did a little breakdown:
68% of our contributors gave under $100 with an average of $37.50
32% of our contributors gave over $100 with an average of $135
There were 127 total donors and I have known most of these people for much of my life.
By ZIP code 42% were from 52240, 4% were from 52241, 1% from 52244, 34% from 52245, 14% from 52246, 4% from 52317, 1% from other areas.
You can view all of the candidate reports of income and expenditures by clicking on each candidate's individual dollar amounts HERE if you don't believe me. It's all public record now anyway.
Some have focused in on the record contributions this year. I think it speaks volumes of our community that collectively $35,000 was donated to help the candidates get the word out. In our 24/7 media based society that's a tall order. People obviously do care about education and it's future in our district. I think it's a relatively small price to pay to raise awareness of the issues facing our students and teachers.
Speaking of the other candidates, I have a great respect for all of them. I've met nearly all of the spouses and children and I have just as much respect for them. I know everyone has given it their all and it shows. The physical, emotional and mental toll is incredibly difficult to deal with and I don't wish it on anyone. Jim, Jason, Chris, Karla, Sara, Phil, Tuyet and Greg, my hat's off to all of you and whatever happens today, I've enjoyed getting to know you. Believe it or not, we share a common bond now. I think our little "reality show" is going to set an all time record for voter turnout. No one can ever take that away. Best of luck to all of you today!
What a long strange trip indeed.....see you at the finish line!
Now, get out there and vote. Find your polling place HERE
Our community is at a crossroads. I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work for all of our kids. I hope you'll join me.
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