Thank you Rochester

Hello Neighbors.

By now you know that I fell a little short on Tuesday night, and a new Trustee will take my place on the Board of Education. Of course, I am sad about this -- despite some difficulties, it was a great pleasure to serve on your Board of Education. I will also confess to some natural feelings of frustration. I worked hard at this, and but for some vote splitting with another minor candidate, I think it's clear I would have won comfortably. But those feelings of sadness and frustration are transitory and already dissipating. In their place are feelings of warm gratitude to my neighbors who gave me this chance and admiration and love for the teachers, staff and students at RCS. Thank you also to my family and friends. In particular Katie, who has always supported my goofy schemes.

Over two elections, more than 30,000 people filled in the bubble for me. That is a wonderful feeling. I am also humbled by the many dozens who worked so hard to get me elected. In particular, I am grateful to the NEA, the MEA, the REA and all the teachers, paraprofessionals and other staff who put their faith in me. In this one way, the deep sting of failure will surely linger. To my teacher and staff friends - I am sorry I let you down.

This will be my last public comment, on this matter or any other.

I wish to say this: I hope you will give our Board members, new and seasoned, your patience and support. Hold them accountable, of course. At the same time, I hope we can offer them some grace. When they make a mistake, as they surely will, or don't know what to do, maybe we can respond in a kind and constructive way. My final comment is about trust. The campaign made me realize that every day we are asked (or forced) to put our trust in each other as neighbors. We trust that the plane will land, the car behind us will stop, and the food is fresh. It is truly a daily, sometimes subconscious, choice. Trust must be earned and where trust is broken, we must actively work to repair it. But if we allow suspicion and fear to constantly erode our feelings of trust in each other, the foundation of our society may wash away with it.

We can't let that happen. But then again, I don't think that will happen here in Rochester - I trust my neighbors : - )

All the best,

Joe