To the Editor:

I just wrapped up a campaign for state representative for the 1st Berkshire District.

I did not win. But I am forever grateful for this opportunity and experience. And I'm proud that my opponent and I kept our campaigns clean. Campaigns have the opportunity to be ugly, to tear a community apart, but I think this primary election actually helped bring our community together and that's exactly what I was hoping for.

While I was certainly hoping to win this race, I can say with complete confidence that my team and I worked our tails off and ran a positive, forward-thinking campaign. Together, we built real momentum and came within 159 votes of defeating a long-standing incumbent. That's newsworthy. But more importantly, it's a clear sign. It's a sign that our region is ready to move forward, to rebuild, to come together, to show up, to take action, and to build a bright, successful, and affordable future for all of us.

I am so deeply grateful for your support and encouragement. Whether or not you voted for me, it was one of the biggest honors of my life to chat with you at your doors, brainstorm solutions to challenges at cafes, and celebrate with you at community events. We have an amazing district of 13 municipalities full of world-class educational institutions, cultural attractions, businesses, natural resources, rich history, and a supportive community.

Sure, I'm tired from not getting enough sleep all year. But I'm even more hopeful and eager than ever to keep doing the work of building a stronger community.

I'm not going anywhere. I'll continue working hard on North Adams' City Council, growing Steeple City Social, serving on boards & community organizations, and launching new projects.

We built something together. Let's keep building. And let's have a blast as we're doing this work. I look forward to seeing you around the district!