I have been trying to write this “thanks for your support” email since last Tuesday, but our situation keeps changing—outright win, run-off, refusing to concede, absentee ballots, lawsuits…. But if I wait for final answers, I will pass the acceptable window for sending a thank you note. So here it goes:
1. Thank You. Whether volunteering (490 miles walked and thousands of phone calls), donating ($30,000+ donated from individuals, not unions, companies, or political groups), or generally cheering me on (I “heart” this tweet) - I couldn't have done this without your support. Obviously, I am disappointed with the results. I knew running a policy-based campaign was a risk, but I am thrilled and humbled with the response I received. Several people have asked what is next and the immediate answer is “make money again”—after that, I don’t know. If you have ideas, feel free tosend them and you can sign up, follow me on twitter, or check my consulting page for future updates.
2. We Deserve a Run-Off. There are almost 1,300 people who didn’t choose Meegan or Mell last week and deserve the opportunity to bekingmakers or dynasty-breakers. But before we can get a run-off, we need a recount. Such a small margin of votes demonstrates not only that every vote counts but also that we need to make sure each vote is counted correctly.
3. Demand More for Our City. We are a diverse ward in an incredible city. We deserve a City Council who understands that the duties of the legislative body go beyond entering requests into 311 and shoveling sidewalks. We deserve leaders, thinkers, and problem solvers. Demand it. Demand answers to the tough questions about our budget, demand public debate, demand critical thinking, demand transparency, demand leadership, demand campaign finance reform. You deserve it.
4. Demand a Plan for the Ward. That “document” that Mell keeps calling a plan is not a plan but might generously be called a survey. If Mell gets elected, demand that she ask us about our vision for the ward and develop an actual plan. If Meegan gets elected, demand he takes Mell’s “survey" and turn it into a plan to fill our empty storefronts and keep our parks great. No matter who is the alderman, demand that s/he serve all the residents of the ward, not just the ones who agree with him/her.
5. Thank You Again. With the exception of coming in third, I have loved every minute of the campaign. Talking to neighbors, discovering the best taco places, listening to people’s ideas for our ward and our city, finding hidden parks…. Thank you for making my 220 miles of canvassing worth it. And big thanks my Field/Volunteer Director Esly Sarmiento, who kept it all running by the end, and my sister Monica, who let my dream invade her dining room table for the last several months.
I hope to see you at a neighborhood meeting soon!
Cheers-
Annisa
1. Thank You. Whether volunteering (490 miles walked and thousands of phone calls), donating ($30,000+ donated from individuals, not unions, companies, or political groups), or generally cheering me on (I “heart” this tweet) - I couldn't have done this without your support. Obviously, I am disappointed with the results. I knew running a policy-based campaign was a risk, but I am thrilled and humbled with the response I received. Several people have asked what is next and the immediate answer is “make money again”—after that, I don’t know. If you have ideas, feel free tosend them and you can sign up, follow me on twitter, or check my consulting page for future updates.
2. We Deserve a Run-Off. There are almost 1,300 people who didn’t choose Meegan or Mell last week and deserve the opportunity to bekingmakers or dynasty-breakers. But before we can get a run-off, we need a recount. Such a small margin of votes demonstrates not only that every vote counts but also that we need to make sure each vote is counted correctly.
3. Demand More for Our City. We are a diverse ward in an incredible city. We deserve a City Council who understands that the duties of the legislative body go beyond entering requests into 311 and shoveling sidewalks. We deserve leaders, thinkers, and problem solvers. Demand it. Demand answers to the tough questions about our budget, demand public debate, demand critical thinking, demand transparency, demand leadership, demand campaign finance reform. You deserve it.
4. Demand a Plan for the Ward. That “document” that Mell keeps calling a plan is not a plan but might generously be called a survey. If Mell gets elected, demand that she ask us about our vision for the ward and develop an actual plan. If Meegan gets elected, demand he takes Mell’s “survey" and turn it into a plan to fill our empty storefronts and keep our parks great. No matter who is the alderman, demand that s/he serve all the residents of the ward, not just the ones who agree with him/her.
5. Thank You Again. With the exception of coming in third, I have loved every minute of the campaign. Talking to neighbors, discovering the best taco places, listening to people’s ideas for our ward and our city, finding hidden parks…. Thank you for making my 220 miles of canvassing worth it. And big thanks my Field/Volunteer Director Esly Sarmiento, who kept it all running by the end, and my sister Monica, who let my dream invade her dining room table for the last several months.
I hope to see you at a neighborhood meeting soon!
Cheers-
Annisa