It doesn't seem possible that the election is exactly one week from today. What a journey this has been for me. I have learned a lot. Here is something that I posted on my Facebook page yesterday:
"In this my first "adventure" into real politics where people actually will vote for me for an elected office, it has been an eye opening experience in many ways. I have been touched by the many people I have known over my 39 + years as an educator in Gilbert reaching out to me. It has meant the world to me. I believe that we should be saying the good things we do and what we believe in and not be denigrating others. That doesn't mean that you can't question or ask others running for office to explain what they mean or where they stand. That is what democracy is all about. I hate seeing all of the ads on television for the many political offices that are so negative and try to make the other look bad instead of stating what they believe in. It is disheartening. Tonight, I was having a "chat" with one of my cousins in California and for some reason a quote that Wally Delecki always used came back to me so I looked it up. I love quotes and this one is great. It is from Helen Keller and I love many of her quotes, but this one sums up everything...."Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing." I am appreciative that I have had and continue to have a "daring adventure!"
And this has been a "daring adventure." I have met so many incredible people over the last few months. I have been touched by the out reach of support that I have received from so many people.
I needed 400 signatures on the petitions and I literally did nothing and got almost 800 altogether. I had so many people ask for petitions. It was overwhelming. I have had several Meet and Greets by myself and with the other candidates. There are four of us running for three open seats and I can honestly say that I have the utmost respect for the other three. I believe all of us have the best interest of children and the District and will do the best that can be done for our community. Gilbert is such a unique community in terms of families and support for the schools.
I have been honored to get the endorsement of key organizations. The Gilbert Education Association, Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and Unite for Education PAC have all endorsed my candidacy. One third of the Gilbert District is in Mesa. I am blessed to have the endorsement of Mayor Giles of Mesa and Councilman Thompson of Mesa.
As my daring adventure continues for the next month, I hope that things continue to be positive. I know that politics sometimes can get a bit ugly, but I will continue to be positive and stand for what I believe in. Our children are of the utmost importance. In order for the children to be served well, a District must have dedicated and compensated teachers, administrators and staff. Parents need to be heard and included in discussions. Communication is key. There will always be controversial issues no matter what, but trust must be built. I am fortunate to have my 39 + years in the District where I built a lot of trust and that is helping me now.
One never knows how an election will turn out. If I win, I will do my best for all of the stakeholders. If I do not win, I will have benefited from the new people I have met and the outreach of so many people I have known through the years! I continue to believe strongly that I am very blessed at so many levels!!
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