The Observer Newspapers |Mayor Thanks Candidates, Voters

May 9, 2008

Mayor Thanks Candidates, Voters

To the editor:

Before the 2008 election season officially closes in the Town of Herndon I want to take a moment to acknowledge the hard work and contributions of all candidates for the offices of mayor and Town Council.

First, I'd like to thank my loving wife, Rosemary, for her tireless help and support. To my colleagues on the current council-Councilmembers Dennis Husch, Connie Hutchinson, Dave Kirby, Bill Tirrell and Charlie Waddell-congratulations on your re-election and I look forward to working with you and continuing our efforts to enhance the quality of life in our wonderful town.

To Councilman-elect Richard Downer, I look forward to your insights on the new council. To those who also ran for council seats-Penny Halpern, Arthur Nachman, Sheila Olem and Jim Vickery-thank you for your willingness to serve. Throughout the campaign, you brought forward many ideas and viewpoints that I, for one, will continue to carefully consider as this council proceeds with the governing process.

To Jasbinder Singh, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to jump into the political arena. Your participation enriched the debate and added a fresh new voice to the process. Thank you.

And to Councilman Harlon Reece: Before this election got underway, I considered you a friend as well as a council colleague. I benefited tremendously from your insights and guidance when I first took office, and the town has long benefited from your careful and knowledgeable governance. Now that the election is over, I still consider you a friend, and I speak for a grateful town when I thank you and your lovely wife Midge for years of dedicated service to Herndon and look forward to your continued service to our town.

Finally, but most importantly, I thank the citizens who answered their doorbells when we stopped by to visit, who took the time to educate themselves about the issues facing our town, and who otherwise participated in the local election process. I pledge that the 2008-2010 Town Council will continue to listen to you and will always act with your interests and the welfare of our great town in mind first and foremost.

Steve DeBenedittis

Mayor

Town of Herndon