Thank you from the bottom of my heart
Dear friends and supporters,
I want to say a tremendous "THANK YOU" to everyone who has supported me over the past 9 months. Though the results were not what we hoped, we ran a truly phenomenal campaign. The degree of dedication, commitment, volunteerism and sheer positive energy is a testament to the core values we all believe in, and are striving for in this increasingly disconnected, negative and polarizing political landscape.
Some of you may have already heard this story, but it bears repeating: When I was starting this crazy process of running for office, I asked my daughter Ella (then 8) how she would feel if I didn't win. She replied "Well, if you don't win, then you will probably have more time to spend with us. So really you do win. So either way you win!" It's a wonderful sentiment, and coming from my eight year old daughter, had a profound impact on my outlook. I plan to spend lots and lots of time with she and my son Ben in the coming months.
But as for politics and public service, please know that this is just the beginning, and I plan to continue to work hard for our community. There is much to be done - for health care reform, as we strive to implement the Governor's vision of a paradigm shift with Health Care Transformation; for education, as we strive for access and funding for meaningful education to our children and young adults; for our seniors, so they can continue to stay in their homes and be supported and respected; for reproductive rights, by advocating for One Key Question and providing direct care to all women on the front line of health care; for our environment, by advocating against toxins in consumer products and for the highest standards in air quality; and so much more.
I have been honored and humbled by the outpouring of support and encouragement you have all provided me over the past months. I truly can't express how much it has meant to me, and could not have done it without you. Please continue to stay in touch! You can always reach me at Sharon@SharonforOregon.com.
Thank you again,
Sharon
p.s. Running for office has given me some insight into why people choose to do this, and I want to share my insight with you...
Top ten reasons to run for office:
- Becoming an expert at reading maps
- Developing an intimate knowledge of Portland's crazy weather
- Realizing that working in the ER is actually relaxing compared to running a campaign
- Getting to ask people you don't know for money on a constant basis
- Getting to ask people you do know for money on a constant basis
- Gaining profound knowledge of different types of gates, and how to open them
- Realizing that you are essentially a human fire hydrant, as you have embraced so many dogs
- Learning more than you ever wanted to know (or had any idea even existed)
about esoteric policy issues
- Best fitness program ever
- Meeting so many wonderful people on the doorstep, at house parties, in coffee-shops, on-line and even simply on the street- I will never forget it
p.p.s. In case there was any question, that last one really IS the number one reason to run for office :-)
