GRATITUDE
When I saw the official final results of the November 8, 2022 on the Ventura County elections page yesterday, I was speechless with gratitude… to those who supported my campaign, to my fellow candidates for Ojai City Council, and especially, to the voters who elected me to serve in this role.
I am amazed when I consider how my life has changed in the five months since I walked into City Hall to file papers.
I had no clue of the journey upon which I was embarking, but I had a heart-led motivation - a promise I made to my daughter in the year after I lost her:
If I couldn’t be Stella’s mom here on earth, I would look for her spirit in the eyes of every child in this community. I promised to work to create a kinder, more compassionate, and sustainable world for her generation.
I learned I was leading the race on her birthday, November 17. I took it as a sign I’m honoring her memory in the best way possible.
After losing her, I spent a year in deep grief, trying to pick up the pieces of my life and crawl forward into an unknown future without her. Unbeknownst to me at the time, I was composting that grief into a rich, fertile soil that would nourish the seeds of activism that are sprouting right now.
My campaign for Ojai City Council was never about me. It was always about our community. I loved getting to know so many members of District 2 as I went door-to-door to find out the concerns, suggestions, and ideas represented by Ojai voters.
I learned we have a neighborhood of caring, informed, and community-minded individuals. Meetings at Daly Park included puppy play dates and neighborly chats. People who had yard signs for my opponents explained that they weren’t against me, but they had known the others for a long time and had close friendships. Where else can you find such cordiality in a political season?
I met with Randy Haney, who honorably served our City Council for years, and I told him I never ran to defeat him. I ran because of my desire to become involved and serve. I thanked him for his years of service and for paving the way for us as new council members.
My campaign was blessed by so many dedicated, loyal, and caring supporters. I was surrounded by a web of people who shared my vision and wanted to play a part in bringing it to fruition.
I grew in ways beyond what I could have imagined. It takes courage to run for office. You risk being judged and rejected each time you knock on a door or speak at an event. I commend everyone who steps up to serve in this way.
I’m grateful to have the opportunity to serve.