As you can imagine, I have a wide range of thoughts and feelings about last week’s local election in Minneapolis. I am understandably disappointed with some of the results, including the fact that I was not reelected to represent the people of Ward 2 on the City Council.

But right now, I want to focus on how grateful I am.

I thank you for all the kind words, support, and appreciation I have felt from so many people since election day. The comments and messages I have received from so many people have been uplifting. Thank You.

I am grateful to my family and to my closest friends and supporters. My thanks go to all of those who offered advice, volunteered time and energy, donated to the campaign, hosted events and served on my campaign team. I am especially grateful, and I can’t say enough about, the various key roles played over the years by Robin Garwood who has been there with me for all our City Council campaigns.

Not only has he been there for the campaigns, but also, and more significantly he has been there with me, as my Policy Aide, in City Hall. His effectiveness, capability, passion, and commitment have been critical to whatever successes we have had. I am also grateful for Nancy Olsen, my Associate, who has served with Robin and me these past nearly 16 years to provide the best service we could for our constituents and to make this community and City a better place. Her service to Ward 2 reaches back further than mine, as an Associate for previous Ward 2 Council offices under both Paul Zerby and Joan Campbell.

Any and all of my accomplishments, large and small, have not been mine alone. They have only been possible because of the help, support, often leadership, and guidance of neighborhood groups, residents, workers and business operators in the community, as well as a wide array of additional committed, talented people --- some from advocacy organizations and some with causes of their own. I am especially grateful to the many amazing people who work for the City of Minneapolis. It has been a blessing to work with so many people who care so deeply for our community and our city and are ready, willing and able to help make it a better, healthier, safer, more just, more democratic and more sustainable place. I am deeply grateful for having had the opportunity to get to know, and learn from, so many capable and committed “do-gooders” from the community and from within city hall who truly care for and love our city and our people.

And please know, I am deeply grateful to each and every one of you who I have come to know and have had the opportunity to interact and work with over the years. It has been among the highest honors and greatest privileges of my life to represent you and serve the people of Minneapolis these past 16 years as your City Council Member.

Yours always, in peace and gratitude,

Cam