According to Margaret Thatcher, there are two reasons why people run for public office. They go to work hard and help or they go to be important. I choose the first.

The morning after the election it would have been extremely easy to rethink the validity of my decision to get into the race. However, I didn’t feel that way. Rather, I found great solace in knowing that I had represented many of you again as I gave you a definitive choice as you voted.

Nine months ago, I committed to organizing, running and experiencing another campaign, and began sharing my message of burgeoning hope for our district and our state. My primary reason for getting into the action was to go to Augusta as a veteran of the process to help stabilize and to nourish new significantly hopeful pieces of policy and move them from budding seedlings to full implementation.

My visiting and spending more time with you again over the months was well worth the journey. It was engaging and positive – all experiences I valued and learned from. Per the ole’ adage – Nothing ventured – nothing gained…. I ventured and I gained. Many of our exchanges were what I have come to coin over the years on the campaign trail as, “God is Smiling Moments.” Those are the priceless snapshots in time in your door yard or your kitchen that I could take no credit for, they just spontaneously happened which only reinforced my belief that I was exactly where I was supposed to be in that place at that moment for the right reason!

On election night my journey of hope to stand up for you again came to a close. I ran a solid, trustworthy race in which I respected the process, your opinions, your choices, your personal space, your private property as well as municipal and school property. Well over 10 years ago I made a pledge that I would never put an opponent down to build myself UP! I can say that I have stood by that promise and lived out that commitment through this campaign and all my campaigns.

By the voting results, 49.7 percent of you thought “being nice” does matter when joining with people from all across Maine to debate and produce a state budget, formulate public policies and consider legislation that affects you and your life. Like in Aesop’s fable, a tortoise plugged along steadfast and loyal to the task, but this time crossing the finish line just short by one hair.

Thank you to all who cared, contributed and were counted in supporting our message to work for and support efforts to revitalize Maine and take her to a new level of fiscal health, hope and success.

In sincere reflection,

Susan M.W. Austin

Gray