At the close of this election season, we would like to say thank you. Thank you to those who have been active in the election process. Thank you to all voters for exercising your rights. Thank you to poll workers and government personnel tasked with making this whole operation work for us.

Thank you to those who have put forth messages of hope for our community. Thank you to those who have operated in kindness and strength. Thank you to those who were willing to put their name on the line to support the candidate of their choice.

Elections and campaigning are a necessary part of life for Americans. If no one ran for office, our beautiful form of government would not be able to work at all. Holding an elected office is an act of community service. Thank you to those who support that. Thank you to those who have taken a stand against attacks and smear campaigns. Thank you to those, who when confronted with a rumor or a question, went right to the source for the answer.

Thank you to candidates. It is not easy to run for office. It is even harder now with social media and the many negatives that can come with it. Thank you to supporters and families who have helped your candidate in healthy ways.

And, a special thank you to supporters of George Marin for mayor. You have been particularly precious to us, and we are so humbled by your encouragement. We knew the campaign would take work, as they all do, but we did not anticipate the ugliness that has manifested. Your loyalty through it all touches us very deeply.

As a community, may we find our way forward in kindness. If we are not able to muster kindness, let’s choose decency. Our children’s wellbeing depends on it. The example we set is reflected in the school hallways. In the end, love wins. Let’s make that happen sooner than later. Thank you all.

Jill Marin

Albert Lea