The word of the year is gratitude.
Last week I concluded 400 days of a wonderful campaign for the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and on Election Night I called Dalia Palchik to congratulate her for winning the Democratic nomination.
So what now? I prepared all my life for public service; as a government student, as an involved homeowner, as a Fairfax County employee and Arlington Court Officer, as a community leader and as an individual. Decades before this campaign started, I have lived on the idea that public service is a duty, not a position and that will not change.
Life has been busy these days as it was a few weeks back… Maintaining full time employment, raising a family and campaigning concurrently was laborious but I loved every minute of it. Canvassing, getting to know the person behind each door and their stories that are ingrained in my heart forever.
From the neighbor whose child was hit by a car on Hilltop Rd. (an area with no sidewalks) and hoped I’d deliver on my pledge to advance pedestrian safety, to the community of concerned neighbors of Save Blake Lane Park who are looking to accommodate a new school in a place other than their only park… We all believe that with thoughtful governance, we can really have it all.
I would like to congratulate Democratic candidates Phil Niedzelski-Eichner, Edythe Kelleher and Linh Hoang for leaving it all on the campaign trail. They were kind and thoughtful and they made the Democratic process richer for all.
You need to know that the reason why it took me a little while to reach you it’s because I wanted to have something to give to you. Because you gave all to me; your money, your work, your hopes, recommendations and advice and I couldn’t just hand you back a third place. So I have transitioned my campaign site to a personal site, where I will share my opinion and continue to advocate for smart solutions and ideas on various topics related to government, transportation, the environment, housing, education and other local issues.
I hope you’ll enjoy it and continue to share your dreams, thoughts and opinion about our corner of the world!
Yours in service with love and gratitude,
Erika Milena Yalowitz