I’d like to express a deep and heartfelt “Thank you” to the residents of Plainsboro for their time and effort during the recent Plainsboro Fire District Election. The friendship and effort that so many invested in my campaign meant the world to me. While the election results were not as we liked, it was an incredibly humbling experience to have carried your hopes.
I ran this campaign the best way I knew how, with honor and integrity. Despite the negative social networking site comments and the written attempts to discredit me distributed by a group of individuals identified as firefighters, I continued to focus on what I could do, not on what others can’t do. My campaign was solely based on what I can accomplish for Plainsboro. Instead of pointing fingers, I shared with Plainsboro what I could do.
My plan was clear: Awareness. Accountability. Communication. Representation. Concepts so simple, yet so rarely demonstrated. These are the ideals I believe in.
Over the last several months, I’ve had the opportunity to truly see the heart of this community. I’ve seen the spirit of democracy. I’ve seen the compassion of our residents and the will for change. I’ve seen the wish to not accept excuses such as “we have always done it this way.”
If there is one note I would like everyone to remember, it is that, in our democratic society, change is only a vote away. The prerequisite is your will. Again, I acknowledge each of you who looked at what I stand for and realized I was a candidate worth voting for.
Thank you to my volunteers for the countless hours and creativity. Thank you to my neighbors who provided continued support. Thank you to my family and friends for cheering me on. Thank you to my children and my husband who sacrificed family time to allow me to pursue this position.
In the words of William Shakespeare, “I can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks.”
Michele Holder
Editor’s note: For the results of the Plainsboro Fire District elections, see story, page 15.
