Why I’m continuing my campaign
Over the past several weeks, I’ve had the privilege of talking with Peterborough and Sharon residents about our community, our values, and what we expect from the people who represent us.
I did not plan to be a candidate this year. I stepped forward after multiple community members asked me to run because I shared their disappointment with our representation and concern about what another two years of the same – or worse – could mean for the challenges that weigh on families. As someone with a career in nonprofit healthcare leadership and a young family of my own, I understood why those concerns felt urgent.
Just 13 days before the Democratic primary, I launched a write-in campaign for State Representative. I finished 19 votes behind Rep. Wheeler, and a recount left that margin unchanged. During the recount, more than 20 ballots containing some variation of my name were not credited to my candidacy. I don’t share that as a criticism of the Secretary of State’s office, but as a reminder of the importance of voter education.
This is why I’m continuing my write-in candidacy through the general election. I am focused on listening, letting my community get to know me better, and making sure voters are aware they have another choice.
What began as a 13-day campaign has become a broader community conversation. There is an idea, often attributed to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, that if you want people to build a ship, you should not simply teach them to gather wood and complete tasks; you should teach them to love the sea. To me, public service is much the same. It is about helping people believe in what their community can become, and giving them a reason to help build it.