(Note from Patrick: I initially wrote the post below but then realized that many people might prefer a short video. Both the written post and the video convey the same message. Please feel free to share either or both with as many people as possible. Thanks!)
For 150 years, Huntington's story has been one of transforming tragedy into triumph thanks to small groups of thoughtful and committed citizens. From building a floodwall after devastating floods, to rallying behind the Young Thundering Herd after the plane crash, our community's resilience has been its heartbeat. Today is no different, and our future hinges on people like you.
Serious challenges threaten our city, and we have a collective responsibility to do something about it. Waiting for someone else, or some other time means giving in to rampant drugs and crime issues, increasing homelessness, and the exodus of our youth to other cities.
I know of no better way to overcome our challenges than for responsible citizens like you to engage in public affairs. If you don't, we’ll all suffer the consequences, because less qualified people, with less pure motives will be making the decisions.
Civic engagement is more than a duty; it's an honor that realizes President Lincoln's vision of a government truly of the people, by the people, and for the people. He was talking about people like you: people with courage and wisdom that are willing to make personal sacrifices to ensure we live in a just city that is governed for the common good.
Huntington is a fantastic place. Our beautiful parks, historic neighborhoods, and vibrant university are not just assets; they are our foundation for our renewal.
The time to act is now. I’m stepping up to run for mayor because I believe in our future, but this journey needs company. It needs thoughtful and committed people on the City Council, the Board of Education, and on the Greater Huntington Park and Recreation District board.
If you are happy with the many good people in office now, then please do all that you can to support them. If you aren’t, then recruit someone else to run, or make the sacrifice by putting your own name on the ballot. The filing period is from Jan 8 - Jan 27, don’t miss your opportunity to embrace our city's potential and shape a future as resilient and vibrant as our past.
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