I think everyone is relieved when the general election is finally behind us. I suspect we’re all tired of campaign commercials and streaming ads, tired of campaign mailers filling our mailboxes, and, this year, I’m especially tired of fundraising texts!
While we now know definitively who our next president and governor will be, there are still several races too close to call. However, the final counts should be completed in the next few days. So, congratulations to President-elect Trump and Governor-elect Ferguson. And thank you to all the candidates who were willing to step up and run!
I also know many people are frustrated with the results, whether at the state or national level. Like you, I had strong candidates I supported—some of whom won and some of whom lost.
But in the United States, voters from every corner of the country choose who they want to make laws and lead their government at the national, state, and local levels. Then they expect those elected to work together for the good of the people.
Our local elections will be certified on November 26th, and we have already made provisions for a smooth transition to the new executive.
Following this contentious election, we have something we can all rally behind—honoring those who serve our country in the military!
I attended a Veterans’ Day Assembly yesterday at my granddaughters’ school. Each veteran in attendance was asked to stand and share a bit about their service—and to introduce the student they were there with. The 30 or so veterans represented a broad range, from Vietnam-era service to those still on active duty. There were members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, one Marine, and one Coast Guard. The group included both former enlisted and officers, men and women, serving anywhere from three to thirty years. They were white, Black, Hispanic, Vietnamese, Filipino, and more.
It was a remarkable representation of the men and women who step up to wear the uniform with a willingness to serve and sacrifice for our country. None of them were there for themselves but for their children and grandchildren (or nieces and grand-nephews) who are students.
Both the chaos of our elections and the nobility of our military service represent the best of America!
This weekend, I encourage you to take a minute to thank a veteran. It shouldn’t be hard to find someone, as 11% of our colleagues and 14% of the residents in Pierce County have served in uniform!
Bruce
