With Thanksgiving upon us I write to share a few of my thoughts of this past year and the future that lies before us. Just two weeks ago I was eagerly, if anxiously awaiting the results of the election. I was excited about the possibility of a new way forward for Bellingham that would engage neighborhoods and citizens in taking the lead on planning and budget priorities. I was filled with gratitude as I realized the dedication, support and energy all of you brought to my campaign.

When those first results ran across the screen at Boundary Bay, I felt a sense of loss. I couldn't help but think that so much work and sweat and vision had vanished in an instant, wiping away the contributions each of you had made. I worried that the ideas our campaign pushed forward, that you supported with hope, were lost.

But ideas and community building cannot be defeated. Over the last two weeks, adjusting to a new perspective, I've realized that whoever the mayor of our city is, much of the real work of the community will always lie with neighbors who stand up for what they believe, who commit themselves to the places they care most about, who commit themselves to a community that is larger than any one of us. Neighborhoods and citizen involvement cannot be stopped.  By participating in the campaign, and supporting the ideas this campaign brought forward, you each took a stand for change in Bellingham. I was moved deeply by your contributions, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Margaret Chase Smith wrote:

"My creed is that public service must be more than doing a job efficiently and honestly. It must be a complete dedication to the people and to the nation with full recognition that every human being is entitled to courtesy and consideration, that constructive criticism is not only to be expected but sought . . . that honor is to be earned, not bought."

I feel very honored to have earned your trust, so now I must ask that you step forward in trust again. Though I am not the mayor, our community still needs your commitment to the values and goals we worked for throughout the campaign. Though I am not the mayor, we still need leadership. The challenges have not gone away. The opportunities for citizen involvement and empowerment have not diminished.

You know yourself, your passions and talents. Find a place to share your gifts in helping move our city forward. Perhaps you will find a place in your neighborhood association, calling on the city for more resources for neighborhood planning and neighborhood improvements that make where we live even better places. Perhaps you can best advocate for clean water for all, encouraging the city to create a separate internal department whose sole responsibility it is to provide oversight and action on protecting Lake Whatcom. Perhaps you will find yourself bringing financial experience to bear as you call for more transparent, citizen-prioritized budgeting at the city. These are just a few of the areas that need active, educated citizens participating to carry forward a vision of Bellingham that benefits all of us. Find a spot that you're passionate about and jump in!

You may be thinking, "Me, a leader?  No way!"  The truth is, you have already demonstrated leadership by engaging in the political process at the level you did. Choose an issue, educate yourself, then participate, from neighborhood meetings to City Council meetings to Planning Commission meetings. Make your voice heard. Otherwise, we get the kind of government that Paul Simon, the late Senator and statesman from Illinois, spoke of:

"In too many areas we have spawned 'leadership' that does not lead, that panders to our whims rather than telling us the truth, that follows the crowd rather than challenging us, that weakens us rather than strengthening us."

I pledge to you that I will remain engaged in our community. Not winning the election provides many choices for getting involved. I ask that you walk beside me as we strive always to help Bellingham realize its fullest potential. Together, with our new mayor, City Council, and the many committed city employees who serve us, we will have a dramatic impact on our future and that of our children and beyond.

Sincerely,
Dan McShane