Although it appears that I did not win a seat on the city council (believe it or not there are still about 11000 votes to be counted), I just wanted to say "Thank you very much" to everyone that voted in this year's election whether you voted for me or not.
I think it is very important for our democracy that everyone make their voice heard. Even though I was very short on funds, working full-time, going to school to finish my Master's Degree, entered the campaign very late, and relentlessly attacked by the local press for no apparent reason; I did my best to run my campaign and get my ideas out where you could judge me for yourself. Let me tell you, it was not easy.
Running a campaign is very hard work. I personally took my flyers to over 2500 homes and had the honor of meeting and speaking with many of you, and although some of you did not agree with my ideas, it was a real pleasure nonetheless.
I want to especially thank those people who helped me by passing out flyers, putting up signs, helping me with the Spanish translation, and talking to others on my behalf. I honestly thought that with my shoestring budget, and lack of name recognition I wouldn't even get 2000 votes, but I was very pleasantly surprised that my message was so successful.
I hope that in two years (or 4 if I win by some miracle), that I will once again earn the votes of those of you that supported me, and for those that did not, I hope you will give me another look and the opportunity to change your mind.
Thank you all!
Jim Neal
Candidate, Mountain View City Council
