Dear Friends:

I want to thank all of our wonderful supporters for working so hard on our grassroots campaign for State Representative.

Though we did not win, we are honored by the 5,321 people that cast a ballot for our campaign on Election Day. The close election was a tribute to the hard work of many people in Arlington and West Medford. Thank you!

The campaign was an exhilarating experience and an opportunity to meet many wonderful people. I keep thinking about the stories I heard from voters on the campaign trail. Your concerns have motivated me to look for ways to address our state’s serious environmental, health care, education, transportation and other challenges. There is a lot to do to improve life in Massachusetts, and I believe that all of us, whether we are elected officials or not, can contribute and make a difference.

It was a privilege to meet so many great people and new friends across the district and especially in West Medford.

I look forward to continuing my service on the Arlington School Committee and the Arlington Town Meeting. Serving in municipal government is an opportunity to work on many issues that directly impact our lives.

Twenty-three years ago I took a risk, pushed the boundaries of the world I knew and was comfortable with, and devoted myself to a cause larger than myself. That risk took me from Peru, to the South Side of Chicago, and here to Arlington. These communities may be worlds apart, but their values are the same.

Eight years ago Christine and I were looking for a place where we would make our home and raise our family. We were looking for a community that we could be proud to live in and proud to call home. We found that community here in Arlington.

I urge everyone to stay involved in Arlington and West Medford because that is the only way we can improve life in the 23rd Middlesex District.

Thank you for your support. I am proud that we waged a positive campaign of ideas and hope.

Gratefully, Jeff Thielman