Raines Concedes Sunnyside Council Race To Hancock
November 8, 2009 3 Comments
**For Immediate Release**
2009 Sunnyside City Council District 1 Election
The past few months have afforded me the opportunity to meet many of the citizens of Sunnyside, to hear their concerns, and voice them throughout the campaign. For the first time, my opponent in the race, Theresa Hancock, has had competition on the ballot.
The race for office has been a learning experience, and I hope that Ms. Hancock and I are both the better off for having gone through it. As the late returns have come in, it is now clear that Ms. Hancock has been re-elected to office as Council Member for District 1.
Earlier today, I called Ms. Hancock to congratulate her on her victory, and wish her luck in her continuing service to the City as a Council Member. Although there are points about which we have disagreed in the past, there are many things about which we do agree.
Ms. Hancock’s conservative approach in evaluating budget increases will be needed to keep the tax burden on our citizens to a minimum. I am also supportive of her efforts to restore customer service at City Hall five days each week.
The single issue where I think the campaign has had the biggest impact, is on making law enforcement a higher priority for the City Council. Ms. Hancock has assured me that if another budget crunch occurs, the Police Department will be better protected from the layoff of officers.
By this measure, I would consider my campaign to be a success. I am excited about where the City of Sunnyside is currently positioned, and am very optimistic about the future. I wish to thank all of my campaign supporters and volunteers for all of the hard work they contributed during this election cycle. Without your contributions, encouragement, hard work, and activism, the campaign would not have been possible.
Now that the race is over in District 1, we can move on to making good things happen in our City government. Please join me in congratulating Ms. Hancock, and thanking her for being willing to continue to serve.
About Jason R. Raines
Eagle Watch
jimsweb.net
WSRP BLOG
Jason- you ran a brilliant campaign. For a virtual no name opponent from Tennessee to enter a race against a local longtime opponent. You gave your opponent a super run. Getting over 20% of the votes really suprised me. You race helped in opening up issues within this city that needed discussed. Hope your ready for another run in two years ! Keep smiling and life just keeps getting better !
JASON, THAT WAS A GREAT CONCESSION ANNOUNCEMENT AND ONE THAT HIGHLIGHTED WHAT WAS MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU AND THE CITY. YOUR HUMBLE COMMENTS CANNOT DO ANYTHING BUT PUT YOU IN THE BEST LIGHT FOR FURTHER INVOLVEMENT IN THE POLITICS OF THE CITY AND REACH TO WASHINGTON. WE HAVE TO START ALL OVER, NOW. THE COUNTRY HAS BEEN PUT BACK 300 YEARS, IN SO MANY WAYS AND WITH THE DEBT SERVICE OF JUST ABOUT THE ENTIRE WORLD COMBINED. IT HAS TO START WITH EACH, INDIVIDUALLY, AT THE CITY LEVEL!
PROUD OF YOU! ACC
Thank you for your comments, and to the many more I have received by e-mail, phone, and in person. Your warm encouragement through this whole process has been wonderful. Sunnyside is well served by its caring citizens.