Now the work begins

I got a call from a friend the other day congratulating me on my victory. He told me that he waited a week so my head had enough time to shrink back to its original size. Then he said, "We've got to do something about that #$^%& high school."

So, first of all, I offer my congratulations again to everyone who won on May 20. Having run for office - twice - I've a lot of respect for those who serve. It requires an incredible amount of effort and dedication, and as one of our elected officials said to me, standing in front of post offices asking for signatures is a hell of a way to get a job.

Second, I offer my heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped with my campaign. My wife Rebecca, our kids, Carol, Steph, MaryAnne, Roger, John, Debbie, Bob, Jim, Steve, Margo, Henry, Greg, Ed, Sheryl, Deb, Louise, Marsha, Mike, John, Milt, Margaret, Paul, John, Mary, Bob, Marie, Michael, Margaret, Peter, Charlotte, Adele, Linda, Grace, Nancy, Pat, Cici, Ernie, Mike, Maria, Neil, Jeanne, Gino, Carmella, John, Joanne, Alice, John, Joe, Catherine, Leslie, Jane, George, Jim, Marty, Jack, Audrey, John, Bill, Cliff, Maureen, Winifred, Dave, Ed, John...the list goes on and on, and so could I. Thank you VERY much. This was truly a team effort.

Third, my thanks - again - to those who have offered congratulations. This includes the selectmen, Ahmed Mustafa, Carey Murphy, Mary Pat Flynn and Kevin Murphy, all of whom took the time to personally congratulate me last Tuesday night (Ahmed even left his own party to see me). Classy folks, all of them. As are people like Rob, who spotted me in Stop & Shop yesterday and went out of his way to offer his hand. Thank you all.

So thank you, Falmouth. I want you to know that you will always have my ear, and I will always work hard to be your voice. As long as we remember that the things that unite us and bind us as a community are greater than the differences between us, we will accomplish great things for our town.

Now it's time to get to work - and there's much work to be done.