If you’ve been around me for any length of time you’ve likely heard me say “There is strength in numbers, and when we show up we win!” And so many of you showed up!! I could feel the excitement and joy in your hearts in all of the kind messages I’ve received and posts where people tagged me flashing their “I Voted!” sticker. And while 4,000 votes weren’t enough to break into the top 5 in the Democratic Primary, as a first time candidate running without a unified slate, our scrappy little team of die-hard doers did A WHOLE LOT…
• We created engaging content to educate volunteers on how to get candidates on the ballot and supported the shared collection of over 2300 signatures.
• We raised over $25,000, the majority of which was invested in work product created by Black-owned and union-backed businesses here in Rochester.
• Our one big mailer distributed over 36,000 “Know Your Rights” cards across the city.
• I received 10 endorsements, including support from major progressive groups like ROCDSA and the LGBTQ Victory Fund, as well as the Working Families Party.
• We registered dozens of new voters and awakened dozens more dormant ones.
• Our campaign centered ASL access as a key goal from the jump, which influenced other campaigns to expand inclusion.
• And I’m thrilled to have unlocked the door for Heather Feinman to run through! I am over the moon about her primary win for Rochester City Schoolboard Commissioner!
My campaign has been built upon making sure that the community has access to government and opportunity. Chances are you’ve heard a lot about low turnout and disengagement. I want you to know, this fall off is no accident. It’s a feature of a system that has drifted far from the democratic ideals it claims to serve.
A healthy democracy depends on people being able to participate, and to understand how the process works so they can engage on equal footing. Just like with the Business Improvement District, where critical decisions were hidden from the public, this path only concentrates power in the hands of a few wealthy interests, at the expense of the many people who call Rochester home.
Several of you have already reached out about running again, or how to get more engaged. I am looking forward to having more community conversations, and I’ve got a few ideas- but if you’ll indulge me, I’m going to rest for a few days before making any major plans or decisions, and my dear husband deserves an uninterrupted date night.
In the meantime whatever comes next its going to involve engaging people in their democracy, because we have to use it or we’re going to lose it. So…Organizers gonna organize: If you voted for me, if you wanted to vote for me but couldn’t, or you’re just hearing about me now, sign up in the form above so we can hit the ground running.