Thank you from Rick Geller
September 1, 2008
Dear Friend,
Thank you for supporting my campaign for District 1 Orange County Commissioner. I so much appreciate the literally hundreds of emails, voice mails, and telephone calls I've received over the last week. I'm in the process of answering each and every one. You have expressed consolation, well wishes, and pledges of future support with great eloquence.
Tremendous Volunteers
Defeat forces introspection. We lost by only several hundred votes out of the more than 19,000 cast. The margin of loss was so small that any number of explanations have validity. Many of you complimented our campaign. However, insofar as any shortcomings or mistakes contributed to the outcome, the responsibility rests with me.
Despite the outcome, I am proud we ran a positive, honest, and substantive campaign. That approach helped to earn the The West Orange Times and Orlando Sentinel endorsements. I avoided unrealistic promises, given Orange County's severe budgetary constraints. I did not hesitate to focus on the most difficult issues, including the lack of deputy patrols in neighborhoods and ideas for helping to fix the traffic mess at Sand Lake and Turkey Lake Roads. I'm glad to have helped shape the race's agenda.
I am proud of our numerous volunteers, including the more than seventy-five people who walked neighborhoods with me this summer and the many dozens who covered polling stations last Tuesday and during the January 29 presidential primary. Over 200 people signed up to volunteer, the vast majority of whom assisted in some form over the last year. Thank you to all of you.
Congratulations to Scott and Shannon
I met with both Scott Boyd and Shannon Gravitte last week and congratulated them. I would not underestimate either's ability to ultimately win this race. Please base your decision who to support on who you believe will best serve our community and who has Southwest and West Orange County's best interests at heart. I will offer my assistance and experience to whomever wins.
Time for Family and Career
Many have expressed concern for me. Please know that I am just fine. My four children are happy to have Dad back. The day after my defeat, I spent 20 minutes on a couch holding my two-year-old, Caroline, while watching Clifford the Big Red Dog. Priceless. This simply was not my time, with such young children. I am focusing on Gabriela, our children, and on rebuilding my law practice.
I'd run and lose all over again to have you as my old and new friends. I hope you are having a safe and enjoyable Labor Day.
Very sincerely yours,
Rick Geller
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Political advertisement paid for and approved by Rick Geller, non-partisan, for District 1 Orange County Commissioner.
