A Love Letter to New Gloucester Democrats
Dear New Gloucester Democrats,
This is a love letter sent to you all on what is a hard post-election morning. If you did not wake up to the news that Bettyann Sheats and Anne Gass lost their races, you probably tossed and turned all last night with that knowledge already on your mind. I know the folks who campaigned so hard for these candidates in New Gloucester were unlikely to have let their heads hit their pillows without finding out the results!
This morning, I shared in your disappointment. I know so much work went into these campaigns. I am sending much love, particularly to Anne's and Bettyann's fantastic, tireless teams (Cindy Elias; Julie Fralich, you were amazing!). I know it was a commitment and sacrifice by the candidates and their families to put so much time into these campaigns. Anytime I ran into a candidate or a volunteer in town I would be freshly energized and excited. I hope you all can hear it when I say that this race, even as a loss, still mattered. It is work worth doing!
My husband and I settled in New Gloucester as newlyweds 18 years ago and have since had two children. Every so often, we would talk about moving. As the children became school aged; as our careers matured, we asked ourselves if it was time to go. We considered it multiple times, and even put our house on the market once. But we kept meeting folks who made us want to stay. Not all of the people who have become dear to us share our politics or life experiences. However, they share our core values and our love of this small community.
With the help of so many of you, I myself recently ran for and was elected to the SAD 15 School Board. I would have never done this without the encouragement and the support of local Democrats. There I continue to meet new people, talk about important issues, and grow more committed to New Gloucester. This community is a special one and we can and will keep moving New Gloucester to be the best version of herself. All these campaigns, efforts, education, and events that happen all contribute to getting people to think, participate, and engage.
I am so proud to know the candidates that the Dems backed in NG, and deeply thankful for the energy and organizing we have in this town. At a Dems meeting this summer, Governor Mills' campaign organizer attended and said that New Gloucester can always be counted on to show up and turn out as a rural town. He was not wrong. I have exactly zero doubt the direction we will move in as a community over time. There is work to be done and bridges to be built. Do not be discouraged! We need only to keep showing up, and to keep challenging our community to examine its heart and its values. I love you, New Gloucester! We are not going anywhere.
With gratitude and admiration,
Penny Collins
