Now that the dust has settled on the 2011 election, it is clear I have lost my bid for re-election to the City Council. As I have said during the campaign, I think highly of Ms. Bloom and believe she will act conscientiously on behalf of the citizens of Edmonds. I wish her and the new Council, along with Mayor-elect Earling, all the best.
Despite the rhetoric, I continue to believe that public service can be an honorable calling. I also continue to believe that – particularly today – there are more and more opportunities to serve: from jury duty to running a community blog, from helping at the food bank to volunteering in the classroom. Our society rests upon the engagement of its citizens.
So, I will continue my work to improve the quality and respectfulness of our civic dialog and of good government. That means continuing the “Civic Engagement” pr0gram at Edmonds Community College, now it its 7th year. That means hosting TEDxEdmonds next spring, focused on civic literacy. And, it means teaching next year at the Creative Retirement Institute.
Most importantly, now that I’ll be leaving the Council, I’ll have another 20-30 hours a week to spend with my family. Maybe now my kids will stop playing “City Council” and start playing “house” or something else most 5 and 3 year olds get to do!
It has been an honor to serve in elected office these past 4 years. It is a tough time in government – at any level – these days. In a republican democracy like ours, we should all be rooting for our elected officials. Their success will be ours, as will their failure.
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Glad you were there. It mattered. You mattered while you were there. I am sure you will continue to matter in our community. I look forward to working with you on things that matter — like hanging with you, our families, and anything else that comes next.
Here’s to you DJ cheers for the past four years…As I’ve said before you’ve always got my vote! Let me know if you ever need help or should I say when you need help let us know ox
Michelle Bretz
DJ, thanks for your service to Edmonds and for your classy remarks regarding. Joan.
‘Maybe now my kids will stop playing “City Council…” ‘
Funny. Glad for your kids who will get to see more of Dad.
DJ you made a difference on the council and you will be missed there. But it won’t be the end of making a difference in our community and region. Your family (and you) are the winner here….