Thank you

After many months on the campaign trail, the hard work has paid off. Last night the voters of this great River District chose me as their Assemblywoman. I cannot tell you how honored I am to have been elected. Thanks go out to so many people, hundreds, who worked on this campaign, making calls, knocking on doors, putting up signs, hosting meet and greets, and so many other things. Your generosity of time and resources will remain with me for life.

As we have traversed this large district day after day, right up to, and including election day, when I went from town to town checking on voter turnout right up to the close of polls, I couldn't stop thinking about the great people of the North Country. Whether you voted for me or for my opponents, I thank you for exercising this important right. And whether you supported me or not, please know that I will be your Assemblywoman and work for everyone, regardless of party. It will be my honor to do so and I look forward to getting to work.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart,
-Addie

Final Hours

Well, this is it. The final hours. I have spent the last two days on my community tour, stopping at diners, dinners, gas stations, grocery stores, and other venues meeting more and more voters. I've had a lot of great conversations with many people. It has been a truly exhilarating experience for me and has given me a huge adrenalin shot. Why? Because rather than the announced campaign meet and greets, speaking engagements, and other 'scheduled' appearances, I visited with people who had a lot on their minds, those who traditionally voted for the other party, and those who were concerned about our future and needed to let me know about it. And you know what? I had the chance to really talk to them about all of these things and they had the chance to see that I really understand the tough economic times we're in. They shared their pain of trying to make ends meet, worried about their jobs, or trying to find a new one because of being laid off. I knew what they were going through and shared with them my family stories. I talked about my plans to bring better jobs to our area and my vision for our future.

As I stood at those markets and gas stations, I could see what's really needed - more people being able to make purchases, which brings in necessary revenue for these small businesses to be able to operate. That's what they need and they need it now, not just a few hundred dollars in tax credits in April. Businesses can only survive if people have money in their pockets to spend it. And not just a couple of dollars more, but a steady increased wage. Hard working people deserve good pay. Its the only way to restart our economic engine.

Aside from those stops, I had the honor to visit a 101-year old woman in Alexandria Bay who still lived in the house she was born in! She was a delight to meet and to talk with. She's voted since she was about 18 or 19 so you can imagine how many candidates she's voted for in her lifetime.

Thanks to all who met me out on the trail and those who helped organize activities along the way. I'll be swinging through Canton, Potsdam, Antwerp, Philly, Theresa, Pamilia, and finally ending up in Watertown tonight at the State Office Building. Then on election day, I'll vote in Theresa, and spend some time with family before making one more swing throught the entire district before ending up in Canton when polls close, and then driving back to Watertown for the returns.

If there is anyone who I didn't get a chance to meet, please know that we did our best to be in every district numerous times from June through November and that they can always call my office at 777-4900 and I will certainly give you a call back.

Please remember to vote on Tuesday.

I ask for your vote so I can be your Assemblywoman and I promise I'll work hard for you each and every day.

May all the best come to you,
-Addie