Aloha and Welcome

For what is a man, what has he got? 

If not himself, then he has naught 

To say the things he truly feels 

And not the words of one who kneels.

My Way - Frank Sinatra

In this election my campaign and the people who supported me got to say what we truly felt.  We voiced the issues and changes needed in our community.  Although the election results are not what we wanted, me, my family and my supporters are unbowed, unapologetic and unafraid.  We face the future knowing what to expect and reassured that so many people around us feel the same way.

As the other side celebrates, you need to realize the level of fear behind the smiles.  They said they would win, but if they were so powerful and confident, how could an unknown newcomer like me get so close?  If they were so powerful, they should have won by 5 to 1, or 4 to 1.  Don’t let their smiles and smirks fool you, they are worried.  Because they know that what we started in this election, will grow and resonate in the next election.

What we started in this election was calling for doing things the right way, based on the merits, based on the benefits for the Common Good.  They stand for a system built on favors and obligations.  A corrupt system can only last for so long before more and more people begin to see what is truly is.

And many of us, a good, solid, significant number of us, see the machine for what it is.  So my message to you and to them is that we will not bow, we will not be shamed, we will not be quiet.  We will hold our heads high, we will challenge you at every turn, and we refuse to accept the scraps you toss from the table.

We are here, we are many and we will be heard.  So in 2009, let us regroup, rethink and find the people brave enough to carry our voice to the front.  I know that with your help, we will get closer to our goal.

Our goal is simple and true, good, honest, responsive government, not built on political parties, but on what is best for all of us.  No Fear.... we will win!

 

Aloha and mahalo!

Ted