Howell deputy mayor offers congratulations to election winners

First, congratulations to the winners (in the Howell Township Council election), Bob Walsh, Angela Dalton and Mike Howell. Congratulations to their support team as well.

I appreciate that much effort is needed in a campaign for such things such as the placing of signs, ad writing, door knocking and telephoning. The Walsh, Dalton, Howell team earned their victory.

Once the calendar year turns over, it's their turn to set policy for the town.

As for me, I won't get in the way. This has been a 15-year run for me, during the prime years of my life from ages 33 to 48, of duty before self in service to the community. It's time for me to take a step back and reflect, consider family, career, coaching and other personal passions.

I won't rule out coming back at some point in some way in service to others, should the opportunity come around again, because it is still a great part of what I am, but not now.

I do offer my assistance to Bob, Angela and Mike early on in their reign. I will answer any question they ask me. That goes for questions from Joe DiBella and Cynthia Schomaker, too.

We are all part of the same family known as Howell, and want what is best for our community.

There have been many political divisions that have come about over the last 10 years, many walls erected between what are otherwise good people.

I ask that it stop, that those erecting divisional walls instead build bridges of cooperation in getting to the work and doing what is best for the town.

Finally, I'd be remiss not to acknowledge all the outpouring of love that has come my way since the returns came in last Tuesday night, especially on Wednesday and Thursday.

This run for me has not been thankless. I fielded an immeasurable amount of phone calls, lots of e-mails, and several people came to my door.

Thank you all for your uplifting sentiments, your touch reminds me that nurturing warmth and growth for people, individually or collectively in groups, or as a town, even when no one is watching, does energize and enlighten people, does build deep connections, does touch souls. That is what I will take with me wherever I go.

Peter Tobasco

Deputy Mayor

Howell