Thank you for your help and encouragement throughout this campaign. Over the past several months, I have been humbled by the outpouring of support from people throughout the district. The amount of time and work put in by volunteers is remarkable, and that is what made the campaign such a success. It has been a pleasure working with each of you, and I look forward to continuing to work with you on the issues that affect our community and our state. Thank you.
I am humbled and honored that the people of the 92nd District have entrusted me with the responsibility of representing them once again, and I am ready to get back to work at the Statehouse. Much remains to be done to ensure that our community grows stronger, to strengthen our schools, to enhance the business climate, and to get people in our neighborhoods back to work.
I had the distinct pleasure of serving my first term in the House of Representatives with Ted Strickland in office as Ohio’s Governor. I know that he always keeps the best interest of regular folks at heart, and that he cares deeply for southeastern Ohio. So many of us worked hard for Ted, and many of us are disappointed in the outcome of last week’s election.
On reflection, it reminded me of a quote from former Ohio Governor Gilligan’s concession speech. Gov. Gilligan said: “Because all of us worked together, thousands of Ohioans, especially the weak and the helpless, the poor, the ill, the elderly, and the handicapped, will live a little better life… No one can call that a defeat.”
Governor Strickland helped Ohio turn the corner, and begin the economic recovery. He developed innovative education reforms, which in the words of Bill Phillis, “put us on track for a constitutional school funding system.” And he never forgot where he came from, or the people who face additional challenges. His visionary and compassionate leadership in tough times will not be forgotten. Thank you, Ted.
There will be some difficult days ahead, and I hope you’ll stand with me as we face those challenges. I will continue to fight for southeastern Ohio, and I appreciate your suggestions and feedback about how I can best represent our district. I hope you will remain engaged on important issues, and that you’ll join me from time to time at district roundtable discussions.
Thank you again for your support throughout this campaign. I look forward to working with you in the coming months.
Thank you,
Copyright © 2010 Debbie Phillips. All rights reserved.
