As a taxpaying citizen and business owner, I have a vested interest in the welfare and well-being of this community. It takes hard work, dedication and commitment on behalf of our elected officials to maintain efficient and effective government for the public in which they serve. I was inspired by their good work and decided to enter as a first-time candidate in the political arena.

After careful scrutiny of the qualifications required, it was readily evident that my credentials and experience was compatible to those mandated for the office of Tax Assessor of Adams County. It was a good fit. So, armed with that information and my desire to partake in the electoral process, my campaign was launched.

Even though my small staff and I were working with limited resources, we made great strides. We canvassed the area, shook hands with voters, attended social events and displayed our signs to familiarize our campaign with the public. As a result of our efforts, we were able to garner 3,735 votes or 43.5 percent out of 8,242 total votes cast.

Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to offer my sincere appreciation for each one of you that voted for this position. Your vote epitomized the trust in which you invested in my candidacy and platform. It serves as a source of encouragement and support as I venture into future elections. When I consider your choice to vote for me over my formidable opponent with many years of experience, I am taken by this gesture. I would like to thank Mr. Atkins for maintaining the dignity of the office of Adams County Tax Assessor.

For all of you who supported this campaign by displaying political signs on you private property, please allow me to express my sincere appreciation. Seeing the signs bolstered my belief in the success of this campaign. Being met with best wishes as I met you in area businesses was much appreciated. Each one of you played a pivotal part in the campaign.

I offer a special thanks to my wife and family for their belief in me. To the support team who weathered the sweltering summer heat to “hit the streets” rallying for the coveted vote, I am deeply grateful for your hard work and dedication. I could not have done it without you.

Even though I did not receive the prerequisite number of vote required to constitute a win, I do not consider this a loss. In many ways, I am a winner, in that, I live in a community that is actively involved and supportive of the electoral process. I will take the lessons learned and use them to effectively strategize my next political pursuit.

 

Larry l. Hughes, Adams County resident