Thank You

This was written after I lost my election and posted in my "notes" on Facebook. Just copying here for posterity's sake. :)

Thank you! by CCahill on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at 12:41pm

“When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us.” – Alexander Graham Bell

I can honestly say that I will not be looking at the closed door for long. I am disappointed in the election results but I am not defeated. Several friends and family have called me this morning to say how sorry they are that I lost the election. I appreciate the concern but please don’t feel sorry! I feel that God just wants me somewhere else for now. Where that is, I do not yet know but I am sure He will show me the way.

When I was elected back in 1998 at the tender age of 21, I admit that I was worried. I was the youngest elected official in the entire state- and a woman too! Women in politics are always held to a higher standard and I was concerned that I would not be able to meet, much less surpass, the high expectations that had already been set by women who’d held office before me.

I knew there were many eyes on me, following my career to see how I’d do and what I could accomplish- some supporters, some critics. A friend who is a former state legislator told me that I needed to have “alligator hide and Jesus inside.” She couldn’t have been more accurate! There have been some very trying times over the years but I believe that I have been an example to other women, as well as young girls, of what women in office can achieve.

One of the very first decisions I had to make as a brand new Port Commissioner was to cut my salary. Not my favorite decision, but it was a necessary one. I’ve never been one to be afraid of making tough decisions and never will be. My thoughts and prayers will be with the new commissioners as they make decisions that will potentially affect the quality of life for the people of Nassau County. May they always recognize that they serve the many and not the few.

It has been my honor and privilege to have served with the men and women I've worked with over the years. The friendships I've made mean more to me than I can say. The last 12 years have been wonderful and I have sincerely enjoyed my time serving on the Port Authority.

Hopefully, future boards will be able to look back on me and the people I served with and say, “Job well-done! Thank you for seeing the Port through the lean years while still managing to keep it afloat.” I am proud that I’ve helped to lay the foundation for future boards to do even bigger and better things for the Port of Fernandina.

To my very best friend and confidant, my husband, Dan- thank you for everything. Every woman in politics should be so lucky to have a husband or partner supporting them the way you've supported me. I can’t imagine doing what I do without you.

To my children, Daniel and Christopher- thank you guys! You've suffered through more fast-food and pizza than children should ever eat and probably went to bed much later than a 5 and 8 year old should; but I couldn't have had a better team than you two. I can’t tell you how proud I am to be your mommy. I love you both!

Mama, Daddy, Pop-pop, Grandmom, Bubba, Kady, Marcee, Beau, Grandma Helen, Buff, Tim, Kristin, TJ, Aunt Kat & Uncle Tim- Thanks for always being behind me no matter what. You gave me roots and wings and I can't say thank you enough!

To all my financial supporters- Your confidence in me and my abilities means the world to me. Thank you again.

Last, but certainly not least, I want to say a very special thank you to the Lute family (Mrs. Trish!) for the "Cahill Mobile” and all your hard work getting the vote out.

In closing, allow me to congratulate Mr. Carrol Franklin on winning the Port Authority Dist 4 race. He was a worthy opponent who kept the race clean and unmarred by dirty politics. I sincerely enjoyed getting to know him and his sweet wife, Judy. Carrol worked very hard to win this election and I wish him the very best.

I have lived in Nassau County my entire life. My family’s 150 year- (plus!) history is here and I have no intention of ever leaving. After the November general election, I may no longer be a Port Authority Commissioner but I will still be around Nassau County doing what I can to make this an even better place to live for my children, for your children, and for the many future generations to come.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you all!