LETTER: Candidate’s Post-Election Message to Voters

Voters of Watertown,

You have spoken, and the results are in! I offer a hearty thanks to each of you who cast a ballot in this election. And many more profound thanks to all the candidates across the ballot, both successful and unsuccessful candidates alike – I know that the run for elected office is trying and can be tumultuous. Although I was unsuccessful in my run for re-election, I am confident that the collective wisdom of the democratic process has provided a robust School Committee going forward.

I am grateful for the opportunity that you provided me 4 years ago to serve on the School Committee as your elected representative. No one could have guessed all the decisions and changes that would come as a result of navigating through a pandemic. I am glad that I was able to make some contributions during my tenure. And I cannot wait to see the final result of the new high school!

While I am disappointed that I did not run a campaign effective enough to retain my seat, I deeply thank every person who supported and voted for me. In particular, I especially have to thank the Watertown Educators Association for endorsing my campaign and taking a chance on me. Please know that my passion for the success of Watertown students and our city will not easily be quelled. I will simply continue to advocate from the other side of the table. I have lost elections before, and, as some of you might remember, I just kept right on working to make Watertown better. Failure does not mean that the fight is over; it just means that you learn from your mistakes, re-double your efforts, and persevere. As Winston Churchill has said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”

Before I close, I also want to thank my wife and daughter again; their love and support truly make me better.

Your neighbor and public servant,
David Stokes