When we began this race, we had two simple goals: The first was to offer people a new face, new energy and new ideas -- a real choice for mayor.

The second was to get people involved in this process again. We especially wanted to involve people who had never been part of a campaign before.

Of course, we had a third ultimate goal: To win the mayor's office!

We have much to be proud of. And I mean WE. We did what we said we would. We stuck to our plan. We never made it personal. We never wilted in the face of pressure from critics. Even in the most stressful moments, we kept our heads, respected each other, and kept voters top of mind. They rewarded us today.

I want to thank the voters and the hundreds of people I met going door to door who took the time to tell me their ideas and vision for the future. I will do all I can to turn your trust and your ideas into reality, and I will work very, very hard as your mayor.

I'm looking forward to working with all the people of this great city. I'm also looking forward to working with city employees who make our government work. I believe it will take all of us, working together, to build a great future based on past successes.

I want to personally thank the many people who made today possible. Dozens of people who contributed time and money, advice and ideas, shoe leather and moral support. I want to thank Cindy Emmer and members of the Democratic Party, councilmen Dan Royle, Terry McLaughlin, Jim Hare, and Shirley Williams. Candidates Brent Stermer and Tom Petro. I also want to thank the nearly 400 Elmirans who planted my signs!

Today would not have been possible without the tireless work of the members of my campaign committee -- Rosalie Krajci, Sarah Hilsman, Sharon Mitchell, Amy Wilson, Nicola Pytell, and others -- who gave their all to make this happen.

I want to thank my parents -- my mother Rosalie, my stepfather Tom, and my father Fran -- who instilled in me the desire to serve, to give back, and to take on difficult fights. I'm here today because of their example.

Finally, I want to thank my campaign manager, Andy Patros. He was a dynamo from the first moment he joined the campaign, coordinating tasks and people, and putting in long hours to further our cause. He was selfless, and hard-working, and brought brilliance and humor that have brought us here.

Thank you all. For everything.