Maitland City Talk

As we pause during this time to be thankful for our blessings, it is important for us to reach out to our neighbors who are not so fortunate, with encouragement and positive hope for their futures. To help others is the best way to be thankful for our blessings. Families across the country are dealing with matters that are significantly and directly affecting them personally and financially. But no matter how difficult one’s situation is, there will always be reasons to be thankful.

First and foremost, I am thankful for having a family that is loving, caring, respectful and considerate of others. We recently celebrated the first birthday of my grandson Cooper. I am thankful that he and my daughter Francine are happy, healthy and doing well. Our family is fortunate to have good health and to be stable enough to weather the economic storm.

I would not trade having the good fortune to serve my community for anything. I am appreciative and thankful for the opportunity to serve in ways I never thought possible. Since my retirement, after 26 years in the development business, I have been blessed to have the opportunity to be able to serve as your mayor and give back to the Maitland community that my family and I cherish and love so much. In addition, I am thankful for my fellow Council members who serve with me on City Council. They have a passion to serve others without regard for their own personal self-interests, which inspires me every day.

Furthermore, we are very fortunate to have citizens in our community who take the time to serve selflessly on our city boards and residents who voice their opinions and express their convictions on many issues affecting Maitland, such that we continue to make real progress and move forward. With this opportunity of involvement and input, our leaders have been in a much better position to make more informed decisions about matters that impact each of us.

Recently, I had the honor of visiting with some veterans who were staying at the Thurston House over Veterans Day weekend. It was great learning about how and when they served our country. I am so thankful for all of our veterans and soldiers who have given so much of themselves so that we are able to enjoy the freedoms we have today. During this upcoming day of thanks, let’s all keep our veterans and soldiers in our thoughts and prayers.

And finally, I am thankful for all of our city employees who, in times of budget cuts, work harder and are more dedicated than ever. It is truly an honor to work with such wonderful people. I pray that their families are well taken care of during the upcoming holiday season.

Here’s wishing you and your family a happy, healthy and safe Thanksgiving.