Friends,

Although election night did not deliver the outcome we all wanted, the results do not diminish how hard and honorably we all worked to make a difference for this city. 

Thank you - from the bottom of my heart for all the effort and the many contributions everyone made to the campaign. We ended with hundreds of volunteers, over 2000 donors and having held over 200 community meetings and house parties in over 60 neighborhoods. 

Together we brought sharper focus on the need to create good jobs to support our families, our schools and our vital city services. I am proud that the issue of economic development is now a central part of the discussion in the mayor's race and I truly believe that we can have both a livable city and a strong economy.  As I have said on  many occasions - Jobs save lives. Jobs save families. Jobs allow parents to send their children to school having had breakfast.  

And together we said that we can and must fully fund our school system, we can and must have both an accountable and respected police force and we can and must invest in all our communities including in East Portland. 

Over the past 12 month,  I have learned again what I already knew - this is a town full of people working hard to make their home a better place.

Whoever our next mayor is, I urge everyone to come together as Portlanders to help him and the city we all love so much. 

Today my campaign for mayor is over. But my love and commitment to Portland will continue always.

Thank you so very, very much.

Eileen

P.S. Feel free to stay in touch. You can continue to reach me at eileen@eileenformayor.com.