To The Editor:

As the campaign season winds down, we want to thank all those people who welcomed us into their homes, and shared their thoughts and ideas with us.  The support and encouragement given to us was heartening; the welcoming response from so many, and the beauty of our surroundings, made what might have been an exhausting experience, reaffirming and enjoyable.

Traveling from home to home, it was startling to realize how many individuals have taken active roles in Town government — on the planning board, zoning board, library board, conservation board, youth council, in senior services, or as event volunteers.

Each was aware of the personal commitment required, but each believed it was important to serve. There is a general belief that working together we can create the community we want, the community that best serves our families.

Both Dawn and I raised our families here.  We recognize and value the community; it has given us the support of friends and neighbors, and, working together, the strength of shared commitments.

We care.  We care about what happens here — to the families, the land, and the community at large — and we realize that we share the responsibility of making and keeping Berne a wonderful place to live and raise our families.

We believe we have the experience, dedication, and direction to make a positive, constructive contribution to the town. The many supportive comments we’ve heard as we visited the families of Berne tell us that we are helping to move the town forward.

We hope that on Nov. 3, with your vote, we will be asked to continue our efforts to make Berne a stronger, more resilient community.

Karen Schimmer, member

Dawn Jordan, member

Berne Town Council

Editor's note: See related profiles.