I want to begin by thanking all my volunteers, supporters, and most importantly my family for their unwavering support throughout my term and during the incredibly and historically close primary election. Also, I could not have been as effective in my role without my incredible team – Gary, Jessie, and Roz – and the Council staff.

The election and recount process worked as designed, to count and confirm every vote, and the results show that I did not prevail in the primary. I have called Liz Walsh to offer my congratulations on her primary win.

There will be a proper time to reflect on this outcome, but for now my thoughts are for the future of District 1 and Howard County, especially Ellicott City’s recovery and rebuilding. There are many challenges and opportunities ahead for our County and its community and elected officials. My sincere hope, as it has been my intent throughout my term, that we can all work together to achieve the best outcomes for as many people as possible.

When I was sworn in on December 1^, 2014, I shared the following John F. Kennedy quote from a 1958 speech he delivered in Baltimore. “Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future.” I was elected to serve all the people in District 1 and used Kennedy’s wisdom to guide my actions throughout my term and will do so for the remainder. I’m hopeful that this approach, along with the civil and constructive dialogue it requires, is the basis for the actions of Howard County’s community members and our elected leaders during this election and in our daily interaction.

Serving District 1 and Howard County on the Council has been an amazing honor as has working with so many great people during my tenure. Thank you.

By Authority: Committee to Elect Jon Weinstein, Rick Maltz, Treasurer