Moving Forward
It has been an amazing experience getting to know so many wonderful new people during this campaign. It is very clear that Democrats, Republicans, and Independents in Southington all share one common goal: Making our community an even better place to live. Tuesday’s winners and losers are a great group of public servants with impressive records and equally promising futures. Each and every one should be proud of their hard work and dedication to Southington.
Among the valuable lessons I took from this year’s election is that a team can accomplish so much more than one person. I take pride in my political independence, and that will never change. Party labels are just that – labels. Still, I have chosen to join the Southington Republicans in working to move our community forward. They are an extraordinary group of individuals and I am proud to join them.
I will continue to evaluate candidates based on their qualifications and beliefs, not their party affiliation, and I hope voters will do so as well. I will always support Democrats, Republicans, or Independents when they are best for the job. My party enrollment will take a backseat to obeying my conscience, and I am confident that the big tent of Southington’s Republican Party will allow me to be a part of a cohesive team without sacrificing what I believe in.
I hope that the Democrats and Independents who offered their support during this campaign recognize that this is not just some strategic political move. My beliefs have not changed one bit, and I couldn’t be less of a partisan. Working with a team will allow me to contribute so much more to our community, and the Republicans are the best fit. The Democrats are as passionate about Southington as anyone, but the Republicans share the dedication to public education and a new approach to government that I believe to be so crucial.
I still maintain that partisanship has played a destructive role in the discourse of our community and I remain committed to changing that. I wish Southington’s Democrats and Republicans the best of luck and encourage them to work together productively for the good of our town. We’re all in this together and politics should never get in the way of doing the right thing.
Thank You!
Over the last six months, I have had the pleasure of meeting hundreds of people who want to make Southington a better place to live. I made my case for a new, independent approach to government and found that I was not alone in believing that we can do better.
Though the outcome was not the one I had hoped for, Southington voters put their trust in nine outstanding individuals who will work hard to make us proud of our choice. Our campaign shook things up in Southington, and we sent a clear message to our elected officials: We want less partisanship and more progress. I hope and expect that our new Town Council will give us just that.
With close to 1200 votes, I was delighted to be the top independent candidate last night. I couldn’t have had such a showing without the enthusiastic support of so many Southington residents. To the countless people who have helped me in one way or another, thank you. I can’t possibly name all of you, but know that I am grateful for all of your support.
Though the campaign is over, my work to make Southington a better place has truly just started. During the coming weeks, I will explore my options and continue to work hard on behalf of my town. I look forward to working with the many people I’ve met during this campaign.
Once again, thank you to everyone for your help, and especially to the Southington residents who turned out to vote yesterday. Never stop working together for a better Southington.
Very sincerely yours,
Jim Sargent
