GUEST COMMENTARY: After bitter campaign, it's time to govern

It is difficult to adequately express how very honored and grateful I am to be overwhelmingly elected by the voters as Lake County surveyor for a sixth term on Nov. 6.

It’s heartwarming and humbling, during these difficult and unusual times for me, to be chosen to serve again, with nearly two thirds of the votes, and with a super margin of 47,623 votes!

I so appreciate the voters judging my whole body of work and many years of dedicated service, during a highly publicized investigation and a wildly irresponsible Tea Party/GOP opponent continually spewing inaccuracies about me.

On the other hand, winning a Democratic Primary in a low turnout race by nearly a 6 percent margin wasn't bad at all for me, and a losing Republican candidate firing off waves of outlandish press releases while putting up yard signs in public easements hardly makes for a robust campaign.

And my opponent’s excuses to The Times for losing another election are almost humorous, especially since none of them involve him looking in the mirror.

So what now for me? I will continue my public service for as long and as much as I am able, with even more enthusiasm, knowledge, innovation, and ideas than before. I hope to continue making a positive impact, while working to leave a lasting legacy of quality of life improvements.

As I said on election night, "I look forward to my last term, now unfettered by any thoughts of campaigns, fundraising, strategy, future runs or anything else that affects virtually every elected office anywhere and everywhere, from our courthouses to our statehouses to the White House."

So as I go forward to whatever the future might hold, this I know: my public servant’s heart still beats strong and true, and I will always give my considerable best in the job I love.

I am very thankful for the opportunity to continue to serve and for all those who publicly stood strong for me -- public officials, civic leaders, church leaders, labor chiefs and so many regular folks who so often encouraged me.

Now, more than ever, I appreciate the 114,246 voters who have given me the opportunity to serve again. Thank you!