The town of Carthage has continuously shown what a unique place it is through the charm of the people who have chosen to live here. Carthage citizens never fail to amaze me with their selflessness and urge to assist anyone when needed. To show for that, our city banded together during the attack on our power grid in December 2022, which was not a surprise to those who live here, as we pride ourselves on helping our neighbors.
We are a close community comprised of families that have lived here for generations: blue- and white-collar workers, retirees, military personnel, veterans, and their families. I recognize that we have many talents in our town, and the ones that are not being utilized, I want to ensure they will be. I feel that most of us yearn for a humble life at home with our families, separate from the complexities of the world in general, so I believe this is a wholesome place to raise our families and help others with theirs. I want to continue this genuine way of life.
Carthage, a peaceful small-town feel, has led many seeking comfort in our community, and while I welcome them, I also recognize that growth can change the small-town feel to a busy one. This has been a complex balancing act that our community and town board have deliberated on many occasions. We seek to pay homage to the history of our town and show newcomers why we are so proud and why the small-town feel must be kept.
To me, living here is a privilege, and I wish to sustain our way of life through thoughtful leadership and a willingness to function as a team, alongside our mayor and other commissioners. Our current board is comprised of multi-talented individuals who embody the concepts of teamwork and public service. It is my honor to relay to the members of our community that four of our five commissioners are veterans and understand selfless service. We, the town board and town staff, have accomplished many things over the past 4 years that I am proud of, with limited time. While time is essential for the upcoming refinements we have set up for our town, there will be a requirement of continuity for their completion.
I humbly ask for your support with a vote this year in November so that we can continue to move forward on the right path.