Dear residents and voters in Ward 3,

You have likely heard that when votes were counted Tuesday night, 440 Ward 3 residents cast ballots for me. Incumbent Quaverly Rothenberg came in second with 308 votes and Ace Tayloe received 223 votes. There are so many ways you can interpret those numbers, but what really matters is what happens on Nov. 4, the general election, when there will be two names on the ballot for the Ward 3 council seat.

Leading up to the preliminary, I participated in about a dozen house parties and knocked on more than 200 doors, engaging in dozens of conversations with Ward 3 residents and business owners. I truly appreciated hearing their reflections about the matters that are most important to them.

I heard that residents are concerned about the state of our roads and sidewalks, that they are deeply worried about the vitality of our downtown and they want vacant storefronts filled and music playing at the Calvin. Many also told me they are concerned about the cost of rentals in our city, and that they support the creation of more housing -- and more affordable housing -- to meet the urgent moment when we are experiencing a nation-wide housing crisis. Some raised questions about schools, the city budget, its support of schools and other departments such as the DPW. They expressed concern about the houseless population. 

Notably, I also heard from many residents saddened and deeply alarmed by the corrosive tone of the discourse in our public spaces: many said they want to “stop the drama” and “bring the temperature down.” They want a well-functioning local government.

I state unequivocally that I share all those concerns. And, I believe we are in the best position to address these challenges effectively when we work together, not against each other. If I’m elected, I pledge to work alongside other elected representatives and our excellent city staff to respond to these many issues.

To all of you who voted for me, if you would like to join our campaign, we welcome you. 

Over the next seven weeks, we will work hard to reach Ward 3 residents we didn’t get a chance to meet yet, asking for a chance to hear about what concerns them. I bring to the table a steadiness, a steadfast devotion to our community and a firm belief that when we build each other up we can find the most creative solutions to the problems we face.

Whether you voted for me or not, I would love to hear from any of you and I am eager to talk about the issues you care about. I can be reached at laurieloisel@gmail.com

Thanks everyone, 

Laurie Loisel