Temperature of the Town

Albany is a community built on shared streets, shared schools, and shared lives. But during this fall campaign we also shared a rising fever as the temperature in our town increased and we all felt it. It is completely natural to care deeply about the future of our community. Passion was not the enemy, but when it turned into polarization, we took a chance on burning down the very foundation of what makes Albany a good place to live. Elections are seasonal. They come and go. Candidates win and candidates lose. But now the ballots have been counted and the campaign signs are coming down, and here we are, still neighbors. No election outcome will change the fact that our daily lives remain intertwined. So, how do we lower the temperature? Let our passion for our causes be matched by our commitment to kindness. Long after this election cycle is a memory, the kindness we show each other as we go forward is what will endure. Let us take care of one another. Let's get back to being "All for Benny" and work together for a brighter future for the place we call home. Thank you, my friends, for your love and support. I love you and I love our town. To Mayor Bray, congratulations on your win. I wish you well. Randy Speck