Congratulations Mr. Clark / Mr. Trask - Thank You Fans!

First I would like to say congratulations to Mr. Clark and Mr. Trask on their wins. Mr. Clark, you are the utmost professional and I look forward to the opportunity to serve with you on this board in the near future. I'm not a quitter!  Mr. Trask, congratulations on your re-election.

We learned a great many things over the last 12 weeks, and I guarantee you all we will build on those areas to improve our position within this amazing town. This was our first time diving into the "Town" political arena and I was blown away by the amount of support we received from the Danvers Fire Department and Police Department, just to name a few! To all of you, and I mean this with the most sincerity, Jenn and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts! To all of the parents of the Highlands School that voted for us, thank you very much! A big thank you to all of the supporters and friends from across the town that were looking for a change and a new set of eyes! We're not gone, only on double deck looking to take another swing! 

Unfortunately, we were also surprised and taken back by the rude and down right ignorant comments made by some of the voters. These are comments and actions that should absolutely be absent from every single local election. Some people showed their true colors. To actually have a former school committee member, who until this point had never met me, walked up to my father without a formal introduction and while my Dad was holding signs and outright said to my Dad, in the most ignorant and inconsiderate manner "just letting you know I'm not voting for your son". I wonder about the morals on which he was raised.

Then for the same individual to ask my 7 year old daughter the night her Dad lost "so, how do you like politics", was in my opinon incredibly ignorant on every level! To this same individual who a few weeks ago, referred to me as "You People from Peabody", remember this, more and more "people" are moving into this town each and every month! They too deserve the opportunity to have their voices heard within the town. 

To the person who said early on in the campaign "it's a slap in the face"  for me to run. I question your moral and ethical standards as a person, your ignorance on that simple comment shows the town how truly blind you are to the system. I also think it was the same individual that said tonight "I'm surprised as to how many votes Mr. Bettencourt got". Perhaps it would be in her best interest to focus her attention on her preferred candidates in the given election, and NOT place greater emphasis on making demeaning comments and inconsiderate remarks. Try being positive to those you support and keep your rude, ignorant, and inconsiderate comments to yourself. 

Mr. Clark and Mr. Trask ran an honest, ethical, and well fought campaign and it was truly a pleasure to be part of this process. You both deserve congratulations!

I would like to thank a few special people for their hard work and unwaivering support. Thank you to the Danvers Fire Department, Danvers Police Department, Tony and Maria Bettencourt, Louie and Kristen Glynos, Eddie Doyle, Mom and Dad, Steve and Melissa Gibbons, everyone that attended our fundraiser, everyone that allowed me to put a sign on their lawn, and of course, my amazing wife Jennifer Bettencourt and my beautiful daughter Kailey! 

This was an amazing, educational, and unforgettebale experience! Thank you from the bottom of my heart to each and everyone that helped me with this experience! We are ONLY JUST BEGINNING!!!! 

Sincerely, 

Richard M. Bettencourt Jr.