Dear editor:

No regrets. I would do it all over again.

Was I shocked? No. Surprised? Yes. Disappointed? Of course.

I made the decision to run in this year’s election for the position of town councillor by putting forward my name and reputation, history as a lifelong resident, experience with a willingness to listen, learn and lend our collective voices at Town Hall.

My offer did not get the required votes of town residents. No regrets.

From multiple questions via special-interest group emails, asking for simple yes-or-no answers to what I thought to be more complicated issues, veiled with threats, my decision was not to answer in the requested manner for the purpose of votes.

Oh, I was tempted to answer “politically.” But I wouldn’t. No regrets.

Someone came up to me at the grocery store and commented, “The town will regret not having elected you.” Oh, please. I’m only Rick Mills.

Can we all work at being an encouragement to this newly elected council, rather than an encumbrance?

We’ve seemed to have lost our ability of agreeing to disagree, without personal attacks.

There is a lot of learning to be had by our newly elected six councillors and lord mayor, beginning with the direction and support of town staff, through the chief administrative officer, holding accountability both ways.

In last week’s Lake Report, outgoing councillor Wendy Cheropita identified me as a “nice man.” I can be. Also prone to fail. But I try. Can we?

Being nice isn’t, as some would think while reading this, a sign of weakness. Not trying is the sign of weakness.

It’s my hope our new council is led well by a learning new lord mayor. Without hope, failure is the only option.

Rick Mills
NOTL