Dear Editor,
Right now, I’m reading daily a quote from a speech by one of my
favorite authors, Teddy Roosevelt.
Dear Editor,
Right now, I’m reading daily a quote from a speech by one of my favorite authors, Teddy Roosevelt.
It’s from the famous “man in the arena” speech. The man in the arena, to quote TR, “… does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
I knew victory in 2001, and now, defeat. I want to thank the dozens of Gilroyans who have taken the time to send me e-mails, made telephone calls, and personally expressed sadness at my loss. It is touching, but friends, it was my loss, not yours. My supporters, including those of you who cast their ballot for me, gave all that attention to duty and hard work could do, but their candidate failed, not them.
Additionally, I wish to thank publicly those whom I have all ready thanked privately, the Editorial Board of the newspaper you hold in your hands, for the terrific endorsement. Many of these people asked what the future may bring, specifically, will I run again, and just as many asked if my column in this newspaper will resume.
My answer is, right now I do not know. Both questions are under consideration, and I expect to make some sort of decision after quiet contemplation over the upcoming long Thanksgiving weekend.
One thing is certain. I was involved in our community before I was elected, during my term on council, and I will remain so when I leave office.
I close by offering congratulations to Craig Gartman, Dion Bracco and Peter Arellano. Well done, gentlemen. I am confident each of you will serve our city to the best of your considerable abilities.
Robert T. Dillon, Gilroy
