Thank You! I will always remember – 2014

This week I will join with other state representatives, both returning members and new freshmen, in taking the oath of office for the next legislative term. I have now served eight years as your State Representative and in reflecting on the past eight years, I want you to know that I have not taken for granted the many kindnesses which you have provided to me.

Early this year, I wrote an article regarding the importance for incumbent office holders to face a challenge. This challenge provides the office holder with the opportunity to know that he is still representing the principles and values of his constituency.

Soon after the publication of that article, I benefitted from the opportunity of an opposition candidate and an ensuing election which provided the opportunity to visit hundreds of District 31 doors.

As I campaigned, you allowed me the time to talk about why I was running for office even though perhaps it was a hot summer afternoon or I had just interrupted supper. You shared your words of input and know that I will keep these interactions in mind as I serve this next term of office.

You stayed true to this support by treating my wife and my family with friendship and encouragement when they visited your home to ask for your vote on my behalf even though it was perhaps the third or fourth time that someone from a campaign visited your house. Your kindness to my beautiful wife is most appreciated. She has made sure to tell me the stories of your kindness and support. Thank you!

Your support provided what I needed to get my campaign message out without ever having to take the lobbyist money that traps and imprisons so many elected officials. In doing so, you have once again allowed me the neat honor of working as your State Representative without having to worry about what the lobbyists who fill the House lobby think about my votes.

You have continued to take the time to read my weekly emails or their newspaper article counterparts even though they are all-too-often a bit nuanced and technical. Your kind words of feedback and constructive suggestions in response to these articles provides encouragement and helpful ideas for the future.

You have let me know that you are praying for me. I absolutely believe these prayers are responsible for those policy successes that I have been honored to take part in and I certainly ask for their continuance.

I never plan to forget those interactions. Whenever I take action as your State Representative, I always keep those memories close at hand. I must follow through with representing the principles that we share and that I made a commitment to you to represent even when it’s not popular to do so. I will endeavor to honor you, the one who has provided me with this trust. It has never been forgotten — and it never will be.

Thank you for reading this article. Your interest and input are much appreciated. Please do not hesitate to email Jason.Murphey@hd31.org with your thoughts and suggestions.