Post-Election Statement

Dear Neighbors,

While a bit rainy towards the end there, yesterday was, to say the least, an inspiring display of civic engagement, community care, and of neighborly love. As I said at the Democratic Caucus in December, hundreds of people donate thousands of hours to help elect their candidate or champion their issue. Even when we look at some of the tough problems we have to tackle here in Burlington, when I look around at the rest of the world I am reminded about the beauty of free and fair elections and that on March 6th we come back together, we rest, we heal, and we most importantly, we break bread.

I share Joan’s sentiments shared last night in how important it will be to lend our support to Mayor-Elect Emma Mulvaney-Stanak, who I have been proud to call my legislator and neighbor. I share Lee Morrigan’s excitement for being present for this historic moment where an out, LGBTQ+ parent and woman will be our city’s new leader. As a gay person who attended every Civil Unions debate 24 years ago in Montpelier and the historic plaque dedication 5 years ago, I’m grateful to see how far our brave little state has come. I’m also deeply proud to be here for Burlington’s first all-resident voting initiative. Over the next two years, we have lots of work to do to make sure our New American neighbors know of their newly-achieved rights to vote in local elections, engage them in our local decision-making, and ensure we are setting tables that feel welcoming for everyone to sit at.  

Both the race and the night had ups and downs for everyone, but if there is anything I have said on the many doors that opened for me while visiting neighborhoods this winter, it’s that our critical issues of housing and affordability, of public safety and the substance misuse crisis, and much more, are too urgent for us to remain divided in our approach. Our neighbors and our city employees deserve action, leadership, and unity. I pledge to do my best to embody those characteristics.

I will continue to always be a voice for equity and inclusion in our community. I care deeply about a sense of safety and belonging for all of my neighbors and, while I believe I have a life-long track record demonstrating my dedication to these values dotted with imperfect moments lending opportunity for self-reflection and growth, I hope to earn the trust of those who simply aren’t sure or whose vote I did not earn yesterday. I stand ready to listen to you, grow alongside you, continue my own self-work, and be an active partner for positive change. We won’t be able to accomplish our goals without each other and I’ll need your expertise and stories to help solve problems. To my supporters, my detractors, and the folks who just aren’t sure, please invite me to meet, and get to know me as we move forward towards an improved vision for our neighborhoods, our residents, our visitors, our parks, our lake, and our environment.

Lastly, while there are simply too many amazing people who donated their time, their energy, their hearts, and their advice to my campaign, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the unwavering dedication and care of Dave Hartnett, Councilors Mark Barlow and Sarah Carpenter, Adam Roof, Speaker Jill Krowinski, my treasurer Abbey Duke, Shirin and Tegan Hart and family, Tiffany Delaney, Lorraine Carter-Lovejoy, Jim Dandeneau, Carmen George, Tom Worthington, Kevin Garrison Jr. and family, Alex Hazzard, my many engaged Cambrian Rise neighbors, my loving aunt who helped me when I was sick. Thank you to the hundreds of people who emailed and called me from around the New North End and city to lend me their support, advice, and inspiration. Thank you all for keeping me going.

With deep care and admiration,

Evan