Grateful Tyler reflects on campaign

Published 5:44 am Wednesday, November 12, 2008

By Staff
To the editor:
I want to take this opportunity to thank the voters of Cass and Berrien counties for having the confidence and trust in me to give me their votes on Nov. 4.
I promise you that I will listen to you, learn from you and legislate in the best interests of all my constituents.
During the past year and a half, in my door-to-door visits, I shared voters' worries, concerns and fears about a state government in Lansing that is not serving us well.
They expressed their frustration with the governor, the state Legislature and a culture of political bitterness, gridlock and divisiveness.
I share their concerns and will do all I can to alleviate this counter-productive attitude that affects politics today.
This has not been an easy campaign for me.
The death of my husband, Tim Tyler, followed by the death of my campaign chairman, Larry Clymer, during my primary campaign were great personal losses to me.
But they became my angels in this campaign and gave me the strength and determination to face adversity and the challenges ahead, and, by the grace of God, we all succeeded.
It was a blessing to have the Friends to Elect Sharon Tyler Committee, group of local community and civic leaders behind my campaign, representing both Democrats and Republicans.
It was wonderful to have Jack Strayer put his career in Washington, D.C., on hold to manage my campaign with the dignity and positive drive that kept me and my campaign always headed forward by maintaining an issue-based campaign, void of personal attacks.
For those whom I met on the campaign trail, I look forward to getting to know you better.
For those who voted for me who I do not know yet, I look forward to getting to do so during the next two years.
For those who voted against me, my door and my heart will always be open and I will work hard to earn your support during the next two years.
And to my family and friends across southwestern Michigan, thank you for your love, support and prayers. I will carry you in my heart always!
State Representative-elect
78th House District
Niles