It’s been a long few months, but the election is behind us. I would like to begin by thanking my wife, Mary Anne, and my children, Nicolas, William, Connor and Addison. I also want to thank my campaign team, especially my campaign manager, Carl Rothenhaus. This was Carl’s first time leading a campaign, although you wouldn’t know it. He knocked thousands of doors, made hundreds of phone calls and led with enthusiasm and passion. Thanks also to Lucy Adams and all of the volunteers who gave so many hours making phone calls, knocking doors, putting dog treat bags together, sending “dear friend” cards and so much more. Thanks to everyone who opened up “satellite” offices in their homes and hosted so many events.

I want to thank the voters of Cambridge who showed their trust in me by returning me to the City Council with my highest finish ever. To have the support of so many people is truly humbling. Cambridge is my home. I love it. To continue having a seat at the table to help shape its future is a tremendous privilege. Thank you to A Better Cambridge, Cambridge Bike Safety, the Greater Boston Labor Council, Mass Voters for Animals and all the other organizations who supported my campaign, and for all of your advocacy.

Congratulations to all the candidates. Running for office is challenging – not only is it physically exhausting, but emotionally as well. Exposing yourself to the public and opening yourself up to scrutiny is not easy. It should be respected, regardless of differences in policy.

We have a lot of work in front of us. Far too many in our community need affordable housing; 1 in 8 people are food insecure; homelessness continues to rise; and too many of our children don’t reach their full potential in our public schools. I look forward to working with our new council, including our new members, Ayesha Wilson and Joan Pickett, as well as Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler, who is returning after a brief absence. Together we will tackle these and other issues in a collaborative and forward-thinking way.

Cambridge is a diverse, vibrant, international city. We are leaders in so many ways. We must continue to set an example on so many important issues. The voters have elected a body that wants to move Cambridge forward. Now, we must deliver. Let’s do it!

Thank you all again.

The writer is a Cambridge city councillor.