As we enter the holiday season and look ahead to 2011, I want to take this moment to thank friends and neighbors in the 41st Senate Districtfor the extraordinary opportunity to run to representthem in Albany. I am honored by the 37,000 citizens who voted for me andinspired by the many hundreds of citizens who volunteered. They gave extraordinary time, energy and financial support.

No turnout figures or percentage of the vote begins to tell the stories of the people, young and old, that we connected with over these last nine months. I am very proud of the race we ran. We gave voice to many folks throughout this district who have felt ignored for way too long.

We spoke passionately about the beautiful Hudson Valley and the need to find economic engines that attract jobs, protect resources and farms, and celebrate the best of our region.

We traveled from one end of this diverse district to the other; we spent time in each of the 31 towns and three cities in the district. We talked with residents about substantive issues and educated voters about the incumbent’s voting record, not his real estate.

For more than two decades, I have been an active member of the Millbrook community. I remain committed to public service. I look forward to continuing to work side by side with neighbors, community leaders and activists to make the Hudson Valley of the 21st century the best it can be for residents and visitors alike.

Didi Barrett
Millbrook