YOUR Elected Officials Give Thanks

We, at the Davis Voice, are thankful to live in a community that honors and promotes robust civic policy discussions.  We asked all of our elected officials what they were thankful for in these challenging times; we’re thankful to those folks who took the time out of their busy schedule to share their thoughts.

Optimists believe this is the best of all possible worlds; pessimists fear this is true.  I am thankful for all the realists among us who refuse to give up, but simply get up each day to try and make life better.   Best wishes to all for a warm Thanksgiving.  – Mariko Yamada, Assemblymember, 8^th A.D.

I am grateful for the enduring spirit of giving within our community.  The Davis firefighters have their boots to fill, STEAC has families to help, and Davis Community Meals needs donations for the food and shelter they provide. There have been a lot of turkeys and coats donated, and people are preparing to adopt families for this holiday season.  I am thankful that, while so many are having hard economic and emotional times, many in our city and county are willing to give to others. – Helen M. Thomson, Supervisor, Yolo County

I am thankful to live in a safe and diverse community with good families, good friends, good wine and good food. -Jeff Reisig, District Attorney, Yolo County

My heartfelt wish to you and all those you love a very happy, safe and healthy Thanksgiving holiday. Thanksgiving is the beginning of our holiday season filled with special opportunities to spend time with family and friends, to give and receive gifts, and to reflect on the past and the future.

This may be a period of bountiful joy, but may be a sadder time blemished by bad memories, it may be a roller coaster with emotional highs and lows. Regardless, I hope you’ll approach this Thanksgiving with a true sense of gratitude, peace and love.

Best and warmest wishes – Ruth Asmundson, Mayor, City of Davis

I am grateful for the opportunities in life to help those in need and to be a servant to this community.  I take joy in the lives of my children.  I am grateful for glimpses into the lives of others that come my way.  I am thankful to live at a place in human history where I can experience the experiment of democracy and participate in the tests of our time.  I like good food and a hearty toast, a sharp turn of a phrase, a nice piece of music, a rough bit of scenery, a fine work of art, the electricity of a fish on a hook, and anything that brings a mystical connection to an every day thing.  -Don Saylor, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Davis

This year, more than any before, I am thankful for being able to breathe the air, see the sky, hear the songs, taste the food, feel the leaves and most importantly be with family and friends. Peace, Love and Recycle. -Stephen Souza, City Councilmember, City of Davis

I am thankful to raise my famliy and live in a community that truly cares about its children.   Be it through their support of the schools, taking time to drive on a field trip, maintaining parks, greenbelts and bicycle paths, having fun little parades and celebrations in Central Park, cheering on the AYSO team..  The list goes on and on.  I am thankful for Davis. – Sheila Allen, DJUSD Trustee

I’m grateful for ties that bind – families, friends, colleagues, communities and society.  In all times, but most especially in these times, we must follow our best impulses and take care of one another.  I’m also thankful for the volunteers who support our students with energy, experience, enthusiasm and creativity.  We all benefit from their generous contribution of the most valuable gift of all: their time. -Susan Lovenburg, DJUSD Trustee