Now that the dust has settled after last week's election, and the town is getting back to normal after the big storm, Jesse and I wanted to send a letter of thanks to the townspeople of Camden.

Last week the final count for article 2, which we brought to the ballot, failed by a slim margin. Despite our disappointment, we realize that this process has been very educational for us. We have gained so much from the experience. We met so many terrific neighbors and townspeople who approached us to give support to our cause. Jesse and I are so grateful to all of the wonderful citizens of Camden that we got to know during this process. People who were strangers before, now good friends, contacted us and asked us how they could help in our efforts to promote Article 2. I have much gratitude to all of the Camdenites who so generously and spontaneously helped get the message out by donating money to purchase signs, who at their own expense took out ads in the local press expressing support of the cause and those who tried to actively promote fair competition by explaining it to their friends and neighbors. It was the encouragement of people who had been total strangers, entrepreneurs and small business owners and lifelong residents of Camden who kept us energized despite the daunting prospects of facing a well-financed opposition. As a small business owner, I am pleased that I was able to work with the Town to craft a plan that would have improved the quality of my business and neighborhood. The fact that the article failed by less than 250 votes was proof to me that there is a desire to encourage sustainable and existing businesses in Camden.

A huge thanks also to the town planner and the Planning Board members who helped craft Article 2 and had the vision to see how this supported Camden's Comprehensive Plan, as well as the Select Board members who supported this as a positive step for Camden, that they were willing to write letters to be published in the press supporting Article 2.

And lastly, we want to thank all of the people of Camden who came out to vote last Tuesday in the aftermath of the storm. Although the vote did not go in favor of our initiative, we are grateful to live in a town with so many engaged citizens that care about Camden.

Kristen Bifulco
Jesse Bifulco
Windward House Bed & Breakfast
Camden