I always believe that ultimately, if people are paying attention, then we get good government and good leadership. And when we get lazy, as a democracy and civically start taking shortcuts, then it results in bad government and politics.

-- President Barack Obama


Dear Friends,

Thank you for paying attention this election.

On Tuesday, Nov. 3, we won a seat as council-at-large for Norristown, Pennsylvania. With all the votes cast and ballots counted, we captured 1,783 votes -- more than twice the number of votes we obtained in the May primary. We are grateful that Democrats, Republicans and Independents all spoke up to select us to serve and to push for the changes for a better Norristown that residents really want.

There were no short cuts to this victory on Tuesday.

It has been a long journey that began in March of this year, when I sat down with my wife and we decided I would file to run. It was a tough race from the very beginning. There were five (5) candidates in the Democratic primary, including two incumbents. But as a newcomer, the campaign worked very hard, and with your support Millner-for-Norristown finished first.

But we weren't done yet. A write-in candidate got on the Republican ballot for the fall, and my Democratic colleague also cross-listed for the GOP.

The political environment demanded that we keep running, take no short cuts, share the message and continue earning the hearts, minds and votes of the residents of Norristown. The campaign kept knocking doors, calling homes and sending letters and mailers saying it was time for change.

We could not have done this without supporters -- family, friends, church, colleagues and public servants who served as donors, vendors and volunteers. From former Philadelphia Mayor W.Wilson Goode Sr., to elected officials throughout the Southeast Pennsylvania region, to my Morehouse Brothers, to my wife, mom, dad, son and daughter; to my neighbors in the North End, and my friends in the West End, and the concerned leaders of Citizens for a Better Norristown, to our partners and friends in labor, including Teamsters 384 and Laborers Local 135; to former and current councilmembers, to former Obama for America staff and volunteers from around the country, to residents in Norristown who put up yard signs, hosted chat-and-chews, called, canvassed and worked polls -- we needed each and every one of you.

We know that together we can move ahead to use tax dollars wisely and more efficiently. Working in partnership we can attract quality business and residents to our community. The spirit of cooperation can be forged between residents in tough neighborhoods and the police who patrol them and work to protect and serve. By lifting all voices we can develop a re-use for Montgomery Hospital -- one that helps our community. And by crossing the lines of political party and town boundaries, we can partner with other suburban communities like Norristown to find regional solutions to common challenges and get our fair share from Harrisburg and Washington, DC.

All of this is now possible because Democracy works best when persons are informed and participate in the voting process.

Thank you for voting. Thank you for donating. Thank you for volunteering. Thank you for caring.

Thank you for everything.

In service,

Marlon Millner
Councilman At-Large (elect)
Norristown, PA

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