Welch offers thanks to community, village leaders, family

Guest Editorial by Village of Lewiston Mayor Anne Welch

As I conclude my second term as mayor, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to the many people who have supported me throughout this incredible journey.

First and foremost, I want to thank my family. Public service requires countless hours, sacrifices, and unwavering support from those closest to you. I could not have served our community without their encouragement, patience and love.

I also want to thank the residents who placed their trust in me, voted for me, and supported me over the years. Serving this village has been one of the greatest honors of my life. After 43 years of service to the village in various capacities, I leave with a heart full of gratitude and pride in all that we have accomplished together.

While election results did not go our way this time, I am incredibly proud of what we achieved during my tenure. Together, we worked to make our community stronger, improve services, support local businesses, and enhance the quality of life for our residents. These accomplishments belong to all of us.

A special thank you goes to my deputy mayor, Vic Eydt, whose guidance, friendship and support over the years have meant more than words can express. I am also grateful to my running mate, Rob Nichols, for his dedication, hard work, and commitment to our community throughout this campaign.

Over the years, I had the privilege of working alongside four mayors, learning valuable lessons from each and gaining a deeper appreciation for the importance of public service. I have also had the opportunity to collaborate with countless government officials, community organizations, business leaders, and residents. Through those relationships, I have developed many lasting friendships that I will always cherish.

To our village staff: Thank you for your dedication, professionalism and friendship.

To the Department of Public Works, the Recreation Department, Police Department, boards and commissions and all village employees: Your hard work often happens behind the scenes, but it is essential to the success of our community. I am deeply grateful for everything you do.

I would also like to thank my fellow board members, both past and present. While we did not always agree on every issue, we shared a common goal of serving the best interests of our residents and moving our village forward.

Finally, to our residents and business owners: Thank you for your investment in our community, your ideas, your support, and your belief in our future. It has been a privilege to serve you.

As I step away from this role, I do so with tremendous pride, gratitude, and optimism for what lies ahead for our village. Public service has been an important part of my life, and I will always be thankful for the opportunity to have served this community that I love.

Thank you for allowing me the honor of being your mayor.