The following letter is from Nekita Lamour, who ran for the Ward 5 City Council seat:

Thanks to all of you,

I would like to thank all Maldonians who voted for me, the media, as well as my volunteers and supporters. As a novice in the political arena, the sense of welcoming and the kindness I received from every one I met is immeasurable. Moreover, running for Ward 5 Councilor was a labor of love. I gave it all my best and ran a serious, methodical, professional and civil campaign. I knocked at many doors, registered a significant number of new voters and encouraged residents who have never voted before to practice their civic duty. Historically, blood was shed for many of us to vote today. In many countries around the world, bullets await those who attempt to cast their ballots. Hence, I hope whomever wins in November will make voter registration, systemic civic edu cation, as well a unified Ward 5 their priority.

I am also proud of my fellow candidates, Barbara Murphy and Andrew Brown. I wish them the best. Interestingly enough, many residents lament they did not know about the September primary election. Some did not know about registration deadlines or where to register. Others were not aware of polls’ locations, what wards they live in, who the candidates were or who to vote for. In the future, I would recommend election or any other important information be disseminated in unconventional locations such as faith communities, barber shops and beauty salons, grocery stores, ethnic newspapers,radios, and the like. Outreach methods should change to match the current demographic patterns of Malden.

See website: http://www.lamourforward5.com