Running the Race

Dear Community Members,

Have you ever watched an Olympic race or participated in a marathon? I'm always amazed by the endurance and determination of the athletes. Even when they feel they may not win and their bodies are giving out, their goal is simply to reach the finish line.

But what happens if you're defeated before you even start? Discouragement, fear, and anxiety can take over, making failure seem inevitable. I've seen marathon runners who have fallen, injured themselves, and thought, "That's it; I'm done." Yet, there are also those who, despite devastating losses or injuries, rise again and refuse to be deterred from their goals. These are the underdogs and champions we read about—was it hard? Absolutely. Was it worth it? Even more so.

We find ourselves in a similar situation. We are running a race—a marathon. Before we can succeed, we must train, learn, and prepare to accomplish our goals. This means identifying and investigating the problems we face, planning solutions, and implementing them. It has taken time and energy; some days felt like running through a dark tunnel with no light at the end. But here we are, step by step, making significant progress together.

I know it has been hard for everyone. Frustration can run high, and we are right there with you, feeling it too. However, there is a sense of hope in the air, not despair.

We have begun to see change. Does that mean everything has transformed? No, but we are making baby steps, and accountability is a powerful motivator. Standing together to demand better requires effort from everyone. If we allow ourselves to feel defeated before we begin, we will fail. But if we view the race ahead as a marathon, knowing we are well-trained and not alone, we become a force to be reckoned with.

Currently, we are collaborating with towns and counties to determine the best course of action for taxes. We are engaging with multiple entities to identify fair options for everyone. This is not a fight; it’s about what is right and fair for all. Will the outcome be what we want? Perhaps not, but maybe it works better than before. But if we do not ask the questions, nothing changes.

We are addressing each issue that arises; it’s a long list of challenges. Some days, it feels like we are running around trying to extinguish fires as quickly as possible. However, we also celebrate small victories and progress made in areas that were previously overlooked. We accept the good with the bad, understanding that we are running a marathon, not a sprint. We must endure the difficult times to reach the positive outcomes.

We have seen departments that previously did not communicate now sharing information freely. We are working with assembly members, towns, and counties to foster change—not just for our community, but for all communities. We are opening conversations about what needs to change and why. If a system is broken and ineffective, why continue to use it? This question has been asked many times. To address this, we must engage in discussions that help recognize the issues, transforming the broken systems into functioning ones.

We have worked hard to bring everyone to the starting line. We are prepared, educated, and aware of the complexities ahead. The pistol has fired, and we are now ready to run.

Defeat is not an option for us. Do not feel defeated, discouraged, or angry. Be ready for reactions, but don’t focus on the noise—it’s just that: noise. Concentrate on the finish line ahead. We are the champions of this race, and every step we take together strengthens our community. We have and continue to succeed with every step we take.

So, are you ready? Good, because......... Here we go!

Sincerely,

Amber

President

HTAG