RE-ELECTMAYORDAVIS.com
RE-ELECTMAYORDAVIS.com
Message From Mayor Ernest D. Davis
Mount Vernon Mayor Ernie Davis has prepared the following remarks about his plans to continue his re-election bid.
Welcome and thank you all for being here tonight. Thank you to the clergy, the volunteers who have worked tirelessly, and especially to members of local 1199 and the firefighters. Thank you Pedro my Brazilian Bro and friend; our host and the owner of Portal. Most importantly thank you Mount Vernon for your prayers, your encouragement, and concern as I have reflected on what happened 2 weeks ago on Primary Night.
I stand before you tonight because you have told me Don’t Stop Believing. You have told me that you want to keep me as your Mayor. For 2 weeks you have reminded me that you don’t walk away, abandon your beliefs or the people you care about when times get rough.
Tonight you and I refuse to walk away. I am proud to say that I am continuing my campaign for Mayor. I Haven’t Stopped Believing!
Labels are often misleading. They aren’t what bind us together. Labels don’t describe what’s in our hearts, on our minds, or what we want Mount Vernon to be. They don’t define me – don’t represent who I am or what I believe.
For 12 years, you and I have worked together to move Mount Vernon forward. We know each other and share a pride and faith in our City. It is what we believe that unites us.
A Mayor must inspire not sow fear among the people. A Mayor must bring people together in order to move Mount Vernon ahead. Anger and ambition is not a blueprint for a better Mount Vernon.
I ran for Mayor 12 years ago because I believed in you. I still do. A label can’t and won’t change that. I have and remain easy to find. I’m in your neighborhood, walking on your street, listening, talking, and responding to you.
As Mayor I have learned that Mt. Vernon is a city whose people are a living example of a profound spiritual axiom, “It is better to light one candle than to simply curse the darkness.†Each of you here has a candle in your hand. Join me, light it now to show that anger and ambition is not the vision we hold for our City. Lighting your candle proclaims that we won’t let fear divide us. Your presence tonight, your faith and support fill me with humility and have given me renewed determination. Our journey together is not at an end! There is so much more we can and will accomplish.
As we journey onward it is important to note where we have been.
The City Council and I need to do a better job working together. The questions about the Urban Renewal Agency will be fully answered. I take responsibility for the problems and will find and implement the solutions. You have my word that the Urban Renewal Agency will be better managed and fully accountable.
Leadership is not a game of gotccha. It requires us to overcome political differences and work together for the interests of the people. We won’t let Labels prevent us from making Mount Vernon what it can be, what it ought to become! The best is yet to be, because you and Won’t Stop Believing!