I have to apologize to Steve for not posting this right after the election count. I was out of town on Election Day, and then it just slipped by me.

So why congratulate Steve at a Veterans site? It is because he is the first elected local official that has shown an active, and I do mean active interest in the welfare of our returning veterans.

He hosted many events for these men and women and expressed interest in keeping their needs at the forefront of his governing. It is this zeitgeist that he creates around him, that got him elected. And I would speculate that nearly 1000 of our veterans for whom I helped him garner support, were responsible for much of the cross-over vote, as I know many of them to be Democrats, and Independents. ( I am a 30 year Independent)

The outgoing Councilwoman and staff promised on numerous occasions to host, Welcome Home Forums for our veterans transitioning to civilian life. There was no follow through on this and many other declarations made to constituents.

The first of these forums was just held at Himmel Park Library. Now that Steve K will be domiciling at Ward 6 Office, I am certain we will be welcome as we launch a nationwide program for understanding the unique needs of the combat veteran. Congratulations Steve. We got your back!