To those of you who supported me in this last election, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.
It is heartening to me that the ones who have expressed their support for me are some of those closest to the heart of our government and estate management - who know how things work and are in a position to understand and appreciate my contributions.
It has always been my desire to make CDS stronger - for CDS to be able to adapt, survive, and thrive in the face of inevitable change and competition.
Several years ago, while Chancellor, I made some unpopular decisions where I felt CDS needed to confront some uncomfortable situations that were happening on the QT but I did not believe would be sustainable or healthy for CDS in the long term.
These decisions torpedoed my popularity from an initial position of being virtually unanimously supported in the community to, within a matter of months, one who was a target of distrust, scorn and derision.
This was very painful for me - even though I saw it coming - because I believed the cost to myself would be worth it if it made CDS stronger as a whole. Because of what happened then, I know there are still many in CDS who are cautious in regards to me, so I am not surprised at my loss in the current RA election.
In spite of my personal pain back then and my recognition now that I may never gain the full trust of the community nor even enough to win any election where there is a contested seat, I see positive change and growth where I thought it must happen, so - in spite of the cost - I believe it was worth it. There was probably a better way to do it and I am sad for the pain I caused - but I did the best I knew how.
I am grateful to the integrity of Patroklus Mirakami who put his own reputation on the line and confirmed some of the same issues I had been concerned about back then.
I am deeply moved by Lilith who never stopped believing in me and gave me words of encouragement when I felt there was nothing left for me in CDS.
I am also grateful to the generous spirit of Tor, who accepted my apology; and both to him and Rosie who put their trust in me enough to want me back on the estate management team.
Gaius has been openhearted in his respect and friendship.
I treasure the thoughtful deliberations shared with my fellow RA members during this last term - Gaius, Tan, Ranma and Han - and the LUC.
There are others in CDS who are not in government so shall remain unnamed, but to whom I cherish their unwavering friendship.
I wish the best in wisdom and compassion for the new term coming in - for the RA, the Chancellor and CDS as a community.