I want to express immense gratitude to all who have supported my candidacy, carried my petition, signed it and took time to talk to me.

I was not successful in collecting 3000 signatures in my bid to be on the ballot as an Independent in the NYS Senate race for the 49th District. My bid for election in November 2022 is over. I started too late, and lacked enough organization.

That said, we collected a huge amount of signatures from our people...a staggering amount as I flip through the pages, but not close to the 3000 needed. We got enough signatures if I were running to represent a political party, but not enough to run as an Independent.

What's next for me? I plan to enjoy the most ambitious summer program the Old Forge Library has ever seen! I look forward to working in my family business serving customers who love handmade goods. I plan to enjoy great meals with my parents.

I have some new community service projects planned in the Town of Webb that will be announced within the coming weeks, and I am passionate and excited to roll up my sleeves and get to work on those projects here, at home.

I will continue to fight for our rights as rural and small town citizens whenever I believe we are unheard and underrepresented.

In addition, I plan to visit 24 volunteer fire departments and ambulance corps by the next Fourth of July, and listen and learn and work for the people who selflessly serve me and my neighbors. I started last night with The Big Moose Volunteer Fire Company, and I could not have picked a better place to begin.

I am passionate about finding solutions to the challenges they face, and the impact of their struggles within our communities. I plan to advocate for solutions that will save our neighbors lives and benefit our heroic volunteers.

I am hopeful that if you have contacts with emergency services in your community you will connect me with them.

I am so grateful for this experience.

I am energized by the people I have met who believe we can change our future if we work together, and by the countless stories I have heard from people who are making a difference in their communities here - folks speaking up at town board meetings, coaching kids sports, delivering food to shut-ins, looking for solutions to the housing crisis, singing at church, being kind. I am moved by the courage of regular citizens all over Northern New York who just keep going no matter what, and knowing they can make a difference.

Please keep sharing your stories with me, and don't hesitate to reach out if you think I might be able to share something useful with you.

Thank you for being great neighbors.

Linda Weal

7/7/2022