'Dear Voters': Post 1 Candidate Bomar Sends Message

Note: Duluth Patch asked each of the City Council runoff candidates to write an open letter to voters, in advance of the Dec. 3 runoff election. This is written by Post 1 candidate Marsha Anderson Bomar. The posts were only subject to standard editing. 
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Dear Voters,

Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.
-Muhammad Ali 

I was raised to believe that in different seasons of my life I would have time, talent or treasure and that what I have only means something if it is shared. Beginning with my days  as a Girl Scout, I looked for ways to serve.

Next year I will celebrate 30 years of living in Gwinnett, the first 14 years just a mile from Duluth. This is the hometown where I raised my three children and volunteered in many ways at the Duluth cluster schools. This is the town where I grew my little company (Street Smarts) from 4 employees to 120; where I helped to bring a world class building out of the 
ground to help move Duluth to a whole new level of downtown activity. This is where I got to build an award winning community gathering spot (Chocolate Perks) that served as an art gallery and a music venue, too. 

During all of my volunteer activities including Chairing the United Way campaign for Gwinnett and while I grew my businesses, I had to develop ways to make good things happen on a very limited budget. While on City Council I have used the same energy and creativity to help bring opportunity to many parts of the city. With the development of the various corridor groups, we need to work together to make those good things happen 
around the city.

Being an effective member of council is about being fully engaged – with the citizens, the businesses, the non-profits, the city staff, the County and regional organizations. There is a great synergy between what I have done professionally for 40 years and the needs of a strong council member. Developing leadership in all of my organizations has always been key and that is why I started the L.E.A.D. program. I am excited that it is becoming a consideration when appointing board members.

I want to see Duluth be its best – the kind of place where my children will choose to come back and raise their families. I want it to be a great place for me to age in place and we are well on the road. 

I love being part of Fall Festival and Barefoot in the Park. It is an honor to represent the city and brag about this great place I call home. It is a pleasure to tell our story and invite others to come be part of our great community.

At the end of the day, it would be with gratitude and dedication that I would serve one more term if you will vote for me.

With humility
Marsha
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