Although the race didn't turn out as we wanted, I'm so grateful for having had the opportunity to run to serve the City of Madison's District 3 on the Common Council.

In light of all the challenges our district and city face, I wish Alder Field well in his service to our district -- I have no doubt he will be fair and collaborative in his decisions.

This has undoubtedly been a learning experience, during a year like none other.  I now know why I was the only candidate running who is under 37 years old and has a child -- a lot of times our politics is missing voices that aren't able to center their life on a campaign.  Despite all the obstacles faced, the campaign remained issue-centered and I hope at the very least we were able to help boost turnout for other important races and be a voice for those in the community.

And, speaking of turnout, it was still a night worth celebrating, because Judge Janet won her race for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, hopefully ushering in a new era on our state's highest court.  I hope that fair maps will one day come to Wisconsin, giving others an opportunity to serve.

Yours in service,

Matt Van Eperen, former candidate, Madison Common Council District 3