Opinion: Supervisor gives thanks for his constituents

In this, the Thanksgiving season, my message to you is simple: thank you.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve in public office for more than 40 years at five different levels: as a local school board member, city county member and mayor, county supervisor, state assembly member and state senator.

At the end of next month, by virtue of term limits, I will complete my final term as a county supervisor.

I know our region, state and nation face daunting challenges, but I am confident we can meet and master these challenges if our community is caring, committed, attentive and engaged. I know it because the folks I have been privileged to represent throughout the years—you all—have proven it again and again.

The successes we've achieved have only been possible because you care deeply, not just about your own family or neighborhood, but about the larger community as well.

Throughout the nine cities and towns I represent and beyond, you care. You care enough to help the less fortunate among us, and to create opportunity for those in a position to realize success when given the opportunity.

Our District 5 residents in northern and western Santa Clara County have been committed to doing the work necessary to get real results.

You are attentive to the work of government at every level, supporting your elected officials when they're worthy, and demanding more and better when the occasion warrants it.

You're engaged. You show up. You speak out. You volunteer. You make a difference. So let me say it one more time: thank you.

Thank you for your efforts to make our region a better place, and for the opportunity to represent you.

Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian represents the Fifth District, which includes Cupertino, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Saratoga, Stanford, portions of San Jose and unincorporated communities in the Santa Cruz Mountains.