Nineteen months ago I decided to run for Ward 1 city council because I wanted to give the people of Ward 1 an accountable and accessible voice. I was pleased to be in a race that was energetic, engaging and issue-oriented.

I want to thank all of my supporters - being 18 and earning 388 out 844 votes is something to be proud of. Though we fell short, we made the race diverse and energetic. NBC 10 said "Joe Lazzerini has more energy that a double shot of espresso." I think that I will take a few days and by the weekend I will be re-charged and ready to run again in the very near future.

There are so many issues that are going to come up on the city council over the next two years and I believe that Cherie Felos will do everything in her power to both represent the people and provide a unique voice that will be the best for Ward 1. I thank her for a wonderful race.

Public safety should continue to be a top priority and I hope to see Rescue II brought back to full-time status once we pull out of this economic recession and funding becomes available. It's vitally important for the residents of South Attleboro.

Ward I was very fortunate to have had a contested race because in many races across the city our elected officials went unopposed. In my opinion, one of the most important things to come up in the election is whether or not the city council chooses to narrow the tax-classification factor and raise taxes on the homeowners. I hope city councilor-elect Felos will take my points and go with them. She is very smart and educated and I think she knows what's right at heart.

I made a promise during my campaign to have monthly meetings for the constituents in Ward 1 - I am urging Ms. Felos to also have monthly meetings where the voter can address their concerns with her in an open dialogue about the issues important to the community.

The next two years are going to be tough and I wish new City Councilor Cherie Felos all the best in these next two years.

I would like to thank all of the voters who felt confident in my candidacy and voted for me. I would like to thank my family and my friends. What we earned was a part of a greater victory for South Attleboro.

Thank you to state Rep. Bill Bowles, Ward 1 school committee representative Melissa Cook, school committee member Frank D'Agostino, Bristol County Register of Probate Gina L. DeRossi, candidate for Governor's Council Robert Jubinville and my campaign manager, Alex Morash, a member of the Democratic State Committee.

This community means a great deal to me and I plan to stay involved for many years to come.

JOSEPH LAZZERINI of Attleboro was a candidate for Ward 1 city council in Tuesday's Attleboro elections. Online: www.joeforcitycouncil.com