All Unsuccessful Candidates for Place 5 Deserve Kudos

Thanks for the recognition as one of the four Best Unsuccessful City Council Candidates ["Best of Austin" issue, Sept. 26]. I want to add some kind words for the two Place 5 candidates that you did not mention, however – Jason Pate and Steve Swanson. Jason brought integrity, good humor, and some much-needed divergence of opinion to the campaign. And Steve Swanson was the primary reason that the Place 5 race was such an unexpectedly pleasant experience – Steve's good-hearted nature and honest concern for the well-being of the people of Austin impressed everyone. Maybe that's why you didn't mention them – when you run for office out of principle, and you bring grace and good spirit to what can be a stressful process, it's hard to characterize you as an unsuccessful candidate, even if you don't get elected.