I was told That I was crazy to serve! the responses below will explain my insanity!

Thank You !

August 23, 2006

Dear Friends,

As I move forward and out of the media spot light, brushing off the dust of the campaign trail, I feel compelled to explain to all of you that regardless of my title, I will always serve this valley and the people of this valley.

My campaign team was a hard working team, and even though many of them had jobs, families, or other commitments, they always managed to give generously during the campaign. I truly feel blessed and privileged to have earned the honor and trust of both my campaign team, and of the community.

I am a leader driven by my friends, by love, and by trust. Because of these driving forces I was able to give back to the community and to serve on the County Commission. As always, I will continue to serve my term with integrity, dignity and honor. I promise you that regardless of my title, my dedication to the community will never change. Your love and trust will always serve as the catalyst that drives me to serve our community, just as I have done for the last 30 years.

Despite the loss, I assure each and every one of you that I will enjoy the freedom that has come as a result of this election. I truly believe that God works in mysterious ways, and what happens in life, politics, and business all happens for a reason. I will now have more time available for my family, friends and other endeavors, and for that, I am grateful.

Again, thank you for your time, your help, and your trust. I’m indebted to all of you, and I will always be available, ready and willing to assist in any way that I can, whether it is a personal or political matter.

With all my love and gratitude,

Jim Darwiche

Dear Jim:

You don't have to be elected official to make a difference in this community. You'll continue to find many ways to contribute to our community.

I look forward to continuing our friendship.J.R.

Sat 8/26/2006 10:09 AM
Please keep helping Jackson. All of your work is appreciated. P.R.

Fri 8/25/2006 5:40 PM

Jim,

As you always are, this is a very gracious and thoughtful note. We are sorry that you did not make it to the general election but as you say, things always seem to work out for the best. Warm regards, E.L.

Fri 8/25/2006 11:57 AM

Jimmy - thank you for your phone call after the primaries. And thank you
for inspiring me to take on one of the great adventures in
life---politics!!!! Even though I lost I feel the same as you, God does
indeed work in mysterious ways and I do believe everything happens for a
reason. A part of me that enjoys working with the community has been
re-awakened and I look forward to being involved with my family, friends and
community. Thank you again, You know J.... and I ....WE LOVE
YOU, Thanks again, K.K.

Thu 8/24/2006 7:57 PM
Great email, Jim, You are one very gracious and humble man who I know the Lord will work through you in great ways ! You ran a great campaign and should be proud of all you've accomplished. Looking forward to crossing paths with you in Jackson. Sincerely, F.F

Thu 8/24/2006 5:12 PM

I voted for YOU!!!! Love L.D.

Thu 8/24/2006 3:37 PM

You were in my thoughts. Thank you for your service to the community.JBT

Thu 8/24/2006 3:07 PM

Thanks Jim for your good deeds as a commissioner. We know your heart and mind are in the right place and we appreciate that. You were very consistent in your deliberations and decision making and always concerned as to the overall impact of your decisions. Your tenure was not about “Jim” but about being an effective commissioner. Thanks for all that.BH

Thu 8/24/2006 11:57 AM
Dear Jim -
I was hoping to sit down and send you a handwritten letter, but time is going by and I haven't done it, so please accept this poorer form of communication but still my heartfelt thoughts! Thank you for all you have done in your elected position and for your sincere feelings and concern for our community. I do believe that your concern, energy and vision will still be there and you will continue to help us try and retain our sense of community. So long as hard working, caring people like your family are here in Jackson Hole, I consider it home and my place to be too. My best to all the Darwiches!! J.M.

Thu 8/24/2006 11:48 AM
Hi Jim,
Thank you for your very eloquent and moving email! A.R.

Thu 8/24/2006 10:49 AM
Jimmy,
Congratulations on your strong efforts in Jackson. Even though I am not a voting member of Wyoming, I marvel at your efforts to help the community. M.G.

Thu 8/24/2006 10:46 AM
Jimmy...
I have loved getting to know you and look forward to a continuing relationship. Sorry about the election, but never forget how respected you are to a lot of people. CHAS C.S.

Thu 8/24/2006 10:41 AM
Jimmy,

Thanks for all you have done for the community. I know you will continue to be a viable resource for our town. R.A.

Thu 8/24/2006 10:34 AM
Jim,

Thank you for all of your support of the fair as county commissioner. Your help and support have been very instrumental on all the success and growth that the fair board has achieved over the past several years. The Heritage Arena is a testimonial to all your efforts and support over the past years, without your help we would never have that wonder facility that will serve the citizens of Teton County for years to come. You have been a tremendous factor to help preserve the western culture in Jackson Hole!
Thanks again and I am a loyal supporter of you in what ever you choose to do.
B.L.

Thu 8/24/2006 10:38 AM
Jim,

That was a lovely letter and I want to congratulate you on a good campaign. You do so much for so many and it is appreciated. I will look forward to seeing your smiling face at the Farmer's Market on Saturday morning.

All the best to you, J.S.

Thu 8/24/2006 10:24 AM
Keep up the good work Jim!! A.S.

Thu 8/24/2006 10:15 AM
I will miss seeing you on the Commission and truly appreciate all you have done for our community! I am sure you will continue to be active though and I look forward to the next time you take a leadership role. S.R.

Thu 8/24/2006 9:58 AM
Jim:

Thank you for the time and effort you have given to the residents of Teton County under your many hats (as a Father, a business man, a volunteer and as an elected official). Thank you most especially for the commitment required to be a full time, and conscientious County Commissioner.

Your recent election defeat is not a rejection of you, personally, or a ringing endorsement for Kate Mead. Every election is a little different and the voters are much more fickle in August primaries than they are in November. Other than Captain Bob's perennial candidacies, there seems to be a transition period for new candidates when (you) they change offices and I think you should seriously consider another run for a State office. You would be an excellent representative for Teton County in Cheyenne - and in Washington.

Thank you again for all the time you've contributed to so many worthwhile causes and difficult issues where my family lives and work. Resepctfully: J.M.

Thu 8/24/2006 9:49 AM
You ran a good, honorable campaign my friend. Congratulation on the effort.
You had my vote. S.M.

Thu 8/24/2006 9:43 AM
Jim:

Thank you for all you have done for the people of Teton County. You are special..and I am sure that something else is waiting for you in the wings.Best, L.F.

Thu 8/24/2006 9:08 AM
Congratulations on a campaign well run.
Best regards, C.M.

Thu 8/24/2006 8:49 AM

Jimmy,

You are truly a good man! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings..C.N.

Thu 8/24/2006 8:15 AM

I hope you don’t give up. You are needed in this community. Thanks for all you have done. S.S.

Thu 8/24/2006 8:32 AM
Jim,
Iif only we could have voted in Teton County...
I look forward to working with you over the next couple of months - and will be sad to see January come. Your love and generosity are legendary in this community, and we are honored that we can call you our friend. Our best to you, Safaa, and the boys.
Sincerely, M. and C..

Thu 8/24/2006 8:06 AM
Jim…you are a gentleman, and your words were thoughtfully chosen and delivered. Thank you much for all your service to this community.

J.D.F.

Thu 8/24/2006 8:00 AM
Dear Jim,
I appreciate your graciousness, dedication and grateful spirit.
You have served the county well, so be proud of your accomplishments.
For all that happens there is a reason. Just believe.
Best to you and your loving family. J.B.

Thu 8/24/2006 8:04 AM

Jim,Thanks for your efforts and service! S.D.

Thu 8/24/2006 8:04 AM
What an amazing message! Kick back and enjoy the Fall.........why we live here.

T.M.

Thu 8/24/2006 7:30 AM
Jim,

When you first entered the political arena, I didn't vote for you. First I didn't know you, and second I thought you.
were a nut, talking about bringing the community TOGETHER. :o)
After observing you through these past years I came to realize you are a nut, but one with a good heart and an exceptional mind. You had my vote this time and will again if you ever choose to stick your neck in another noose. Thank you for what you have given to my town.

We are better people for having known you, M.A.

P.S. Write in for Mayor??? :o)

Thu 8/24/2006 7:23 AM

Thanks for the note. You have always been, and will remain, a good friend. Sorry you lost but you should feel good about the support you did receive. This was not the year for incumbents. Thanks for your tireless work in the community. R.H.

Thu 8/24/2006 6:42 AM
Good morning, Jim:

Thank you for your heartfelt letter and your service to our community. You have done good things and made this Valley a better place. Thank you.

You have lost nothing. Considering that only thirty-six percent of those registered, voted, the outcome speaks little of the thoughts and feelings of this community. Apathy was the only absolute winner; and what a poor reflection it is of us.

Our God does work through us and it is not ours to judge or question. Through our love of God and His people we will surly find peace and happiness. I know that you believe this, too.

Love, J.,L.,G.,and J.W.

Thu 8/24/2006 5:16 AM
Jim and Sopha,
Congratulations on your campaign and connecting with so many people. It takes an amazing strength to run for public office and we admire you for that. We look forward to seeing you soon.
M.and J.M.

Thu 8/24/2006 12:44 AM
Jim,

Thank you for your service to our community! I'm sure your time on the council was an amazing experience - one that you'll always draw from. Though I didn't always agree with your position on things, especially with respect to the later stages of the SRA negotiations (after the first vote), I liked how accessible you were and I could tell that you wanted what's best for Jackson Hole. The problem with life, and politics, is that what is best for one isn't always best for another. But I think you did a good job trying to find a balance, and I think you can be proud of your service to our community.
Kind regards, J.P.

Wed 8/23/2006 10:29 PM
Jim, you ran a really good race and you have such respect in this valley. Thank you for all you do and will continue to do. This community is fortunate to have you. J.L.

Wed 8/23/2006 10:29 PM

Jim,

A very nice and graceful "Thank You" that you wrote. It says much about you that you are able to embrace the silver linings that not winning sometimes has to offer. I wish you well in your future endeavors. T.H.

Wed 8/23/2006 10:23 PM

Hello Jim,

Sorry about our loss. Not just your loss, but a loss for the people. But we will continue on. Thank you for the great email. Mick

Wed 8/23/2006 10:09 PM

Nice message Jim! I agree with what you said and you will always be a winner to me. K.S.

Wed 8/23/2006 9:21 PM

Sorry Jim. A very nice letter to us. Please do enjoy the freedom. I will follow you soon to a more relaxed life with less lists. Enjoyed getting to know you.
With respect, C.K.

Wed 8/23/2006 9:25 PM
Don’t give up – there will be more opportunities in the future. P.L.

Wed 8/23/2006 9:14 PM
You have done well. I’m glad to know you. D.F.

Wed 8/23/2006 8:52 PM
Jim,

Thanks for stepping up to the challenge and your many contributions to the community. I look forward to seeing your leadership skills in other endeavors.

Take care, C.T.

Wed 8/23/2006 8:48 PM

Jim,
I was most surprised and disappointed by your loss in the election. I wish you well & hope to see you try again some time in the future as I believe your were a definite asset to our elected community & to all of us.
Best regards, Walt

Wed 8/23/2006 8:32 PM

You are such a sweetheart, Jim. ENJOY your extra time-------------time is precious. Thank you for your hard work and good heart! C.L.

Wed 8/23/2006 7:55 PM

Jim, I voted for you and the turning point was when you actually said in an email what your policy's are on a given issue. That was the land acquisition issue. That was what made me vote for you. Everyone else, too my knowledge would not address any issues directly and would say what their plan was. The all said that they would "represent the people, better government, changes, its time for a change and on and on. No one had what it takes to actually say, this is what is wrong and this is how I intend to fix it.
Thank you for your service to this community and I hope you run again. A.K. rj

Wed 8/23/2006 7:19 PM

Thanks for the nice email. Sorry how things turned out. I will miss the informative emails! See you around.B.H.

Wed 8/23/2006 7:07 PM
Hi Jim,

Great note and well done to you and your team on a tough race. I have no doubt that you will continue to serve with the sincerity and care for our community that you have shown thus far.
See you at the Farmer's Market, T.M.

Wed 8/23/2006 7:03 PM

Jim,
I'm in Seattle at the moment, attending the Summer Institute for Public Health Practice at the U. of Washington, and was monitoring the results of the primary's. I'm sorry you did win! I say that because I truly believe you're interested in the 'best' for our community and not what you might gain from the position.

I'm sure, being the type of person you are, you will continue to have input. I also think your a great guy Jim and I look forward to our continued relationship with the Farmer's Market. See you soon.

Sincerely, M.D.

Wed 8/23/2006 6:44 PM

Dear Jim:

A very nice note. One can feel the sincerity. Thanks for all your hard work to date and the work that you plan to contiune. C.andG.C.

Wed 8/23/2006 6:34 PM

Thanks for all you have done. From the West Side of The Hill. K.K.

Wed 8/23/2006 6:30 PM
Dear Jim, So sorry you lost this one... Nice email to your supporters and I admire you for all you have contributed to this community... B.R.

Wed 8/23/2006 6:23 PM Jim,

Classy note. Best of luck in all that lies ahead of you. P.S.

Wed 8/23/2006 6:23 PM

Jimmy, Thank YOU and your entire family for the sacrifices you all made to serve our community in order to make it a better place to live, work and to raise and educate our families. I say these things from M.and myself.

Thank you, my friend, D.S.

Wed 8/23/2006 6:23 PM

Jim-
What a great letter. I truly believe as well, that God does work in mysterious ways and perhaps this will open an even greater door for you. You are an amazing person and this county is so lucky to have someone that has as much passion as you do. I am very fortunate to have you as a friend and will enjoy these last 5 months on the Fair Board with you. Thanks for being such a special person. A.H.

Wed 8/23/2006 4:16 PM
Jim,

Thanks for the response. I can honestly say that it was an honor getting to know you better and in assisting with your campaign. I am truly disappointed as to the outcome of the Wyoming House primary race, but, like you, agree that things happen for a reason and am confident that it will turn out to be a positive. I look forward to continuing to establish the friendship and am grateful for the opportunity to get to know you and your family better. I continue to support you as I know that you are a man of strong beliefs and values that will work for the greater good of mankind. Thanks again for the opportunity to assist you in the campaign and look forward to further communication with you.

Best regards, L.W.

Wed 8/23/2006 6:12 PM
Thank you for your excellent service to our community, specifically your willingness to keep projects alive under the most difficult circumstances! We’re sorry to see you go. A.C.

Wed 8/23/2006 6:12 PM
Hi Jim. I was sorry to hear the news but now I'm happy again after reading your letter. You're right, God does work in mysterious ways and you are simply meant to contribute in other ways. Know how much I appreciate all you have done for the Jackson community and for everyone you touch in such a personal way; you're the best! Susie B-B

Wed 8/23/2006 6:11 PM
Jim, very nicely said and done. “Regardless of your title”, I am proud of the contributions you have made to our community and most of all… I am proud to call you my friend.

Thank you for your dedication to our community and I look forward to seeing you soon. T.R.P.

Yes Jim, my vote was for you...I am really surprised it went the other way. Thank you for all you do...What happens in this valley is important to you, and I will continue to support your causes. Thanks Jim, LBM