To the Editor:
I am extremely thankful the citizens of southern Illinois have put their faith in me to represent them for an elected term on the Fifth District Appellate Court.
There are too many people to personally thank right now. However, I do want to thank all the county chairpersons, committees and volunteers that went above and beyond to support and help me. I have made many new friends in the past 13 months and I appreciate their support in my campaign.
I want to thank my family and friends for all their support throughout this long, exhaustive process. I could not have done this without them and cannot properly express what that means to me. I look forward to spending time with Emily, Nicolas, Kaelyn and Peyton, as well as my friends and family, making up the time I missed over the past 13 months.
I especially want to express my appreciation for my opponent’s kind words. Judge Smith and I promised each other early on that we would run open, honest, fair and non-combative campaigns. I believe we both accomplished that. I wish Sarah the best and look forward to seeing her soon. My family’s prayers are with Sarah and her boys for her husband’s safe return from his tour of duty.
I also want to congratulate my friend Justice David Overstreet on his big victory for the Supreme Court. He showed his character and integrity during the campaign. We will miss him on the Appellate Court but southern Illinois will be well-served on its highest court.
I hope everyone stays safe and healthy and please take care of those in need. I look forward to continuing my service on the Appellate Court in this new role. Again, thank you so very much and God bless.
Justice Mark M. Boie, Fifth District Appellate Court