“I thought you’d fallen off the edge of the earth?”

That’s what someone said to me the other day when I talked with them for the first time since November.

I have been devoting more time the past three months to work and family, including my daughter Eliza who is now six months old. I also remain active in the community: volunteering at Bernazzani, serving as a Director for the South Shore Chamber of Commerce, and pitching in on the special election campaign and preparing to serve as a delegate to the Democratic State Convention in Worcester this summer. (Yes, I am a Democrat though I reserve the option to support the best candidate, regardless of party.)

Schools remain a primary interest of mine. I read with disappointment that Quincy was not able to get the signatures required to be eligible for Race to the Top grant money. And while I’m not opposed to charter schools in any and all cases, I agreed with the decision not to approve the Hanlin academy. I’m also following the very recent designation of 30-odd schools across Massachusetts as under-performing and the radical measures being undertaken (firings, requirements that teachers re-apply for jobs).

We are not out of the woods yet on the economic mess, not by a long shot, which means a tough year for the city budget and for Quincy Public Schools. How much deeper can we cut into programs and services before we impair our ability to attract and retain parents (and taxpayers)? Creative thinking, and shared sacrifice, will be required if we’re to keep the doors open and keep our schools competitive.

I want to offer my best wishes to the newly elected (or re-elected) school committee candidates: Anne Mahoney, Emily Lebo, and Barbara Isola. They have an important and difficult job ahead of them as does the entire school committee.

For my own part, while I am disappointed to have fallen short of the required vote total, I am not discouraged. I’ve been heartened by the very warm reception I’ve received around Quincy and by the support for Schools fit for Presidents as an aspiration and a plan. It’s a big city and, as a newcomer, I am glad to have received the support of 7,633 voters.

Thank you to all my supporters and to all the voters who exercised their right to vote on 11/3.

All for now, Matt.

Please vote “Lockwood Mullaney” on Tuesday.

Here are the top ten reasons why.

10. You like my yard signs, even if you were almost rear-ended while straining to read one

9. I’m Irish… even if I’m not related to the Mullaneys of North Quincy

8. You like the Schools fit for Presidents motto and the aspiration for greatness within it

7. Endorsed by the teachers, a key constituency as we address short-term budget challenges and seek long-term improvement

6. I know better than to fix what’s not broken; I will preserve our best practices

5. I believe in public school – I went to 2 years parochial & 11 years public – and couldn’t afford 3 kids in private anyhow!

4. I know what it takes to perform at a high-level in education (Harvard, MIT MBA)

3. I manage strategy and planning – two critical skills for school committee – for the $1.5B Massachusetts business of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care

2. I’m not in the Koch or Phelan camps; I can work with whoever wins to improve our schools

And the number #1 reason I really hope you’ll vote for me on November 3rd….

1. I really, really don’t want to ask my wife Jenny to support another run in 2 years

Please vote “Lockwood Mullaney” on November 3rd!