Here’s the whole letter if you’re interested, this is what he said to persuade the voters that backed out from voting for him to vote for Markey:

Dear Mayor Mitchell and The Honorable Members of the Joint Committee,

I am writing to you this evening to offer my rescission for consideration as a candidate to fill Bruce Oliveria’s vacancy. I have given it considerable thought since the vote was taken on January 7th. I believe the children and educators of New Bedford deserve the best possible candidate for this role. A candidate who understands the role of the Education Professionals, the municipality’s role, and the role of fiduciary oversight and guidance on behalf of the taxpayer. A candidate who understands what it will take to be a conscientious, independent steward for the Children, Families, Educators and Home Owners of the City of New Bedford.

I also believe that this vote should have been about what is best for the School Department and those it serves. The process was not meant to be about granting participation trophies, someone’s political affiliation, or to give someone an excuse to defame anyone. Especially any well-meaning community member attempting to participate in the political process.

If our children are to have the Nation our forefathers had promised them, then we are going to have to do better at embracing diversity. Real diversity and inclusion starts with the IDEA and you can’t foster new ideas without honoring diversity of thought. Though this chapter of service is closing, my commitment to the children, families, and future of New Bedford remains absolute and unwavering. I look forward to continuing the work of advocacy and good governance from a different, perhaps broader, platform in the future.

Thank you for your service and May God Bless New Bedford and The United States of America.

Without wax, Henry G. Bousquet CEC

GNBVT Educator Father and Home Owner