The following is a letter to the editor from State Sen. Kenneth Donnelly to the residents of the Fourth Middlesex District:

It has been an honor to serve as your Senator from the 4th Middlesex District for the past four years and I am excited to be able to continue this role for another term. As another hectic election year comes to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those that made this election a success.

I would like to thank all of you that voted.  Regardless of how you voted, I commend you for exercising one of the basic rights we as a nation afford to our citizens.  As President Obama said in his victory speech, “Whether I earned your vote or not, I have listened to you, I have learned from you.”  I will continue to listen to all of my constituents’ thoughts and frustrations, and take everyone’s viewpoint into account when making decisions on Beacon Hill.

As one legislative session closes and a new one begins in January, I encourage you to share your priorities and concerns going into this new session, and do not hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have.  I wish you and your family a happy and health holiday season and a peaceful 2013.

- Ken Donnelly