To the Editor:
I write in support of Gavin Lodge as the Lyme representative to the Region 18 Board of Education. Lodge will serve Lyme and its youth well. He is a father of two children in our schools, a past public school PTO co-president. He is active in Lyme’s Sustainable Committee and other town commissions.
He is the executive director of 4A Arts, a national nonprofit that promotes arts and culture in our communities. As a small business entrepreneur, he has demonstrated strong fiscal expertise.
Most importantly, Lodge is a fierce opponent of book censorship and will advocate for all children in the schools. Nationally, more than 90 percent of the books targeted for censorship and removal are about LGBTQ+ and youth of color, and it is no different here. Lodge believes deeply in the freedom to choose and express one’s opinions even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular.
It is not a coincidence that his position is the same as the American Library Association [ALA]. Like the ALA, Lodge believes that parents—and only parents—have the right and the responsibility to restrict the access of their children—and only their children—to library resources.
Let’s not be fooled into thinking this school election is typical; it is not. It is one of the most consequential elections in memory for the town of Lyme.
Vote Gavin Lodge.
Sincerely,
Michael James,
Lyme.
Editor’s Note: The author is Professor Emeritus of Education at Connecticut College. He is also the husband of Anna James (D), the Region 18 Board of Education member for Lyme, who is not up for re-election this year.
Well said.