To the Editor:
Numerous Letters to the Editor and OpEd’s have been published in LymeLine, CTExaminer, and The Day, recommending Mary Powell-St Louis’ re-election to our Board of Education (BOE). I know Mary personally and, as a moderate, independent voter, would like to add my endorsement.
Mary and I served together for nearly a decade as volunteer adult leaders of our local Boy Scout troop. Mary continues to work tirelessly on behalf of our Scouts, going as far as to complete the highest level of adult training that Scouting offers. The Scouting curriculum emphasizes project management, conflict resolution, listening, diversity and inclusion, mentoring, and team development – all of which benefited our troop. Troop activities are led by Scouts, with guidance and support from adult leaders such as Mary. She continuously demonstrates that her focus is on putting all our kids first, which carries over into her work on the BOE.
Our public school system is among the best in the State. Families in other communities are eager to pay for the opportunity to have their kids attend our schools. Mr. Lodge’s implication that our BOE, administrators, and educators aren’t inclusive of all children and aren’t putting them first doesn’t make sense to me. I personally know children who were or are in our schools who have diverse needs. In my experience, with consistent parental involvement, our school system cares and goes the extra mile to help each of them. With her focus on continuous improvement, Mary recognizes that there is always more that our schools can do to support the needs of all students while keeping in mind what is affordable for our taxpayers.
I believe that Mary is by far the more qualified candidate to represent our town on the Region 18 Board of Education. In her eight years on the BOE, Mary has held numerous positions, including Treasurer, Vice Chair of the Board, Vice Chair of the Building sub-committee, and has been a member of several subcommittees, such as the Safety, Policy, and Facilities and Finance committees. She has broad experience in all facets of the Board’s functions, and understands the needs of our students, educators, administrators, and taxpayers. Mary has her own views, and believes in compromise and collaboration to achieve the best outcome for all of us. We are incredibly fortunate that she is willing to volunteer to serve our communities for another four years.
Please come out and vote next Tuesday, November 7th, and join me in re-electing Mary.
Respectfully,
Tony Lynch,
Lyme, CT.
Editor’s Note: The author is a former Committee Chairman of Boy Scouts of America Troop 26, Lyme-Old Lyme.