Editor’s Note: We received this letter last Thursday but were unable to open it. The author re-sent it numerous times but the problem persisted. She has finally solved the issue and so, in light of those circumstances, we are now publishing it now. Consequently, we will accept comments or letters responding directly to this letter through 11 p.m. Monday. No other comments or letters will be considered for publication on Monday.
To the Editor:
I am writing this letter in support of Mary Powell-St. Louis, who is seeking reelection to the Lyme-Old Lyme Board of Education. Having lived in Lyme since 2007, and raising 4 children here, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing Mary’s dedicated service to her family, community, and for the past 8 years the Board of Education.
During Mary’s tenure as a board member, she has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the most critical issues facing our school district, including the Building Renovation Project. Her diverse background as a Medical Doctor, active community volunteer, leadership roles in Scouts, and her role as a mother of three boys, all of whom have attended Lyme-Old Lyme schools, have significantly influenced her approach to responsible budgeting and her ability to collaborate across party lines in order to ensure that all students benefit from the decisions at hand. Mary has been a dedicated advocate for both students and educators, consistently working diligently to ensure that the needs of all our students are effectively addressed.
Mary is well versed in district policy and prioritizes transparency and open communication. She is first to say if something wasn’t handled to her high standards, and moving forward how it could be handled to produce a better outcome. Her commitment to listening to the concerns of parents, teachers, and students underscores the utmost importance she places on community engagement
She has shown she can adapt to the changing educational needs of our students. Her forward thinking approach and dedication to improving the quality of education for all students is truly commendable.
I endorse Dr. Mary Powell St. Louis for reelection to the Lyme-Old Lyme Board of Education. She has consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication to championing the needs of our children. Her proven leadership, extensive experience, and deep commitment to our students and community make her the ideal candidate for another term in this critical role. Mary’s passion and track record make her an outstanding choice to continue serving our community.
Vote Mary Powell-St. Louis on November 7th!
Sincerely,
Amanda Novak,
Lyme, CT
Editor’s Note: Mary Powell-St. Louis is the incumbent candidate on the Region 18 BOE for one of the two Lyme seats. She is endorsed by the Lyme Republican Town Committee for re-election in the upcoming election.
When you have a person on the b.o.e. this stellar, why would you, “mess with success”?
I have known Dr. Mary for close to 15 years and have had the privilege of serving with her on the board of education for the last two. Her decades of contributions to the town of Lyme are unmatchable..
I encourage all Lyme residents to get out and vote for Dr. Mary for the Board of Education.
While she is a doctor, Mary Powell-St. Louis has not endorsed women’s rights to control their own healthcare, including access to abortion and the need for sex education. For students and their parents, these are important issues about which they should be informed and have choice.
Mary has signed the petition that circulated in Old lyme to ban books, hardly an expression of tolerance or understanding.
At a 2018 rally in Haddam, Mary and her husband, dressed in American flags, joined a protest against the Freedom of Speech rights of the Haddam Selectwoman who had chosen to demonstrate against Donald Trump‘s embrace of Putin. Again, hardly evidence of Mary’s tolerance or her defense of the First Amendment.
More recently, Mary has sent a letter to Lyme residents admitting she is a conservative Republican, but claiming she is not in step with national Republican leaders. She did not elaborate about what she opposes or whether she believes Joe Biden won the 2020 election fair and square. Mary’s claim about the distance between her views and the extremism-dominated national Republican Party is hard to believe.
On land she owns, Trump‘s biggest financial supporter – Timothy Mellon – had his orange electric road sign flashing right wing messages.
Now, I believe in free speech, so that display was not the problem. The sign’s presence simply shows there is little evidence that Mary does not support Trump all the way! Trump’s national education policies, his lying and his persistent intolerance and bigotry are hardly qualities we in Lyme want represented in any way on the Board of Education.