To the Editor:

I am writing to endorse Dr Chris Gilson for the Newtown Board of Education.

Though I have lived and worked in Newtown since 2005, I have never written a letter of endorsement. I have voted for both Democrats and Republicans in the past, and try to encourage my students to research, be engaged, and develop their own opinions. I have never wanted to appear partisan to them or their families, and am often therefore careful to keep my thoughts about specific elections limited to my friends and family.

This year, however, is different for two reasons: First, the recent attempt to ban books, and the support of that attempt by the larger Newtown Republican party, was a call to action for me and many educators in town. Second, Chris Gilson is my neighbor and friend.

In the several years since Chris and his wonderful kids moved next door to us, we have never known him to be a particularly political animal. He and his children are kind, neighborly, selfless, and helpful. Chris is quiet, but thoughtful. He listens with empathy and support, for which I was especially grateful when going through cancer treatment. If his kids are out on the trampoline, my kids are always invited. When a huge tree fell from his yard across ours, Chris was the first to offer assistance in cleaning it up. Chris is the epitome of a “good neighbor” and all that involves.

It is clear to me that Chris is exactly the type of person we need on our BOE: an experienced educator (he taught at Emory before going back to laboratory science work), a thoughtful deliberator, and a kind person with a passion for both Newtown and its children. We desperately need a strong, thoughtful, deliberative Board of Education to move our district forward, and I believe Chris Gilson is the absolute perfect person for the job.

Sincerely,

Jacqui Kaplan

Sandy Hook