To the Editor:

Even though school board members comprise the largest body of elected officials in this country, local school board elections do not always generate a hefty voter turnout, especially when no controversial issue is compelling people to vote. In fact, when no divisive issue is rousing us to the polls, we are easily lulled into a sense of complacency. Yet this is precisely the time when voters should go to the polls, particularly to vote for members of the Board of Education.

It is because of my strong belief in our public educational system — both as an educator and as a parent of children who have attended Connecticut public schools — that I encourage Newtown residents to vote for William G. Hart, Jr, the IPN incumbent candidate for the Newtown Board of Education. Bill not only values the educational system, but he wants it to provide the best possible learning and social experiences for our students. His vast experiences in corporate systems management and as an independent business owner provide him with the keen insight necessary to understand the complexities and nuances of good governance. A man of both intelligence and integrity, Bill listens carefully to others and thoroughly examines multiple perspectives to inform the decisionmaking process that will set the policies for our most revered public institutions.

Significantly, as a single-parent, Bill has invested much of his time since his late wife’s death into being at home for his children, and now he wants to invest that time into providing the leadership necessary to maintain the vision and mission of Newtown public schools. He will make a difference in the education of our children and, consequently, in all of our futures. As one who is fully committed to ensuring that the educational needs of all students are met, regardless of background or abilities, Bill is the candidate who has the ability to work toward making a really good school system a great one.

I urge you to vote for William G. Hart, Jr, for the Newtown Board of Education.

Lisa Dresdner, PhD

34 Monika Lane, Brookfield                                       October 14, 2009