What makes Guilford such a wonderful place to live? One defining feature is the army of volunteers who step forward to enhance the assets of our town. Volunteers work to support everything from our library to our hiking trails and from our historic house museums to our beloved Guilford Fair Parade. Volunteers contribute thousands of hours on our boards and commissions.

In the race for five open seats on the Board of Education (BOE), the two Democrats on Row A and the three Independent candidates on Row C have records of committed volunteer service in Guilford. We know who they are and we know how hard they will work. I have had the privilege of volunteering alongside some of them on the PTO at A.W. Cox School and will attest to their “can do” attitudes and willingness to tackle hard jobs in a collaborative and productive way.

I am encouraged that the leaders of groups like Special Education Parent Teacher Organization are bringing their knowledge and expertise to serve the larger community through Guilford’s BOE. The candidates comprising rows A and C have demonstrated public service records and have shown that they make our community and our schools a priority. This record is important to me as a taxpayer and a voter because I know I can entrust them with the tremendous responsibilities that come with service on the BOE.

I encourage your readers to mark their calendars to vote on November 2nd and join me in voting for row A and Row C candidates for the BOE.

Emily Oakes

Guilford