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In the Best Interest of North Haven

I am writing to support the nomination of Amanda Gabriele for a second term on the Board of Education (BOE). I served on both BOE and the ACES board for 20 years, so I feel I can stress the necessity for continuity on the board. It takes time to get to know and understand not only the central office staff but the workings of all six buildings. This includes visiting each building, attending various activities, and establishing relationships within the community. It is time-consuming but essential if one really wants to serve the best interest of North Haven’s children.

Given Amanda’s six-year record on the board, I can say with certainty that she knows the value of carefully checking expenditures and the day-to-day activities of the various schools. She listens to everyone, and I have no doubt her primary concern at all times is acting in the best interest of North Haven and its students.

Anyone seeking to run with a personal motive would be strongly advised not to. It usually backfires and renders you useless to effect any kind of change or persuade your peers.

I would also like to remind the Democrats elected to the Democratic Town Committee (DTC) that they have a responsibility to represent the people of North Haven, and in the case of the Board of Education, they have a duty to put their own feelings aside and act in the best interest of the children. The recent talk of needing a closed, independent nominating process on the DTC is antithetical to democracy. You are elected to represent the people, and with that power comes commensurate responsibility.

Alicia Clapp

North Haven