Kathryn Russell’s campaign touts that she has knocked on over 1,200 doors. There’s no denying Ms. Russell is a vigorous campaigner, and for this, she deserves credit. If you haven’t yet met Carol Jones, however, it’s because she has, to use Russell’s words, put “people over politics” by working, problem-solving, and showing up for the residents of Deep River.

Ms. Russell was telling folks in the spring that she was running for first selectman and began “door knocking” in June. It was not until late July when Carol was endorsed as the Democratic candidate for first selectman upon Angus McDonald’s decision to retire.

As director of Parks and Recreation, Carol has, while being a first-time candidate, continued to work tirelessly to execute the many quality programs for which she is responsible and to plan future programs. Over the summer, Carol spent long hours each day making sure the summer day camp ran smoothly, oversaw the Thursday evening concerts, and organized free Tai Chi classes. When summer activities ended, Carol turned her focus to planning and then supervising all aspects of Deep Rover Family Day — the 5 K run, an array of activities throughout the day, and fireworks to conclude the day. This fall, Carol is organizing the Women’s Hiking Club, indoor pickleball, Halloween activities, and yes, the Holiday Stroll and indoor basketball are being planned. And I know there are more.

These are typical of the kind of quiet, behind-the-scenes, essential services Carol has delivered — both as a volunteer and as head of Parks and Rec —during the past 30 years as a caring, contributing member of our Deep River community. Work, not talk, indeed. Carol has my vote, and I hope yours is too.

Jane Cavanaugh

Deep River