Letter: Debbie Applebaum 'Most Qualifed Candidate' for Board of Ed

I am writing in support of the candidacy of Debbie Appelbaum who is running for the Board of Education. I worked extensively with the BOE during my tenure as co-President of the Greenwich High School PTA, a co-Presidency I shared with Debbie, and as a result, understand the significant role the Board members play in the education of the children of Greenwich.

As some background, Debbie and I often do not share the same political affiliations, or support the same candidates. Yet working together on a daily basis for many years, there is no one whom I respect more for carefully researching issues, her willingness to listen to the opinion of others, her respect for the community and the constituents she serves, and her desire to keep them informed of positions as events unfold. Debbie has served not only as President of the PTA at GHS, but has worked extensively with, and as the head of, other PTA’s and on boards of organizations in the community. She regularly attended Town meetings to keep abreast of financial and other developments, understanding that the entire Town budget impacted funds that would be available for education.  She knows the Town representatives in both CT and Washington D.C., relationships which can help the BOE if state or federal funding is sought. Whether a Democrat or Republican, the most qualified individual should be elected and Debbie is that person given her extensive experience in education, her integrity and her desire to give the children of Greenwich the best education possible.

I am no longer a resident of Greenwich yet recognize the vital need to educate our youth. I wish I could cast a vote for Debbie in November as I know it would be one that will make a difference.

Marjorie Stone (Rodriguez) 

Naples, FL

*Editor's note: other letters to the editor regarding the 2013 elections may be found in our Government category.