Letter: Ed Board Candidate Appelbaum Is 'Pragmatic Problem Solver'

To the Editor:

I am writing in support of Debbie Appelbaum for Greenwich Board of Education; she is the clear choice for one of the two Democratic seats.  Debbie's long record of service  in the Greenwich public schools (as PTA president of North Street School, Central Middle School, Greenwich High School, and on the board of PTA Council) attests to her dedication, her community involvement, her deep familiarity with the issues, and her indefatigable commitment to our schools.  

In addition to these qualities, Debbie's personal strengths make her completely suited to leadership and to the important position for which she is running.  In the past five years, I have had the pleasure of getting to know Debbie as a neighbor, a  fellow parent, and a friend.  I am impressed foremost by the fact that she is a real listener.  In addition to all of her energy and activism, she takes the time to listen and to do so with empathy.  Her empathy instills in her a sense of equity and fairness, and forms the basis of her platforms--which seek to level the achievement gap and provide equal opportunity for all of our students.  But Debbie does more than listen; she is also responsive, creative, and a pragmatic problem solver.  When asked for advice, Debbie gives nothing less than her all; she responds with insight, creativity, passion, thoroughness, and intelligence.

Like Debbie, I have lived in Greenwich for 22 years, and my children went through the public school system, each from K through 12.  I care deeply about our town's public schools, and I therefore think that Debbie is the person for the job.  On November 5th, please cast your vote for the strength of our schools by voting for Debbie Appelbaum.

Jane Wolansky

Greenwich

(Editor’s note: More letters to the editor regarding Greenwich elections may be found in our elections and government categories.

Greenwich Patch will publish election-related letters to the editor through Oct. 31.  To be considered for publication, letters must be submitted by 5 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013.)