The Home Stretch

We’re down to the wire with one week remaining before the election. I hope folks have been able to register to vote (if they weren’t already) or request a vote-by-mail ballot if needed. If you’re still deciding how to cast your vote, many candidates for School Committee and the Select Board have submitted profiles to the Longmeadow Buzz website. The Reminder will soon post profiles as well.

I’m not on Facebook but my husband has been keeping me up to date on the commentary and concerns posted in the Open Forum. Tensions are running high. I want to say a couple of things as we are heading into the home stretch.

If elected, I will represent everyone in this community whether or not you voted for me. I will listen to you and have an open dialogue with you. You can expect transparency from me and, if you feel like you’re still in the dark, I want to know so I can fix that. This role is in service to the community and your feedback is important. You matter.

I will treat you with respect and dignity, and expect the same from you. I will assume positive intent and approach conversations with you that way. We are working together to improve our schools and our community. This is a partnership. I don’t have all the answers but collectively we do. 

Over the last few weeks, many people have reached out to ask questions of me and share their thoughts on our schools. I’m grateful we’ve had these conversations and I hope they continue.

If I’m not elected, I will still be a vocal and outspoken participant in our community. When my husband and I chose Longmeadow, it felt like we finally found home. It’s not perfect but, with a little time and attention, it will get better and better. Regardless of the outcome, for me this is the beginning.

Thank you for reading.

-Emily