The views stated here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editors of this newspaper. We welcome supporting or opposing views on any published item. Received October 17, 2021.
There has been much said online and in public forums about my dual roles on the Regional Board of Education and Board of Selectman. I have been both humbled by the outpouring of support and disheartened by some of the personal attacks against me.
Two years ago, I was approached to run for the Board of Selectman, I was honored by this and agreed to run. At the time, because I was a member of the Regional BOE, I did my due diligence and discussed the situation with both the First Selectman and the lawyer that represents the BOE. I was told by both parties that there was no reason I could not hold both positions. I won the election and have served with complete devotion for the last 2 years.
I hope everyone understands that the wording in the Charter has not changed in the past two years, nor has the definitions outlined in the Charter changed. Therefore, why now does the definition of those words suddenly take on a different meaning? There was a recent legal opinion against holding both roles and this is being challenged. Challenged because it has been acceptable for me to hold these roles over the past two years. I was elected by this community, so I have a moral imperative to ask the question. Most shameful is the need to attack me personally implying I have done something wrong. I have not. The suggestion that somehow, I have broken the law is simply wrong. Others have questioned my integrity and commitment to Killingworth, and this is shameful. It is not who we are as a community. Those who know me, know that I do not serve and volunteer because I seek acknowledgement. In fact, it is exactly all this attention that chases people away from public service.
I love this town and love the Regional School District that educated my children. I have served with passion and dedication for the past two and four years respectively. I think it is very important that you hear this directly from me.
Most sincerely,
Eileen Blewett
Killingworth
