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 26, 2021.
We are less than a week from Election Day, and you’ve been through a long road of Board of Education campaigning. I would like to offer my final thoughts before you go to the ballot in one of three locations in Haddam next Tuesday, November 2nd (please go out and vote).
I started this journey in July 2020 when I was elected to fill a Board of Education vacancy. In the mere 15 months that I’ve been on the Board, I’ve taken a leadership role as chair of Strategic Planning Subcommittee, been a member of the Finance Subcommittee, and collaborated effectively (while maintaining a perfect Tuesday night attendance record) with a very well-functioning Board of many different skill sets and viewpoints. I’ve helped complete the District’s Vision of the Graduate and led the process and initial work to help complete a District Strategic Plan within the upcoming school year to help take us into the future. But, our work together is not yet done and, with your help and vote, I would like to finish the job.
At the Meet the Candidates night, you heard that I’m a Senior Finance Director in the Financial Strategy area of Anthem, Inc., supporting the Individual Segment and managing 14 states. As a CPA with professional experience in finance, strategy, accounting, auditing, market analysis, and long term planning, I’ve a seen a lot in 20+ years. However, I am now entering the phase of my life where service to others & my community and meaningful pursuits are of the utmost importance. You can also see that with my work as Vice Chair of the Economic Development Commission in Haddam, prior work on the Haddam Board of Finance, & being an active volunteer at the Higganum Farmers Market.
I ran my entire campaign as a petitioning, unaffiliated candidate and wanted to focus on the actual work, rather than two-party polarization, which should not have a place in education. I believe you want a candidate who is authentic and free of influence, has integrity, will listen, analyze, and lead, and do the right thing for students and the community. Just like our students, I promise to grow each day and role model the Vision of the Graduate.
Please re-elect Prem Aithal for the Board of Education on side 2 of the Haddam ballot by filling in the oval in box 23C (Petitioning Candidate Row, Column 23). Thank you for all the support you have given me throughout this campaign!
Prem Aithal
Higganum, CT
