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.
When I read Steve Bayley’s summary of his qualifications as a candidate for the Haddam Board of Education in the October 14th edition of the Haddam Killingworth news, my immediate reaction was, “Yes, and then some.” After reviewing Steve’s goals for fostering an educational framework within which opportunities are provided for students from all backgrounds and of all interests and abilities to thrive and succeed, I agreed that this was exactly what the future of our school district requires to remain relevant and on top of its game. Steve’s understanding of the need to prioritize the management of our kids’ increasingly complex struggles to balance social awareness and emotional health is especially important in this age of often inflamed political passions. Steve Bayley has the knowledge, empathy and passion to make him the ideal addition to the Haddam Board of Education.
The Bayleys are exactly the kind of neighbors one hopes to find in a small, close-knit community like Haddam. I actually “met” Steve before I even laid eyes on him. After living in Killingworth for 18 years, I moved to Hidden Lake last year. A snowstorm hit one night while I was in the middle of my move and then next morning I arrived with a car full of boxes to find that my driveway had been cleared of snow. Steve! A few days later as I was settling in, a warm plate of fresh-baked cookies appeared, courtesy of Steve’s wife, Elki. I’ve been fortunate to share their friendship ever since. Kind. Considerate. Dependable. Those are the kinds of adjectives one wants to describe the folks who live next door. Although I was delighted to learn that the Bayleys and I fall on the same side of the political fence, I know that Steve’s sense of community encompasses all of his neighbors, regardless of their beliefs. He wants the best for every child in Haddam.
My daughter is a sophomore at the high school and my son is in seventh grade at the middle school. I am fervent about their education and about everything that touches on our children’s development and welfare. I helped coach HK sports for several years and have taught Sunday School at North Madison Congregational Church since my kids were in pre-school. Our children are our future. There is nothing more important than providing an all-welcoming academic environment which challenges and helps them to meet the demands of a changing world. Steve Bayley knows this to be true and has the chops to make it happen. Please support his candidacy for the Haddam Board of Education.
Jeff Ignatuk
Higganum
