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I’ve just reviewed the Board of Education panel discussion and am concerned with the potential conflict of interest which Ms Shoemaker noted she may be facing. Although a long shot, it may come to pass that she is elected as both a Selectperson and a returning Board of Education member.
Ms Shoemaker, if elected as Selectperson, noted she would recuse herself from voting (and I presume discussions, otherwise that would be awkward) on the District budget.
The District budget is literally 4 -5 months of discussion and a significant topic on every agenda- which also encompasses every topic before the Facilities and Finance Committee of the Board of Education with cross membership to the Lyme and Old Lyme Boards of Finance.
In addition to creating a potential tie-breaker situation, more importantly, an additional member of our communities could be fully engaged in an active and present voice rather than sitting out of the vast majority of discussions.
I have learned a tremendous amount of insight from Ms Shoemaker’s career in teaching and her Board of Education experience, but there are plenty of other worthy volunteers. If she is successful in winning both positions I hope Ms Shoemaker picks one and gives us her best effort.
Jennifer Miller
Old Lyme, CT
Miller is a Republican member of the Lyme-Old Lyme Board of Education