Letter: Endorsing Tolland Newcomers

To The Editor:

As the only Republican incumbent nominated to run for the Tolland Board of Education, I am writing in to endorse the five political new comers on the 2019 Republican slate. With a 4 year old and a 6 month old, I would not be running again if it weren’t for what each of these individuals would bring to the table. We are greater than the sum of our experiences. Ashley Lundgren, Christine Griffin, Anthony Holt, Jacob Marie, and Renie Besaw are extremely qualified and well versed in the challenges we will face. As I got to know this team, I knew they represented change to the status quo. They represent a sustainable future for all the children of Tolland.

Ashley Lundgren (4 year candidate) was a substitute paraprofessional in the Tolland Public Schools and is also an Academic Verification Manager. She left her role as an employee because the call to better the education for her two children and future TPS kids was out of the scope of the position she was in. She is smart, dedicated, open-minded, and willing to listen. She will listen in numerous languages I will add. She has relationships with teachers, parents, and students. She brings the employee perspective that is so desperately needed on the board.

In 2017 when I was first elected, a student told me that the math program could be improved upon at the high school. I met Christine Griffin (2 year candidate) at a budget workshop. We bonded over a hypothetical math teacher for the high school after she was told that competing with magnets and charters was the priority. Christine Griffin is a mother of three and a certified public accountant. As she saw her children and others struggle with the math curriculum, there was her call.

Anthony Holt (2 year candidate) and his family have moved here from Oklahoma. Anthony is an electrical engineer and test cell specialist. He travels for work and is busy with his family of 4 children. We must sustain the future for our littles. His daughter was in awe of the Tolland Public Schools compared to the resources they had in Oklahoma. His gratitude for what we have here vs what they had in Oklahoma brings a different perspective to our Tolland bubble. He is very prolific when he talks about education and truly wants to make a difference. His appreciation for teaching staff is unsurpassed.

Jacob Marie (2 year candidate) is a recent Tolland High School graduate. He is majoring in economics at UCONN, and has been actively involved in municipal and state politics for a couple years now. He suggested and helped implement a nonpartisan, unbiased Town Council debate 10 months prior to this election. As a lifelong tolland student he has seen how the schools have evolved, and brings a very young, but necessary perspective to the board.

Last but not least is Renie Besaw (2 year candidate). She is new to Tolland, but was the former vice chair of the Colchester Board of Education just a few short months ago. She served on curriculum, personnel, and budget committees. She was called back to Colchester to receive an award for improving the bond between the community and the schools. Looking at our current climate here in town, she would bring a new dynamic to Tolland.

Regardless of your personal party affiliation or if you are unaffiliated, I ask that you consider voting for this team. You will have 2 votes for the 4 year candidates and 4 votes for the 2 year candidates. If you have any doubts, I would ask that you come to the event on November 3 or perhaps they will knock on your door at some point. With your help, electing new people at the local level is just the beginning to moving forward as a community.

Christina Plourd

Tolland