To the editor:
I’m writing in support of Michelle Sembler and Michael Pontillo for Westwood Regional School Board. I have gotten to know both of them through youth sports and the schools. I believe that they have the best interests of our kids in mind. Each of them became involved in the “book issue” in an effort to protect our kids from age-inappropriate topics. The districts response was lackluster at best and defied common sense.
It is time for a change in Westwood Regional’s BOE and I think Michelle and Michael can make that change. Michelle has an education background and understands business finance, as vice president of an electric company. She is a multitasker and always makes time to help in the schools. As a member of the middle school PSO she communicates and works to make great events for the middle school kids. She is easy to talk to and actually listens when you raise a concern. She is also actively involved in Berkeley School.
We likely could not find someone with a better pulse of what is going on in each place. Michael complements Michelle’s strengths with understanding school safety, arguably better than anyone else in town. His kids attend Brookside and the middle school.
Both Sembler and Pontillo are vested in the town and the district and will make decisions in the best interest of everyone. I have seen it already in what each of them do. I have heard the non-sense talk about of a conflict of interest with Mike [who is Westwood’s police chief] around town. I listened to the audio of the October BOE meeting on their candidate Facebook page. I know that there is no conflict of interest and am disappointed that school resources were used to inquire about Mike’s candidacy. The Facebook page audio is shocking to listen to, I encourage others to listen to it. The school district needs to see some change.
The cornerstones of their campaign are responsibility, transparency, and safety. This is exactly what needs to change. These are the issues that parents are talking about in our school district. Michelle and Michael will bring that change and fresh perspective.
Join me in voting Sembler and Pontillo on Election Day! Our kids, schools, and community deserve only the very best!