In CT Examiner
To the Editor:
One of the reasons families choose Greenwich, Stamford and New Canaan is our schools. Protecting that advantage should be among the highest priorities of our next state senator.
I support Jill Oberlander because she understands that strong public education involves more than what happens inside a classroom.
A strong educational system involves recruiting and retaining excellent teachers. It means safe, modern school buildings. And it means making sure we have the resources necessary to prepare students for tomorrow.
Strong schools also matter well beyond the classroom.
Employers want to locate where they can find an educated workforce. Families want to live where their children will receive an excellent education. Strong schools support property values and help Connecticut compete with neighboring states.
But maintaining excellence requires investment—and discipline.
Every dollar spent on education should advance student achievement, support teachers and maintain the facilities students depend upon. Educators deserve the resources necessary to do their jobs well. And taxpayers deserve accountability.
Jill understands both sides of that equation.
Her years in Greenwich government have required her to balance competing priorities, scrutinize budgets and make difficult decisions about long-term capital investments. She knows that postponing necessary maintenance may save money today while costing taxpayers far more tomorrow.
That practical experience will matter in Hartford.
What I also like about Jill is that she sees education as a basic responsibility. What do our children need to succeed, and what can we do to help them get there?
At a time when politics too often turns schools into another source of division, that approach is refreshing.
Our children deserve excellent schools. Our teachers deserve support. And taxpayers deserve responsible stewardship.
Jill knows we don’t have to choose between strong schools and responsible spending. We should expect both.
I enthusiastically support Jill Oberlander for State Senate.
Lynn Markley
Greenwich, CT