In May of 1945, my great Uncle liberated Holocaust victims from Ebensee, Austria. He recalled the survivor’s hope and gratitude to be in stark contrast with their emaciated bodies, collapsing from weakness as they walked to the showers. This harrowing experience haunted my Uncle for the rest of his life.

Three days before Christmas, my sister was admitted to the hospital with Covid. On Dec. 26, she was put on a ventilator, suffering in isolation for 16 more days as her lungs deteriorated. She was finally allowed visitors on day 20 post diagnosis, but never regained consciousness. On Jan. 19, I held my sister’s hand for the last time, as the random and arbitrary beast called Covid took her life away.

For the past year, a handful of individuals have wreaked havoc at our Board meetings through an orchestrated campaign of hate and fear. They compare their resistance to mask mandates with Rosa Park’s courage during the Civil Rights movement. They insinuate that Covid is a harmless virus, and that wearing a mask is an emotionally devastating form of child abuse.

Wearing a mask in certain situations, or following clearly stated rules and regulations is a form of social responsibility. Watching someone die on a ventilator is emotional devastation.

Comparing anti vaxxers of today, with Jewish citizens during World War 2 is unconscionable. One group was persecuted for their heritage, while the other seeks to protect their personal civil liberties, under the freedom that soldiers like my Uncle ensured for them.

The constant disruptions and continued focus on masking at our school board meetings has taken a toll on us all. Despite intense, targeted pressure, I have remained steadfast in my goals.

I have never been influenced by any group or individual.

My decisions have always been made based on research, data analysis, and what I believe to be in my constituent’s best interests. My primary agenda was to keep our schools open, our students safe, and in our buildings; being instructed by live educators.

When I expressed personal disgust over a pornographic passage what was read for shock value at a meeting late last fall, I became the target of a small yet disruptive group of ‘insurgents’ as they call themselves.

Weeks later, three fellow board members allowed the person who originally read this vulgar content to verbally attack me and say heinous things about my daughter Jaiden.

After the recent passing of my sister, those same three members did not offer one word of acknowledgement or condolence.

Compassion is the very essence of moral character, it is what makes us human and allows a true democracy to flourish. Working together toward a common cause, and supporting each other in our perils, regardless of, and despite, our individual differences.

It is imperative our school board be allowed to focus on the essential business at hand. It is time to put a stop to the relentless interruptions, unprovoked heckling, orchestrated chaos, and guerilla tactics employed by the few.

As you enter the polls on March 8 to elect two new school board members, I urge you to consider moral fiber, history of actions, or inactions, strength of will, and strength of character as you vote.

I fully support Jason St. Jean and Noah Boudreault for the Milford School Board. Both men are independent thinkers, not influenced by outside groups, without personal agendas, and they will make informed, data-driven decisions based on what is in the best interest of the Milford School District and the students.

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve my community for the past three years. I thank you for the opportunity.

In the words of Charmaine J. Forde “When they treat you unkind and attempt to ruin your day, stop, pray and walk away.”