Dear Editor:
On November 7, New Canaan voters have the opportunity to restore to our Board of Education the necessary balance, thoughtfulness, and laser focus on the issues that most impact our schools. The way to do this is simple, but critical: vote for—and only for—incumbent Brendan Hayes and Lauren Connolly Nussbaum to the four-year seats, and Josh Kaye for the two-year seat.
Voting for only these three (even though you can technically vote for up to five candidates) will maximize the chance that they win their seats. In other words, every vote for another candidate essentially “cancels” out the vote for one of these three. If you are committed to electing these three exemplary candidates, vote ONLY for them.
Above all, Brendan, Lauren, and Josh are the most qualified candidates. Brendan has been the BOE for eight years, serving as both Chairman and Vice Chairman during his tenure. A dedicated parent of three, he has balanced fatherhood with a successful finance career while also volunteering significant time to our schools. Among his many strengths, Brendan has an unparalleled understanding of the BOE’s massive budget, and, critically, is masterful at explaining it to those who don’t have the same depth of knowledge. (No one gets or explains the BOE health insurance fund as correctly and succinctly as Brendan.) It is so important that he is re-elected.
Lauren was made for this role. If you have or had a child at New Canaan Community Preschool, South Elementary or Saxe, or played rec softball, soccer, or basketball at the Y, or has special needs, or performed in NEAD’s annual Nutcracker; or if you were in Young Women’s League or Newcomers, or participated in the National Charity League or the effort to “Renovate the Dome” at NCHS; or you attend church at St. Aloysius—then you know Lauren. And as you know, in a town full of dedicated volunteers, Lauren is one of the most selfless and considerate. She will bring the same energy and commitment to the BOE, having the best interests of all students top of mind.
Josh grew up in neighboring Wilton and knows the value of excellent schools. A graduate of Wesleyan University and Duke University Law School, Josh moved to New Canaan with his wife and two young kids during the pandemic and immediately began volunteering, now sitting on the town’s Ethics Board. Josh will bring his experience as a litigator at a prestigious NYC law firm to bear as a member of the BOE, where educating yourself on the various sides of an issue is of tantamount importance.
Simply put, Brendan, Lauren, and Josh are the very best candidates to further strengthen our schools, challenge them to propel our students to their highest potentials, and protect them from the noise outside New Canaan. They will focus not on solutions in search of problems, but rather solve for the very real issues facing our students and schools in a collaborative and proactive manner.
I know who I will be voting for—and only for—on November 7 for the BOE: Brendan Hayes, Lauren Connolly Nussbaum, and Josh Kaye. I urge you to do the same.
Hilary Ormond
