NewCanaanite.com will publish endorsement letters for this local election through Oct. 27. Send letters to editor@newcanaanite.com.
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My name is Bill Walbert, and the first thing I would like to offer is a hearty thank you to all of our neighbors who are running for town office. This is a well run town, made more so because of the thoughtful, consensus building efforts of our elected officials. Which brings me to my endorsement of Penny Young, Scott Gress, Pavia Levin and Arvind Bajaj. As a former Chairman of the Town Council, I always appreciated a mix of established experience and fresh insights. These candidates provide both. In addition, a vibrant and responsive TC requires members who genuinely want to work with others and listen to all members of our community. These four candidates are running for the right reasons, and they have earned my support.
Bill Walbert
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I write this letter in my individual capacity but have also been a member of New Canaan’s Board of Education for 10 years and am a former Chairman. The vast majority of our residents have moved to New Canaan for our outstanding public schools. Our schools’ excellence has come as a result of significant investment decisions by past Boards of Education and Town Government, and the work of dedicated families, fabulous teachers, staff and world class administrators. Among my most important takeaways from years on the BOE is that our elected leaders need to avoid messing them up! When we have an outstanding administration, teachers and system we need to continue to invest smartly, innovate consistently and avoid historical or political biases, while remaining sensitive to our community’s needs and bringing the best out of every child.
Erica Schwedel, Josh Kaye and Kate Brambilla are dedicated to taking this approach. They know that our public schools are the lifeblood of our town (and, by the way, at top 0.3% nationally ranked, also underpin our property values). They will continue the BOE’s work with our outstanding administration to make careful improvements that help our students succeed happily and healthily. As current Secretary and former Vice Chair of the BOE, Erica has been a highly energetic, inquisitive and dedicated leader during her four years on the BOE. Parents of NCPS students, Josh and Kate will be committed to representing our community in leading our school system. Their approach will reflect our community’s goals of student achievement while supporting innovation and investment to ensure continued excellence. Josh is an accomplished lawyer who is already fully up-to-speed on BOE issues as a result of years of careful study and attendance at BOE meetings. As a result of Kate’s PTC volunteering and Staying Put work, she is well positioned to hit the ground running with an excellent understanding of the workings of our schools and town decision making.
Above all, Erica, Josh and Kate will carefully and independently study the issues and make reasoned decisions, guided by one simple goal – to do what’s best for New Canaan kids. Please join me in voting for them by November 4th.
Brendan Hayes
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I am proud to endorse Kimberly Norton for re-election to the New Canaan Town Council.
As a long-time follower of local politics, I’ve seen many local leaders come and go — but few have demonstrated the dedication, integrity, and steady leadership that Kim brings to public service. She has earned a reputation for doing her homework, asking hard questions, and making decisions based on facts and fiscal responsibility, not political pressure. She is truly the independent voice our town needs.
It is disheartening to see that the New Canaan RTC has made a crucial strategic error by not fully embracing Kim’s candidacy or developing a forward-looking Republican vision for our town. As Tim Klimpl, the New Canaan DTC Chair, recently observed in a letter to the editor, the local Republican party is more focused on internal power struggles than on what’s best for New Canaan. At a time when national politics divide our town, we need leaders who bring us together not divide us. Kim is that person and that leader.
Through it all, Kim has remained above the fray, focused on what truly matters — fiscal prudence, accountability, and getting the best value for our tax dollars. She understands that experience matters more than rubber-stamping Town Hall initiatives. Kim examines every issue with an analytical and thoughtful approach, ensuring decisions serve the long-term interests of our residents.
When others have attempted to undermine her candidacy or pressure others not to support her, Kim has consistently responded with grace, civility, and professionalism.
I urge voters to join me in supporting incumbent Kimberly Norton for re-election to the Town Council — a true public servant with an independent mind who always puts our community first.
Daniel LaGattuta
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There’s a lot of folks out there that support Kim Norton for good reason. New Canaan needs strong-willed representatives who can preserve the essential character of our town, make our schools better while lowering their cost, and protect our property values.
That is perhaps why without a lot of effort, Kim collected 306 signatures to be placed back on the ballot. 306 signatures in just a few days. Only 311 people attended the entire Republican caucus! It is clear that there are many who want to see Kim Norton representing their interests on the Town Council, and for good reason. Kim has an incredible work ethic with a perfect attendance record. She is highly organized. Most importantly, Kim Norton is effective. She gets things done and her professional and civic record shows it.
Kim Norton checks every box for those that should represent the town’s interests. At the very top of the list, Kim is a mother of four kids who attended New Canaan schools and were active across the sports and extracurricular spectrum. Kim Norton has lived in New Canaan for 17 years and as a mother has either led or volunteered for roles of significant benefit to the educational and character-building experience. Kim Norton would be the first to suggest you compare her breadth and depth of New Canaan civic credentials with anyone running for office. Kim Norton’s professional credentials include a doctorate degree, and a career in counseling and forensic psychology. We are always impressed with the amazing people we have in New Canaan. We would be lucky to have Kim representing us.
Please reach out to Kim, get to know her. We are highly confident you will respect her values, humility and motivation to keep New Canaan great.
Dan and Nancy Welch
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Dear Editor:
I write in support of the Republican candidates for Board of Education, Hugo Alves, Phil Hogan and Julie Toal. All are incumbents.
New Canaan Public Schools are in my view the best in the state, and one of the top school systems in the country. This doesn’t just happen. It is the result of outstanding leadership and consistent efforts to improve and maintain our standards. Why then would you want to change this leadership which has been so effective? These leaders deserve the support of all voters, regardless of the voter’s party affiliation.
These three incumbents have tirelessly toiled to ensure that our system will continue to be the best. They have sought to ensure that rigorous academic standards are upheld in our schools. They have sought to allow every student to thrive. And they have been generous with their time in listening to feedback from the community.
Let’s put our kids first and vote for the Republican slate of outstanding Board of Education incumbents.
Paul Knag
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I proudly endorse the entire Row B, Republican, slate for the Board of Education. I have had the opportunity to see their leadership up close over the past few years, providing excellent leadership during the challenges of COVID, recapturing educational levels quickly after the school closure drop, and more recent leadership in pushing back against detrimental educational over-reach by the progressive wing of Row A. What has this leadership slate accomplished?
- The #1 ranked public school system in the state of Connecticut.
- Disciplined fiscal approach to provide the balance between mill rate (taxes) and continued educational investment and excellence
- Focus on core curriculum that made America the #1 educational destination 50 years ago, instead wasting tax-payer dollars on ill-conceived programs like DEI and Social and Emotional Learning that have pushed American global rankings to #30 today
- Parent engagement to ensure the educational standards remain rigorous and focused on high achievement outcomes
A vote for Row B is a vote to continue our town’s commitment to educational excellence and outcomes, a continued vote for #1 rankings. On the other hand, a vote for Row A is to put progressive orthodoxies ahead of core curriculum which will inevitably result in weakening standards and poor outcomes like we are seeing in sister towns and progressive states across the nation.
Carras Holmstead
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I’ve known Kim Norton for almost 15 years — we raised our families together here in New
Canaan through St. Aloysius Religious Education, NCPS, and the National Charity League of NC, a mother–daughter organization.
As an incumbent, Kim is deeply familiar with Town Council procedures — reviewing budgets, evaluating projects, planning and zoning issues, and responding thoughtfully to residents. Your vote for Kim will ensure continuity on Town Council, fiscal responsibility while protecting the value of our schools and properties. She’ll continue to hit the ground running with no learning curve.
I have full faith that Kim will always do the right thing for New Canaan residents, putting our community first above any personal gain. She’s prepared, thoughtful, and never a rubber stamp. We need that kind of integrity and experience on our Town Council.
Please join me in re-electing Kim Norton to the New Canaan Town Council!
Denise Luccarelli
Niche top 25 towns in CT NC not there ?
Do you think it matters what Niche says
Darien has a lower mil rate
Most of us could have moved there
And most of us who have been here
For decades no why we stay
Not like some who move away when there
Last child graduates
One neighbor of mine sold his house the day before their son graduated
One mom who always showed up with
The 40 mom contingency telling
Everyone if we cut not the budget
But the increase in the budget are home
Values would go down left Town
One of our first selectman who never
Saw a budget he didn’t like left Town
The 2007-8 financial crisis cut our
Home values in half
One homeowner who paid 7.5 mil
Sold their home for 3 mil
Not the only one
If it wasn’t for the pandemic and low inventory they would not be were they are today
We are not a education factory
We are not in a arms race to see who
Can spend the most money
If you have a nanny which some of you do
Is there a limit on how much you spend
Or do you need 2 nanny’s instead 1
Again New Canaan not in top 25 towns
In CT to live according to Niche
But what does Niche know
Vote for people who will spend your
Money wisely no matter what party
They belong to
I write to convey my strong support of Julie Toal for the Board of Education. Julie has served on the board with integrity, dedication and a strong commitment to our students and their families. Readers should note that Brendan Hayes has the highest amount of missed meetings in the last four years at 20, compared to 6 for Julie Toal, who is being gaslit by the Democrats on Social Media, when her absences are in line with the rest of the members of the BOE. This behavior is especially concerning given that Julie had a medical condition that had impacted her attendance and the Democrats were also made aware of this fact. Such “win at all costs” behavior to score political points is not respected by this community and speaks volumes.”
We’d never ask anyone to share personal details, but it’s clear that any medical condition referenced took place well before Julie Toal’s first run for the Board of Education in 2021. This really isn’t about personal matters—it’s about showing up for our town. New Canaan deserves board members who are present, prepared, and committed to doing the work for our kids. We all want leaders who care as much about our schools as the families who rely on them every day. It’s time to hold this absentee board member accountable and bring in people who will truly show up for New Canaan.
Wow If being late was the only problem the BOE has
it would be wonderful — there some strange stuff going on
with the board — more later
Jenn – we get it you have your talking points. The problem is they are false and it is absurd. It is well documented that Hayes has been late for over 30% of BoE meetings as well. Kudos for the Republican slate for continuing to deliver the #1 school ranking in state. Whilst Dem led states and towns continue their downward trend.
What is your next fallacious talking point handed out by the party pols?
Ms Hladick. “but it’s clear that any medical condition referenced took place well before Julie Toal’s first run for the Board of Education in 2021.”. Not sure what is worse, just throwing accusations which are false and reprehensible or the moral certitude you express when talking about others personal lives. I guess if candidates you support don’t have a successful track record to stand on then all you can do is fabricate uninformed accusations. A bigger person would apologize. Be better for New Canaan.
I’m still waiting for Julie Toal’s reply to readers who asked her to define what she means by “parent rights” during her Q&A with the newcanaanite. Those questions have disappeared from the comment scroll as other stories have been published. Not a reason to avoid answering, in my opinion.
The people who asked were parents with children in the school district. They deserve an answer, as do all of us who care about and support education with our tax dollars.
@jane are you insinuating that parent rights is a bad thing? You don’t want to see and have input on what is being taught? You think it’s right that our juniors are being force fed Howard Zinn drivel for American Civics, a self avowed socialist idealogue? You haven’t seen the numerous instances of grooming books being introduced to K-5 kids across the nation and somehow parents wanting rights to object to what is not core curriculum?
America had the #1 education system in the world up through the 60s… we are now 27th, and it’s not hard to point out why. Any voter who wants to give up their parental and taxpayer right to make sure the right curriculum is being not is doing a disservice to our town and educational system
It’s not what I think “parents rights” means, but what the candidate means by it. Mr. Holmstead, I see that you are a member of the RTC. People are not asking for you to answer, but for your candidate to respond.
The New Canaan School system is transparent, accessible and open to parents at every level. Why won’t Julie Toal be specific about what “parent rights” she is talking about now?
With all the questions about “national influence”in this campaign it’s fair to ask about a term that is associated with a well-funded right-wing national movement. We are asking someone who has oversight over our education system to be clear and accountable in her use of language, especially around words that can be perceived as “coded.”
I am a close friend of Julie Toal. This is a vile comment. I can assure you, Julie had major surgery in ‘22 and ‘23. This is a false accusation, Jenn. Talk about a new low for the Town of New Canaan. Do better.
Jenn, I’m Julie’s husband, and this is my first comment here. I need to correct the record. Julie underwent major surgeries in 2022 and 2023. Also, she has never had a personal conversation with you. Your false statement is defamatory, and constitutes libel.
So mean spirited that someone would use private information as a taking point in a local political campaign. Im sorry that you and Julie have to deal with this nonsense. Thank you for your commitment to making New Canaan a better community.
I am not making any moral judgements and I would never question a person needing to focus on their health and their family. But pointing out an elected official’s actual track record is a valid thing to do during an election. I am simply encouraging people to vote for candidates who are willing and able to commit to the job because I think it’s an important one.
You make a valid point on fitness for office. We just finished 4 years with a President that was neither mentally nor physically fit to do the job required.
Every accusation is a confession with some folks.
So your comment “but it’s clear that any medical condition referenced took place well before Julie Toal’s first run for the Board of Education in 2021.” does not imply that Ms Toal was lying about her personal medical issues during her term? I think what your statement is meant to imply should be perfectly clear to any reader. But please continue making excuses for your insensitive and inaccurate comment.
When you refer to track record are you referring to the best school district in CT or our 3 elementary schools being ranked 1, 2 and 3 in the state?
Or perhaps, as you claim, Ms Toal is unfit to serve because her attendance rate is not acceptable to you. Then how is another member, whose record on attendance is worse, perfectly fine serving on the board. His attendance record was just as bad going into the last election cycle but that was apparently not an issue. Actually, if you really value attendance and tardiness so much perhaps you should speak to this BOE member and suggest they step down because he evidently cannot dedicate the time and focus you feel necessary.
Wo Wo Wo! Typical DTC diversion. Speaking about personal medical history and some tardiness to divert from the fact that Row A BOE candidates support pornographic books in the school libraries using the ridiculous defense of freedom of speech. No! I call that taking the childhood away from children and indoctrination of still developing minds. So let us focus on the important issues Tim instead of your psychobabble.
Thank you
Evil, but hilarious: “it is clear that any medical condition…”
Response: “I’m not going to ask, but. . .” it is clear that brain damage occured before that post was written.
Julie Toal is the most valuable person on the BOE, and the attacks on her are reflection of that status. She is a New Canaan treasure.
Keep up the great work Julie!