NewCanaanite.com will publish endorsement letters for this local election through Oct. 27. Send letters to editor@newcanaanite.com.
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We are proud to endorse Josh Kaye for a four-year term on the New Canaan Board of Education. Josh is a thoughtful, balanced, and deeply committed member of our community who understands what makes our schools exceptional — and what it takes to keep them that way.
Josh believes, as so many of us do, that New Canaan’s public schools are one of our community’s greatest strengths. They are not excellent by accident. They are the result of generations of parents, teachers, and administrators working together, supported by Boards of Education that have consistently put our children’s education and wellbeing ahead of politics. Josh is running to continue that tradition — to ensure our schools remain places where professionalism, local control, and academic excellence guide every decision.
He will bring to the Board a steady hand and a collaborative spirit. He is committed to developing responsible budgets that fund our schools fully and transparently, without waste. He understands that our teachers are professionals who deserve respect, resources, and support to do their best work. And he recognizes that protecting local control means standing up for New Canaan — whether the pressure comes from Hartford or Washington. Josh has been a practicing attorney for nearly 20 years. He spent most of his career as a litigator at a major New York law firm, handling high-stakes commercial disputes and government investigations lawyers are trained to ask tough questions and gather facts. His presence as the only attorney on the Board of Education will leverage these valuable skills.
At a time when public education has become a flashpoint for division in many communities, Josh Kaye offers something refreshingly different: reason, balance, and a clear focus on what truly matters — our kids, our teachers, and the continued excellence of New Canaan’s schools.
We urge our fellow residents to join us in voting for Josh Kaye for the New Canaan Board of Education. Our schools, our community, and our children’s future will be stronger for it.
Susan Edmands & Douglas Walker
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I am proud to support the candidates running for New Canaan Town Council — Hilary Ormond (incumbent), Mike Rodgers, Lina Lee, and Heather Russell — and for the Board of Education — Erica Schwedel (incumbent), Josh Kaye, and Kate Brambilla.
Hilary Ormond, the current vice chair of the Town Council, has earned broad respect and brings proven experience. Lina Lee, Executive Director of the Connecticut Bar Association, combines legal expertise with a record of public service. Mike Rodgers is a long-time resident, small business owner, and former deacon of the Congregational Church who has consistently strengthened our community. Heather Russell, a communications professional at JPMorgan, is raising her young family here and is eager to serve.
On the Board of Education, Erica Schwedel is a respected incumbent whose steady leadership has benefited our schools. Josh Kaye, a highly successful attorney, who lost a tight election two years ago, has shown deep commitment to the quality of local education by running again. Kate Brambilla, a newer resident, has already made a difference through organizations such as Staying Put in New Canaan and would bring energy and thoughtfulness to the Board.
Each of these candidates chose to make New Canaan their home, buying property, investing in the community and its schools. They have children in our public schools, giving them a direct stake in the town’s future.
I respect everyone, from either party, who choose to serve. That said, New Canaan has long been governed primarily by one party. While that continuity has provided stability, it has not been without challenges. The lapse of the 8-30g moratorium, for example — which increased exposure to unwanted development and legal costs — occurred under that leadership. This candidate slate represents dedicated, proven incumbents combined with an opportunity to strengthen local government with fresh perspectives, broadened experience, and careful planning.
They are ready to work hard for our town. I strongly urge you to support them for Town Council and the Board of Education. Vote Row A.
Alan Badanes