Maureen Williams Running For Easton Region 9 Board Of Education

EASTON, CT — The state Municipal Election is Tuesday, Nov. 2.

Patch contacted candidates to answer questions about their campaigns.

Democrat Maureen Williams, 57, is running for Region 9 Board of Education in Easton.

Occupation: Attorney

Family: Sons Christopher age 30 and Jonathan age 28 and daughter Hannah age 24.

Experience: Region 9 Board of Education

Family in government: no

The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it:

The single most pressing issue is insuring collaborative, non-partisan environments for working regional school boards. I can and have as a current board member worked collaboratively with my fellow board members to make certain our children's educational needs are served, and first and foremost.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I am better able to enter the fray than my non-incumbent Republican challenger. I am assertive, and I bring a range of techniques used as an attorney to the process to make certain our members work cooperatively and understand the intended (and sometimes unintended) consequences of our collective work. I also in my work as an attorney have a better sense of risk-balance for our actions than some, and am of sincere help on negotiation committees and policy committees.

Accomplishments:

In the past 4 years, we as a board have encountered most known (and a few unexpected) challenges, among them contract negotiations, central office personnel searches, building projects, and, of course, COVID-19 and all the related changes, temporary and permanent, to our system. We have a wealth of experience from the crisis management of the past 2 years, and are confident, capable, and throughout, conscientious, and in our work.

Other issues:

Kids first. I want to make sure that a small, vocal minority of people, local to the Towns of Easton and Redding, do not have an oversized influence on our local boards. Some, though not all, do not have children in the system, and do not seem to have an agenda other than disruption and agitation. We need to get back to the business of governance, not management, of the schools and back to the reality of serving the constituents that really count, the kids. We also, when serving the kids, and should always err on the side of safety when it comes to Covid-19 protocols.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I believe EVERYONE should have the courage of their convictions but the WISDOM to leave room to BE WRONG. That means that I tend to make decisions prudently, carefully, thoughtfully, and after consideration of the facts in front of me. I avoid speculation, about issues and people, because it doesn't generally produce sound outcomes or solid relationships. I wish to be seen as someone who listens carefully, works collaboratively, but absolutely is willing to stand up for what is right, and necessary, and especially where children and youth are concerned.