Zoning Commission Alternate, Nick Hale: October 27, 2023

To the Editor:

I am a 21-year-old UConn Student running for Zoning Commission alternate. I was motivated to run by the discourse I saw in our town regarding building new housing. I witnessed constant scare tactics about how the planned projects on Main Street were destructive to our town's character. Though I strongly disagree with these arguments, I understand why some residents feel this way. I don't know what it's like to have a neigborhood you've lived in for decades radically change. My parents' part of West Road is practically indentical to how it was when we first moved here in 2005.

The only perspective I can offer is my own, that of a young person who grew up in Marlborough. Our town is totally, utterly unaffordable. There is no reasonable priced housing that I could rent to remain close to family and friends. Though apartments are in the planning stage, will those options be affordable for youge professionals, recent graduates, young families? No appartments, no townhouses, no condos, and no ADU's in the price range of someone just entering the real world. And whenever any of the above is proposed to be built here, the pitchforks come out. The ensuing discussio is dominated by fear, anger and obstruction.

What we need is a cheerleader for new housing on the Zoning Commission. Someone who promotes its benefits, instead of fear-mongering. Years of opposition to housing has made this beautiful town unaffordable and unable to attract new residents and families, but it is never too late to change course. It is never too late to vote for a new approach.

Respectfully submitted,

Nick Hale - Marlborough

MES Board of Education, Jean Lorelle Wilson: October 13, 2023

To the Editor:

All education is facing challenges. Some of these include school safety, erasing COVID-era learning deficits, computer security, AI usage policies, and a lack of air conditioned school buildings, as well as technological challenges. As a candidate running for the Marlborough Board of Education this fall, I believe that be working collaboratively in our community, we can find solutions for these issues.

I have worked in education for over 30 years as a teacher and trainer and bring expertise in instructional technologies. I am an instructional technologist and a specialist in online teaching technologies. Instructional technologist work closely with teachers to help them reach learning goals.

While I am well-versed in computer technologies, I have a master's in education, not computer science, because education should always lead technology and not the other way around. For years, I ran Blackboard, an online learning platform at a nearby private university and I helped faculty apply best practices for applying a variety of technologies in teaching and learning, including teaching online. Before that, I built and put online a university cable TV station, where I mentored and advised students. These experiences have taught me how extremely important it is for teachers to understand the uses, strengths, and concerns that technology brings to education.

I am hoping for the opportunity to give back and share my technological expertise with the faculty at MES. I have previous board experience, having served four years on the RHAM Board of Education, so I understand how vital a Board of Education is and how it works, Please vote for me in the upcoming Nov. 7 election so we may contiinue to uphold the tradition of excellence at MES.

Jean Lorelle Wilson - Marlborough

Tax Collector, Barbara Lazzari: October 13, 2023

To the Editor:

My name is Barbara Lazzari and I am running for tax collector for the Town of Marlborough. Many of you know me as the chair of the Marlborough Parks and Recreation Commission or maybe you remember me as the chairperson of the Blish Park Playscape Renovation Committee. What many of you may not know is that I am a former tax collector and assistance town clerk of the Town of Wethersfield. My experience in the Tax Office in Wethersfield will be valuable in this position of tax collector of the Town of Marlborough. I am also a broker associate with William Raveis Real Estate and have gained extensive knowledge of municipal government including land records, assessment, and tax information need to assist buyers and sellers. I feel I have the experience and knowledge needed to perform the duties of the tax collector and I have the passion to execute the duties of the tax collector for the betterment of the Town of Marlborough.

I am asking for your vote on Nov. 7 and I assure you that I will do my very best to fulfill the duties of the tax collector and the Town of Marlborough.

Thank you,

Barbara Lazzari - Marlborough