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We Have an Opportunity

I am a lifelong resident of Guilford and parent of children currently in the Guilford public school system. I will vote “Yes” to the town budget on April 18 and I hope your readers will, too.

I recently brought my son to see the musical at our high school auditorium. While there, I thought about how not many years ago, I voted “Yes” to approve that building and how I will continue to vote “Yes,” as I know that the current budget continues to support this building.

The second reason I support this budget is because we chose to live in Guilford for the high quality of education our children would receive. As a public school teacher in Connecticut for 17 years, I believe that our children’s education is only as strong as the teachers who are delivering their instruction. We live in a competitive area for public education and for us to keep the best educators in our town, we must offer them a competitive wage. This budget supports reasonable salaries.

Admittedly, the most personal reason I support this budget is because of the $12,000 allotted for a swim team. My 11-year-old began swimming three years ago and we believe this sport has developed qualities in him that no other sport has. I recently read a quote that said, “Swimming does not build character, it reveals character.” He currently swims for the Soundview YMCA and has gained many real life skills through this team.

Of all that Guilford offers to our children, unfortunately, a swim team is not one of them. We have many swimmers in our town, of all ages, and we have an opportunity to give these and so many more children a choice to participate in an incredible sport. Let’s give them the chance to make our town proud.

Marisa Espinosa

Guilford