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10/27/2021 08:00 AM

With Passion and Dedication


There’s been much said online and in public forums about my dual roles on the Regional Board of Education (BOE) and Board of Selectman (BOS). I am humbled by the outpouring of support and disheartened by personal attacks.

Two years ago, I was approached to run for the BOS; I was honored and agreed. At the time, because I was a member of the Regional BOE, I did my due diligence and discussed the situation with the first selectman and the lawyer who represents the BOE. I was told by both parties that there was no reason I couldn’t hold both positions. I won the election and served with complete devotion.

The wording in the charter has not changed in the past two years, nor has the definitions outlined in the charter. Therefore, why now does the definition of those words suddenly take on a different meaning? There was a recent legal opinion against holding both roles and this is being challenged—challenged because it has been acceptable for me to hold these roles over the past two years. I was elected by this community, so I have a moral imperative to ask the question.

Most shameful is the need to attack me personally, implying I have done something wrong. I have not. To suggest I’ve broken the law is simply wrong. Questioning my integrity and commitment to Killingworth is shameful. Those who know me know that I do not serve and volunteer because I seek acknowledgment. It is exactly this attention that chases people away from public service.

I love this town and Regional School District that educated my children. I served with passion and dedication for the past two and four years respectively. I think it is very important that your readers hear this directly from me.

Eileen Blewett

Killingworth

Republican Eileen Blewett is seeking re-election to the Board of Selectmen and Board of Education.