Letter: Show Confidence in Jeanne Downs With Votes

Editor's Note: For a full collection of support letters for this candidate, click on her hyperlinked name at the bottom of this letter under "Related Topics."

To the Wayland Community,

We write to encourage you to vote for Jeanne Downs in her run for a seat on the School Committee.

If you are lucky enough to know Jeanne, you are already keenly aware of her intelligent, calm, open-minded and caring nature.  

Maybe you've been fortunate to have worked with her in the PTO, volunteering at the schools, Wayland Jr. Warriors Swim Team, building the new Town Pool or any one of a long list of initiatives she successfully leads. Then you have experienced her dedication, humility, organized and focused (but fun) approach.

If you don't know her, ask someone who does! You will hear them speak of a community-focused, consensus building, team player.

Personally, our family has been grateful to Jeanne Downs for so much. She has coached our kids on swim team for years and shown them how to work hard for personal growth. Jeanne does not simply manage these hundreds of young swimmers, she challenges them and compassionately teaches them how to celebrate success and face doubt and fear. I've seen her encourage a WHS senior to improve their award-winning score and then turn to a shaky, tearful 1st grader and talk them through diving into their very first race.  

Jeanne has been a tireless mentor to me in our work on the PTO. In her leadership role, she keeps us on track toward our goals, but remains flexible and always open to new ideas. She has a thorough understanding of school finances and does not let political pressures veer efforts away from what is best for the kids. She works realistically within our budget and is able to help us weigh priorities, when necessary.

Jeanne is one of those persons who has quietly helped to build our community, but never wants accolades. Instead, let's show our support with votes, enabling Jeanne to continue and expand her service to our community on the School Committee. It's not enough to be thankful that she is running, we need to do our part and get out and vote for her!

On April 2nd let's show our confidence in Jeanne Downs with votes!

Tracy and David Scheidemantel
Old Connecticut Path

Check out coverage of Wayland's 2013 Town Election, including all the Letters to the Editor, on our topic page, Wayland Town Election 2013.