Participation Is Powerful: What This Year’s Voter Turnout Says About Pomfret

This year’s Board of Education election in Pomfret looked very different from recent years. We had more candidates on the ballot, higher voter turnout, and, for the first time in a while, voters were able to select four candidates from a field of five. When the structure of a race changes like that, outcomes can shift in ways that percentages alone don’t always explain.

But when you take a closer look at the raw vote totals and the number of candidates involved, one thing becomes very clear:

This community showed up. And our message resonated.

I am deeply grateful for the 496 residents who took the time to vote for me. That number matters. In elections where there are more candidates running, votes naturally spread out across more names — but even so, 496 votes is a stronger raw showing than Republican candidates received in 2023 and 2021. It also falls in line with the competitive ranges from the higher-turnout elections in previous years.

In other words, support for a respectful, balanced, community-focused voice is strong here in Pomfret.

This is not just about numbers. It’s about what those numbers reflect:

• People want transparency.

• People want constructive conversation, not division.

• People want decisions that keep students and families at the center.

  
  

And that is exactly what I will continue to advocate for.

I believe in showing up. I believe in listening. And I believe that our school community is strongest when every voice feels heard and valued — whether we always agree or not.

So thank you — truly — to everyone who voted, asked questions, hosted conversations, attended meetings, reached out, or simply paid attention. Participation is what keeps local government healthy.

This election confirmed something important:

Pomfret cares.

And I care deeply about Pomfret.

I look forward to continuing to work alongside you — respectfully, responsibly, and always with our students’ best interests in mind.

If there is ever something on your mind — a concern, an idea, or even a suggestion — please reach out. This is how community works: together.