Never in the history of New Canaan politics has an attack mailer singled out one individual from a slate of Board of Education candidates for derision. This kind of personal targeting is not only unnecessary — it’s harmful to the civility and community spirit that make our town special.
Disagreeing on policy is one thing; launching personal attacks is another. New Canaan deserves better than this kind of politics. Our children are watching, and we should model the respect and integrity we hope to see from them.
Local government depends on volunteers. Board of Education members are not paid; they serve because they care. That’s why the attack on Julie Toal is so disheartening. The Democratic Town Committee claimed she only attended 40% of meetings. In truth, she has a 94% attendance rate. To arrive at their number, her opponents even counted meetings where she was a minute late as absences.
Julie Toal, a Republican, has fought successfully for school resource officers in every school, founded New Canaan Unplugged to reduce student phone dependence, supported Let Grow to foster independence, and pushed for more recess to improve focus.
Public service should be encouraged, not punished. False attacks make people think twice before stepping forward. This is not a partisan issue — it’s a civic one. We must protect the dignity of service and base our judgments on facts, not negative flyers written, I am sorry to say, by what appears to be school yard bullies. Julie Toal’s attendance and contributions are public record. The Democratic Town Committee owes both her and this community an apology — and more respect for the volunteers who keep New Canaan strong.
Sincerely,
C. Liberty
