I was upset and embarrassed to see this morning’s letter to the editor from Alicia and Seth Williams. The sign was pulled from that home immediately and I am sorry that this dredged up old wounds. I’ve spent the last three years working hard to be part of a collaborative and productive School Committee, and avoiding becoming involved in some of the ugly politics that have become too much the mark of every spring in this town.
By way of explanation, most campaigns handle sign requests the same way. Requests come in via online forms, emails, texts between acquaintances, etc. and are collected in a spreadsheet. A small group of volunteer supporters help divvy up and place the signs. The sign in question was requested by an individual with a different last name from Mr. Tuvell. I don’t know Mr. Tuvell, wouldn’t have recognized his address, and certainly don’t know who else lives in his household. Nor do I expect that the volunteer who fulfilled the sign request would have any reason to do so.
I’m campaigning for re-election because I’m very proud of the work the School Committee has done, in a nonpartisan way, over the last several years. I hope that the remainder of this campaign season can focus on the important work ahead as we continue to build on the strong momentum for our schools.
Shawn Brandt, Franklin Street
