I first met Rich Cabral when the Board of Education was once again focused on building a much-needed new school for the students of Region 17. He worked tirelessly with other members of the school board and school building committee to find a property for the school and explain why the school was so desperately needed.

I then had the opportunity to work alongside Rich on the Killingworth Scholarship Association where he again worked diligently on behalf of the students of Killingworth. Rich would often attend a Board of Ed. Meeting, attend a Scholarship Committee meeting and then return to yet another BOE meeting. I found him to be forthright, accountable, and truly dedicated.

He was never afraid to take a stand on matters he believed in, even though they might not have been popular with his fellow Board of Education colleagues.

Rich felt not only accountable to the children of R.S.D. 17, but also, to the taxpayers of Killingworth. He often tried to point out where money could be saved without affecting the education of even one child.

His dedication to the BOE was second to none. He involved himself in many, many sub-committees resulting in countless hours of meetings.

All of these traits, and I’m sure others, will only enhance his ability to serve the citizens of Killingworth well. He will be a great asset to the Town as our First Selectman.

It is for these reasons and so many more that I ask you to join me in supporting Rich Cabral by voting for him on November 6.

Fiona Phelan