Editor’s note: following is an opinion submitted by Westporter Christine Meiers Schatz.

I’m writing to implore Westport residents to vote for Stephen Shackelford for the Board of Education (“BOE”).  I served with Stephen on the RTM and he is one of the smartest, talented, and truly decent individuals that I had the pleasure of working with both there and over the course of my life.  And he’s humble so let me highlight some of his accolades.  Stephen went to Harvard and then Harvard Law School, graduating first in his class.  He then clerked for Justice Stephen Breyer of the Supreme Court of the United States.  Subsequently, Stephen has made a name for himself as one of the most skilled trial attorneys in the area. 

I would support Stephen’s candidacy for any office.  He is one of the rare people in life that is both smart enough to figure out the solution to any issue and has the diplomatic skills needed to bring that solution to fruition.  But Stephen is also uniquely qualified to serve as a BOE member given his prior RTM experience, his four children that have gone through the Westport Public School System, and his vast knowledge of its workings as spouse to a PTA co-president. 

Our BOE will be facing numerous complicated challenges over the next four years, from redistricting to artificial intelligence and beyond.  I trust Stephen Shackelford to make decisions on those issues on behalf of my children and I very much hope he earns your vote as well. 

Christine Meiers Schatz
Marion Road
Westport