In a letter to the editor, Hoboken resident Carolyn Buntic explains why she’s voting for Leslie Norwood and her running mates on the “Leadership that Listens” team in the non-partisan November 8th board of education race.
Over the past 5 years, I’ve gotten to know Leslie Norwood, her husband Paul, and her two sons. Whether we’re in Hoboken having coffee, or camping in the woods with our families,
I’m consistently impressed by Leslie. She’s smart, funny, and a straight shooter. The daughter of immigrants from Ireland and Brazil, she’s worked very hard for everything she has and has stayed grounded.
That may be one of the reasons she’s so quick to step up for others.
A while ago, I mentioned to Leslie that the Cub Scouts of Hoboken would be able to do more if they had more leaders. Her response? She stepped right up – even with her busy schedule, she took all the classes needed to be a den leader and did her training.
And she was all in. I’ll never forget her broad smile as she showed up to the Memorial Day parade in full regalia to lead her group, wearing one of her amazing hats.
Leslie is always willing to roll up her sleeves and make things happen. She’s not just a talker, she’s a doer.
I have always been impressed by her knowledge about the education system here in Hoboken, and how she advocates for children through her work on the board of the Hoboken Public Education Foundation.
After five years on the board of HPEF, she has a very real sense of the needs of our District schools, and she’s already been instrumental in addressing some of them.
While my children are currently at a local charter school, I believe that strong District schools make for a stronger community.
We all want the best education for all of Hoboken’s kids. I trust Leslie to always act in the best interest of HPS students, to step up for the District, and to be “all in” – because that’s who she is.
I hope you’ll join me in voting for Leslie and her slate: 2, 3, 4, on November 8th!
Carolyn Buntic
Hoboken resident