OP-ED: Open Letter to the Connetquot Community

As many of you are aware, there has been a lot of discussion about a lawsuit I filed almost five years ago. The issue of this lawsuit was raised in an attempt to discredit me and frustrate my attempts to serve on the school board. Given the fact that the issue has been raised I now feel compelled to explain what has transpired.

I chose to speak up several years ago about an unfair hiring practice. I believed the practice to be wrong, and chose to shed light on an issue when no one else would. Unfortunately, my family and I were then targeted and I had no other choice but to file a lawsuit to protect my rights. I would think that the willingness to speak on a subject that many felt was wrong but were too concerned to speak about is a quality that families would want in a board member. Instead, some in the community have sought to weaponize my actions.

You should not allow this to occur. I have faithfully served this community for over 20 years. I have worked as a football coach and been a board member because I care about the students and the families. I have worked for this community because I believe in it and want only what is best. I believe that I am the best candidate because I am willing to speak up when no one else is. I am willing to speak up when it is not necessarily the popular thing to do. I hope you can see past the ugliness of these smear tactics and elect me.

I spoke with publisher Terry Tuthill today, and he was apologetic for the question about the lawsuit and said it was not appropriate. He understood why I was hesitant to answer the questions. He recognized there was a miscommunication, and understood that I would feel misled.

Respectfully,
Mark Warshaw, Connetquot School Board of Education candidate