Letters

I’ve been fortunate to meet many of my Wainscott neighbors and engage in robust conversations about our community in recent months. For those I haven’t met, I’m the mother of two young children, a Wainscott resident and a candidate for the Wainscott Common School District’s Board of Trustees this May 16.

I’ve been dedicated to my community and kids for my whole life. I volunteered as a middle school “homework helper,” saved babysitting money to sponsor a child in need, joined two high school community service clubs, and taught life skills to young girls while in college.

I dedicated my career to nonprofit organizations serving young people and spent the last 10 years working directly in education. I’ve led long-term strategic planning, raised millions of dollars for worthy causes, trained hundreds of executive directors, held fundraisers, and much more. I’m currently pursuing an MBA, which has the bonus of extra time with my own children. 

In the 10 years that I’ve lived in Wainscott, I’ve supported many local organizations, including Project Most, Maureen’s Haven and Goat on a Boat puppet theater, whose board I co-chair. My husband or I join every Wainscott Citizens Advisory Committee and School Board meeting. I’ve attended the school’s holiday concert, Easter egg hunt, mystery reader Friday, and more.

The leadership that I bring to everything I do:

1. Centers kids, families, and community.

2. Orients toward solutions and a sense of possibility.

3. Is open, welcoming, and proactively partners with stakeholders.

I’d be remiss not to address the letter sent to Wainscott residents by the incumbent questioning my intent, though I wish I didn’t have to. I’m proud of the time I spent supporting the Community Housing Fund proposition (which won by 68 percent in East Hampton and 63 percent in Wainscott). Through that process, I made meaningful connections with many residents, the town boards and our state assemblyman.

It’s disappointing and hurtful that anyone would diminish my role as a parent, education advocate and invested community member to a single, fabricated agenda based on that work.

I invite voters to research both candidates and make your own decision on whose background raises questions of integrity and intent for the future of Wainscott.

I’m hopeful that voters see the many dimensions of my candidacy and that my only goals are to ensure that every child receives an excellent education and that every family feels valued in that experience.

If you have questions about my candidacy or thoughts on the challenges we’re facing, I welcome you to reach out (melaniejeanhayward@gmail.com). Most importantly, please vote for your district’s school budget and board! Wainscott’s polls are open at the schoolhouse from 1:30 to 8 p.m. on May 16.

Melanie Hayward

Wainscott