Politics & Government

UPDATE: Who's Shelly Skoglund Endorsing? It's Complicated

Endorsements by Shelly Skoglund, Royle PTO Chair, appear complicated.

Editor's note: This article has been updated several times as we tried to understand just what was going on.

Shelly Skoglund, the Royle School Parent Teacher Organization chair, wants to make it clear who she's endorsing and who she's not endorsing, but it's a little confusing.

Skoglund posted a letter to Darien Patch endorsing Christa McNamara. She also says in a later announcement that she posted on Darien Patch she allowed the Shelly Silsby campaign to use a statement as a "testimonial on my behalf." Skoglund doesn't exactly say that she's simply endorsing Silsby, but the Silsby campaign says she is.

But Skoglund says in that when the Silsby-Sullivan campaign published her quote in a joint campaign mailing for Silsby and Callie Sullivan (a Democrat also running for Board of Education), use of the quote made it look like Skoglund was endorsing Sullivan, as well.

But the Silsby campaign begs to differ. It's simply a statement of support for Shannon Silsby, the campaign says: "Ms. Skoglund's quote only supports Ms. Silsby and was approved by her for usage. Since it is a direct quote, it is clear that her endorsement on the mailer is only for Ms. Silsby," wrote Cassandra Hegarty in an email today to Darien Patch.

Here's the statement used in the Silsby-Sullivan mailing, according to Hegarty:

"I have had the pleasure of working closely with Shannon Silsby on the Royle PTO Executive Board. Shannon is driven, creative and flexible. She has a unique ability to always bring a fresh perspective to any situation. She is sensitive to the needs of those around her and is willing to compromise to build consensus" - Shelly Skoglund, Royle PTO Co-Chair

In the statement Skoglund posted to Darien Patch, she also has nice things to say in about Republican candidate David Martens. But she doesn't state that she's endorsing him, either.

"As a current PTO chair who was supporting candidates from both parties I was really trying to stay out of the politics of this election" Skoglund said in that second statement.

Darien Patch has left a telephone message with Skoglund asking for further clarification, but as far as we can figure out (and this article has been rewritten as we try to understand the subtle gradations of Skoglund's statements) here's the scorecard:

  • McNamara (R): Clear endorsement.
  • Silsby (D): Likes her and praises her and lets her use a favorable statement about her in campaign literature, but doesn't use the word "endorsement."
  • Martens (R): Has nice things to say about him.
  • Sullivan (D): Is definitely not endorsing.

Update 5:31 p.m.: Shelly Skoglund responded to Darien Patch's inquiries about her position with this email (quoted in part):

I did post the [second] letter in the Speak Out section.  In that [second] letter I clarified that I was supporting Christa McNamara and not Callie Sullivan.

Nowhere did I claim that I rescinded my endorsement of Shannon. My two votes are accounted for.

I don't have anything further to add than what I stated in my letter.
Since all of this has happened, it has come to my attention that due to our PTO's designation as a 503-c I cannot list my title "Royle PTO co-chair" in any political endorsements.
CORRECTION: In attempting to describe Shelly Skoglund's statements, Darien Patch initially reported Skoglund indicated she was not endorsing Silsby.


***

Here's a copy of Skoglund's entire statement posted in the "Speak Out" part of the Darien Patch "Boards" section of announcements:

The entire town received the mailer Friday from the Silsby/Sullivan campaign and I feel it is absolutely necessary to clarify my position as presented in the piece.  I am NOT nor was I ever supporting Callie Sullivan for the Board of Education.  I AM supporting Christa McNamara

I was truly dismayed to see my testimonial positioned in such a way as to suggest otherwise.

I have been a supporter of Christa McNamara for BOE since the day she told me she was running.   


I truly believe her to be the best candidate in the race.  For the past three years we have regularly attended BOE, CDSP and PTO meetings side by side.  We often share ideas and concerns about our school system. Christa is smart, engaged, perseverant and responsive. 

At last week's debate she clearly demonstrated her content expertise over all other candidates.  My endorsement of her is whole-hearted.  She will be a wonderful asset to the Board of Ed and will help us to move forward from this current crisis.  She will help us recapture our sense of pride in our community.

I did give Shannon permission to use my testimonial on her behalf and I did not ask to see the final copy before it was distributed so I accept my culpability in this matter.  

I have received apologies from Shannon and assurances that this was unintentionally done and I am willing to accept that and move on.
 
As a current PTO chair who was supporting candidates from both parties I was really trying to stay out of the politics of this election.  However, I couldn't allow this miscommunication to potentially influence anyone's decisions.

We are so fortunate to have such strong candidates offering their service this year.  I have had the opportunity to spend time with David Martens as well and I think he would be an incredible asset to the board.

His skill set is a great complement to those already seated on the board and he brings the perspective of a parent of high school age children and his many years of experience on the RTM education committee.
 
I encourage all of you to take some time to form your own opinions about this years candidates and please come out to vote on Tuesday.  

Shelly Skoglund











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