Letter to the editor from Beverly Israely, New York
I am writing to tell you about the character of my friend of almost 45 years, Jill Oberlander, a candidate for First Selectman in Greenwich. The people of Greenwich will not find a more committed, harder working and collaborative First Selectman than Jill.
As long as I have known her, Jill has never done anything in a half-hearted way. From her high school job working at Carvel, through her college jobs and internships and post-college, post-law school jobs, Jill’s commitment to serving
her community has been unmatched. In addition, she has a great capacity for empathy and cooperation, as she has demonstrated as the Chair of the BET.
In this age of partisan politics, I am often struck by Jill’s openness to hearing other voices. She works hard to find common ground so that all perspectives are taken into consideration.
In her decision to run for First Selectman, Jill thought hard and long about what it would mean–particularly the impact it would have on her teenage children. In the end, she decided that using her knowledge and experience to serve her community was important in and of itself and would also demonstrate to her children and others how important it is to be a part of something larger than oneself. And nobody will work harder than Jill.
If you are as I lucky as I am to have known Jill for so long, you will have seen her many endearing characteristics. She’s compassionate, loyal, humble and very funny! She also has the intellectual power, interpersonal skills, integrity and experience to serve the people of Greenwich.
If you haven’t met her yet, you should. I have no doubt you’ll see a wonderful woman who you would be lucky to call your friend and your First Selectman!
Beverly Israely
New York