I voted for Kate West to represent me on the Concord School Board. I am a resident of Ward 4 and I met Ms. West before the election. I also knew that her candidacy was supported by people I trust. I am angry that the Concord School Board has taken away my vote and my voice on the school board. Homelessness should not invalidate a representative from serving. Ms. West and her family are experiencing a time of homelessness, like too many of our neighbors. This doesn’t mean she is disqualified from representing the constituents who elected her.

Concord has a tight and expensive housing market. The McKinney-Vento Act protects homeless children. They cannot be thrown out of school they attended when housed. Ms. West should be afforded similar protection. She should be taken at her word that she intends to live in Zone A once she is able to find stable housing in Zone A. She has stated that she has a present intent to remain in Zone A. Homelessness should not be used to oust her from her elected position.

Megan De Vorsey

Concord

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