Sister Francine Mary's Letter To Gov. Rell

July 20, 2006

Governor M. Jodi Rell
State Capitol
Room 200
Hartford, CT 06106

Dear Governor Rell:

I am enclosing a copy of a photograph taken at the Town of Enfield’s 4th of July parade. It was a pleasure meeting you at that time. It was nice of you to make the effort to participate in our local parade. I thought you would enjoy a copy of the picture.

I am also enclosing, for your review and consideration, a copy of a flyer our school has put together regarding a problem we are having here in Enfield. The flyer explains the problem in detail. After meeting you at the parade, it occurred to me that you might be able to assist us.

We have been struggling with the Town officials over our parking lot for many years now, and the matter does not seem to be nearing a resolution. As you walked along Enfield Street, through the Historic District, I am sure you observed many businesses. Many of these businesses have newer, large parking lots. The town has been attempting to make us discontinue use of our small, unpaved lot that has been in continuous use for decades! They will not allow us to move the parking area so it is out of sight from the street. As you will read in our flyer, our school has been existence for many years and not only serves the Town of Enfield, but 9 or 10 surrounding towns. We have graduated many students who have gone on to lead productive and meaningful lives throughout the State of Connecticut. Our current families, as well as our alumni and faculty, are involved in this campaign to protect our school.

Please take a look at the enclosed flyer. I would be happy to meet with you or your staff to discuss this matter in more detail. As I said earlier, I thought you might be able to assist us in some way. I know you feel strongly about “No Child Left Behind” in Connecticut. A municipal government singling out and challenging a small educational facility that has been in existence for over 60 years seems incongruent with that philosophy. Please help us!

Thank you for your kind attention to this matter.


Sincerely Yours,

Sister Francine Mary