Himes, Blumenthal Endorse Darien Democratic Board Of Education Candidates

DARIEN, CT — Crystal Hill and Peter Orphanos, the Democratic candidates for the Darien Board of Education, recently received endorsements from U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Rep. Jim Himes (D-4).

In a video posted to Instagram earlier this month, Blumenthal said he was "so proud and excited" to support Hill and Orphanos in the upcoming election, slated for Tuesday, Nov. 3.

There are four total candidates running for the Board of Education and only three seats available. Each voter can only vote for up to two candidates.

Republican incumbent Gregory Grambling is seeking re-election, and newcomer Zachary Fleitman, also a Republican, is running for a seat as well.

"They have the skills, experience, insights and courage for this job, which is probably one of the most difficult and certainly the most important in local government," Blumenthal said of Hill and Orphanos. "And most important, they care. They really care about young people, their futures and their families."

Himes also expressed his support for the two candidates in a video, and pointed to their involvement in service.

Hill has volunteered with various school and local organizations, including Noroton Presbyterian Nursery School, the Tokeneke PTO, Middlesex Parents Association, and the Darien Soccer Association, as well as the Council of Darien School Parents (CDSP), which represents PTOs across the school district.

Orphanos, a former FBI agent/supervisor, has served on the RTM Finance & Budget Committee and the RTM Rules Committee for several years.

Additionally, Sara Parent, who is not seeking re-election to the school board, is also supporting Hill and Orphanos.