I am writing in support of the candidacy of Farhad Khan for Middlebury selectboard. I have known Farhad for years as the helpful and friendly owner of the Dollar Store. But I got to know him personally last year, following an increase in anti-Muslim and anti-Semitic behavior in the wake of the 2016 national election.
Farhad was among the first members of our community to support Havurah, after a swastika was found on its front door. He willingly participated in a “Community Conversation” on the experience of being Muslim in Middlebury, sharing his family’s experiences of more than two decades in Addison County. And, he helped plan a community-wide “Seder of Immigrants” to celebrate Passover, at the Congregational Church last April, where so many shared their own families’ immigrant stories.
So, I was thrilled to support his candidacy last year to fill an interim position on the Middlebury selectboard. He has served our community well in that position, proving himself as a careful listener, interested in hearing all sides of an issue before voting. I am thrilled he has agreed to continue to serve on the selectboard, and hope others will join me in supporting his candidacy.
Emily J. Joselson
Middlebury