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- Jackie Geilfuss
- Sep 23
- 4 min read
In moments of public controversy, especially when emotions are running high, it can be difficult to find the right words. But I believe it’s important to show up, to speak directly to the people I serve, and to take responsibility for the impact of my words and action — even when my intent may not have aligned with how they were received.
Last night at the Select Board meeting, I addressed a recent Facebook post of mine that has prompted concern and conversation across our community. What follows is the full statement I shared publicly, because I believe in transparency, dialogue, and being accountable to all residents of Tyngsborough.
My commitment remains to serve with thoughtfulness, impartiality, and empathy. I hope this provides clarity on where I stand, what I believe, and how I plan to continue moving forward in service of our town.
I’m grateful to every resident who took the time to be at the meeting last night. These moments of shared civic life — especially when they’re hard — are what bring us closer to understanding one another.
"Some of you may have seen a recent Facebook post of mine that has been circulating. I understand that some people were bothered or concerned by it, and I want to address that impact directly.
From the beginning of my service on the Select Board, my goal has been to lead with thoughtfulness, impartiality, and empathy. That is why I decided to run in the first place. I had intentional, personal conversations with many of you, including some who called for my resignation this evening. You invited me into your homes.
We shared tea and conversation in your kitchens, dining rooms, and living rooms. We agreed that even if we didn’t share political parties, we would likely still agree on the majority of issues that impact our town and residents. Above all, you placed your trust in me to remain fair, and that commitment continues to guide me in every decision I make.
I know that words can sometimes land differently than we intend. What I want to be clear about is this: my focus has always been — and will remain — serving our entire community with respect and care.
It was never my intention to cause pain, and I understand that some were hurt by what I shared. Trust is built and rebuilt through dialogue, and I welcome conversations with any resident who wants to share their perspective. I’m grateful that residents came tonight to make their voices heard.
Social media is rarely the place for nuanced, two-way conversation, and I have no doubt looking back that this topic would have benefited from a face-to-face discussion. That being said, I want the entire community that I’m honored to serve to hear directly from me and know what I stand for.
Charlie Kirk was a victim of the sickening gun violence that plagues this country. He did not deserve this injustice, and my heart is broken for his family.
At the same time, it is impossible to ignore that his public commentary caused harm to LGBTQIA+ people and others whose lives were often the subject of his debates. For me, and for many others, grief is complicated when legacies are complicated.
In the past week, what we have experienced as a community, together, here in Tyngsborough has played out on the national stage as well. People have spoken about how Mr. Kirk’s commentary in the many years before his murder have impacted them and then faced backlash. In my case, in addition to calls for my resignation, I’ve been at the receiving end of derogatory comments, slurs, increasingly aggressive harassment, and even threats. For the first time, I have questioned my safety in the town I call home, something that I would never wish any of my fellow residents experience.
As a queer and transgender person, I cannot separate myself from a political climate where my rights — and the rights of people like me — are constantly debated. But I entered public service because I believe deeply in this country, and in this community. And I believe every family deserves to feel safe — families like the Kirks, and families like mine.
Like you, I long for a time when violence is no longer part of our lived experience. People, families, and communities are experiencing the impact of this loss in many different ways. I believe that being honest and open about how the actions of public figures impact our lives is a path toward healing. These discussions are not easy, but I feel they are necessary. The discussions can also be made easier when approached with an open mind and open heart, as I know many here in town would agree.
I know some in our community strongly disagree with me and I think we saw that tonight; I respect that and I invite that disagreement. Should I decide to run for re-election, I understand that I will be judged at the ballot box for my words and actions. That democratic process and diversity of thought is the greatest strength of this country, and of Tyngsborough. The five members of this Select Board each bring our own perspectives and lived experiences; we deliberate publicly, challenge each other openly, and vote independently.
My commitment remains the same as it was when I started my service on the Select Board, that within my role as a select person, I will serve my fellow citizens with thoughtfulness, impartiality, and empathy.
I will continue to use my time in office to fight for every citizen, including those who call for my resignation, those experiencing the same insecurities I feel today, and those who aren’t quite sure, but are just hoping for a kinder tomorrow. Thank you."
