2007 Elections - Whose in, Whose out, and Why

[prezz]

I know there is already a forum dedicated to the next election cycle but with it already being 4 pages I feel it is getting a little much. I wanted to start fresh with everyone to get ideas on who should run and why. Even if you only have an idea of the kind of person who should run that would definitly help the conversation.

So far I have heard Giardina and Pascarella may be running for re-election. I don't know much about Giardina but I had the pleasure to meet Doug and he seems like a nice enough guy. He seemed thoughtful and brings in the voice of someone still fresh out of the district which is interesting to me.

What does everyone else think?

[Go Plainedge!]

Hmmm, ok I'll bite. Although it seems like you may be considering running. Here goes.

I believe this community needs someone that

1. is assertive
2. is knowledgeable of the school education laws
3. is EXTREMELY comfortable with budgeting
4. is not afraid to speak their mind
5. is not afraid of making suggestions
6. is not afraid to stand up for what they believe in
7. has the community's and children's best interest in mind
8. votes on issues based on their knowledge and NOT how someone tells them to vote
9. is not afraid to be the one questioning the administration and be the minority on an issue.

This community has had the opposite of the above for too long in the past.

As far as the two candidates you mention....we are grateful for the time they have committed. No one asked them to commit the amount of time they have. They did this on their own. Being a member of the BOE is not an easy roll to assume. However, I believe it's time for them to move on.

[thewildrover]

Hey GP,

You've nailed it 1 through 9!!!

[prezz]

I'm not running don't worry ;D

[prezz]

I am just trying to get a better understanding of things on the local level. I listen every year and vote how I vote but I want a better insight. There are certain qualities I hold highly and others I do and I am trying to see what ppl more versed in this than I think.

[patriot2415]

Prezz, I wrote this last year:

If I were running for the board:

1. I would state in no uncertain terms my position on academics/extra curricular activities.

2. I would reach out to a few financial experts in the community to review the budget. Gather their "professional" opinion on all the line items.

3. I would hold 2-3 open forums where I would gather input from the community on topics that are critical to them.

4. develop a "PAIN POINT" list of issues

5. develop an action plan to address those points

As to why people would vote for me.. TEAMWORK and Empowerment, that would be my platform.

Teamwork - For the community to be successful, there needs to be common goals, and there needs to be sacrifice at every level. The bond that was started this year with the Administration, BOE and the Community needs to be strengthened every year. We cannot function as separate groups anymore, fighting ourselves is not an option anymore.

Empowerment - I would lobby for BOE meeting separate from the administration. BOE/Community meeting where people can voice their issues and concerns not based on the "AGENDA", but what is on their mind. I would want input from the community on subjects not only surrounding the finance of the budget, but what administrators we may want to keep/replace/need, what positions will/ will not be given tenure, contracts..etc. This will provide the community a voice on how THEIR money is spent. The community will feel empowered. Maybe what they want will not always be the final decision, but they will have a voice.

Just my thoughts ...!!!!

To add a few, I would take a firm stance on contracts and bonus payouts. I have said a few times, the children took hits for 3 years with cut programs, the residents pay the bulk of the tax. We need the teachers union and the administration to come to the table and act as true partners and share the pain. Plainedge is a great school district to work in and they should all embrace the opportunity. I'm sure if our pay scale was a little less, not much, but a little less, we would still get the quality educator to work in the district.

At the end of the day, It's our children, our district, our home and most certainly our MONEY!!!!

[devilsrus]

What?...Oh NO!....Its happening again!!.....First the signs...then the meetings....then the flyers...then a committed community consolidating energies to kids.......VOTE YES!!!.....RIDE THE WAVE!!!!