Stafford Election Profile: Trio Running For Board Of Education
MANAHAWKIN, NJ — Seven people filed to run for three-year terms on the Stafford Township Board of Education. Stafford voters must choose three for the positions. See candidates here.
Patch submitted a question-and-answer form to the candidates. James Curcio, Patricia Formica and Gregory Guido explain why they're running for the Stafford Board of Education.
Contact Josh Bakan at josh.bakan@patch.com for information on getting featured in a candidate's profile. Patch will put together all submissions in a voter guide.
Candidates
James Curcio aka Jay, Patricia Formica aka Trish, Gregory Guido aka Greg
Age (as of Election Day)
Curcio 46, Formica 32, Guido 40
Position Sought
Board Member
Party Affiliation
Jay is a non-affiliated independent. Greg and Trish are registered Republicans.
Family
All three of us each have one child in the Stafford school district. Greg will have two more children go through the district when they are of age.
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
We are not related to anyone working in the Stafford school district. Therefore we have no voting conflicts and we can sit in on all board discussions.
Education
Jay has a BS in Accounting and an MBA in Finance. Trish has an Associate's Degree in Business Administration as well as another 100 plus college credits in early childhood development and psychology. Gregory has a BS in Finance from Boston College and a law degree from St. John's.
Occupation
Greg is an Attorney practicing mostly real estate law, representing and negotiating for his clients everyday. Jay is a Controller managing million dollar budgets on a daily basis. Trish is a local Real Estate Agent representing people and negotiating on their behalf.
Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office
Trish is honored to be a current elected board member of the Stafford Board of Education and is in the third year of her first term. Jay and Greg are both seeking a board seat for the first time. Greg was recently appointed as an alternate on the Stafford Township Planning Board.
Campaign website
Why are you seeking elective office?
We are seeking elective office to help facilitate positive change for this district which will ultimately trickle out to our community. The students are vital to the success of Stafford Township and we want to be involved in their education. Incumbent Patricia has enjoyed giving back and being a part of this district and wants to continue with the progress she's made over the past two and half years.
The single most pressing issue facing our community is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
The Covid-19 pandemic and it's negative impact on our budget. The district continues to incur thousands of dollars of un-budgeted expenses. We plan to vote with the best interest of the budget in mind, while maintaining the smallest impact to the students and the taxpayers of Stafford Township.
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
It would be unprofessional for us to discuss the other candidates seeking election. We encourage the voters to do their own research on each candidate. We wish each of the candidates all the best in the election and in all of their endeavors. We would like to point out that we are not conflicted on any vote or board matter.
If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?
We are grateful that each board member volunteers their own time to serve the community. We recognize that there will always be different viewpoints and we even encourage that because we know a truly diverse board from all walks of life makes up the best representation of the entire community. Our priority is to ensure that each member of the town is fully represented.
Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.
We believe in accountability and transparency. We believe in asking questions. We believe school boards exist to represent students, taxpayers and residents and to work in conjunction with administrations to achieve the best education for the students.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
Jay cites his financial experience, specifically in budget management and negotiations. Additionally, James would like the voters to know he is responsible for Human Resources so he understands the district is encompassed of more than just numbers.
Greg cites his experience as an attorney, he is not afraid to make the tough calls. On a daily basis he has to do what is best for his clients even when it's the difficult decision to make.
Trish first would like to point out her fearless record as a current board member. She cites her real estate career which challenges her on a daily basis to represent people and to negotiate for them.
The best advice ever shared with me was:
Life is 10% what happens, and 90% how you react to it.
What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
We are family centered, God-fearing, real people. We understand that not everything is black and white, and there will always be shades of gray.
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This article originally appeared on the Barnegat-Manahawkin Patch
