Edition of April 11, 2002
Candidate Hills comments
To the editor:
For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Bill Hills. I’m one of three incumbent candidates running unopposed for a township seat on the Hopewell Valley Regional Board of Education. While it has been an honor and privilege to serve for the past three years, the decision to seek another term was not made lightly.
In considering seeking a second term, I took some time to reflect on the past three years. Needless to say, much has happened to make this period both challenging and rewarding. My incumbent running mates Ed Gainsborg and Carl Swanson and I began our terms with the introduction of a new superintendent, Dr. Robert Sopko. Dr. Sopko came to the district with an impressive background and deep experience in education at all levels in New Jersey. While the Board’s responsibility is for setting and overseeing the policies for the District, few board members ever come to their position with extensive experience in education. Dr. Sopko’s extensive experience along with the vast experience of the district’s strong administration and teaching staff has been invaluable in helping us navigate particularly difficult educational issues.
Key among the many accomplishments of the past three years is what I believe was the District’s first strategic plan that sought to achieve widespread involvement by all of the district’s stakeholders. The resulting effort, which involved four community focused workshops, four educationally focused workshops, a weekend planning retreat and the creation of an ongoing strategic planning oversight committee, continues to guide both the long and short-term decisions of the board and the administration. While many districts create strategic plans, we are told that our planning process was unique in the degree of community involvement, the cross section of participants and the willingness of the board and administration to put the development of the plan totally in the hands of the community. Next to voting, the strategic planning process probably represents the largest single activity that the community engaged in to help set the direction, goals and activities of our schools. The plan continues to guide the decision-making and major activities of the district.
Despite the many accomplishments of the past three years, many challenges remain that will continue to test our community’s resolve to provide a fiscally responsible, high quality educational environment to the children of our community. One of the major things I’ve learned over the past three years is that running a school system is an incredibly difficult balancing act of priorities. While some decisions and initiatives have been controversial it is my hope that we as a community can continue to share the common goals to provide the best and most affordable educational environment, to consider both short-term and long-term needs and to apply our best efforts to achieving these goals.
William F. Hills, candidate, Hopewell Township
Main: ‘your voice matters’
To the editor:
I decided to run for public office – first, as a candidate for Township Committee and now as a candidate for the school boardbecause I had grown weary of feeling far removed for the decision-making process. I am certain many of you are familiar with the feeling: powerless, irrelevant, cynical even. Add this psychological reality to the hectic day-to-day pace of our lives, and it is no wonder most of us prefer solving our area’s problems in our back yards to going to the polls for a school board election.
On Tuesday, April 16, I am asking you to recognize that your voice matters, and that we all have a responsibility to help guide the future of our schools. In the months and years to come our school board will face some critical questions, and how it chooses to respond will impact all of us, whether or not we have school-aged children. There is no greater component of how our township is defined than the quality of our schools; it is up to you to decide who gets to help ensure that quality.
I ask you to go to the polls on Tuesday and vote, whether you are supporting me or my opponent. If you are not sure where I stand on important issues, or how I plan to make our schools better for all students, feel free to contact me at LMarinMain @aol.com. But most importantly of all, please understand that there really is something at stake on Tuesday, and we will all be better off if we exercise our right to participate in the process by voting.
Lisa Marin Main, candidate, Hopewell Township
Candidate Simon asks support
To the editor:
On April 16 people across the Hopewell Valley will be voting for the school district’s budget as well as selecting people to represent them on the school board. As a candidate for the Hopewell Valley Regional Board of Education, I would like to take this opportunity to personally urge you to take the time to vote. Show your support for the great public education that Hopewell Valley schools offer.
Everyone understands that the primary purpose of the school board is to set the goals and policies by which the school district operates. I believe that it is the responsibility of school board members to ensure that these goals and policies guarantee each student the quality education that they are entitled to receive.
As a school board member one of my priorities will be to look at the needs of all children. Every child offers a unique contribution to our school district. I want to be certain each child is given the opportunity to succeed. The success of our children will build a stronger community. With an 18 year career in education, I experience on a daily basis that if children are given the proper tools, they can excel regardless of their individual learning styles.
An equally important priority is the school board’s responsibility to the taxpayer. The school board is faced with providing an excellent education for our children without overburdening the taxpayer. If elected I will make every effort to spend the taxpayers money responsibly and wisely. I will do my very best to keep our taxes stable.
I have been a resident of the Brandon Farms community for the past 9 years. My two children will be attending the new Stony Brook Elementary School this September. I am eager to help the school board with the tremendous transition students and families may be experiencing due to the redistricting and the additional new school. I feel my professional career has given me the opportunity to understand the difficulty of this transition. Each year I assist parents in developing a plan for their child’s upcoming school year. This collaborative plan enables their child to move into a successful new year with new friends, new teachers and in a new school environment.
Let’s not forget that the safety and security of our children is paramount. For instance, it has been a concern of mine and many Hopewell Valley families that airplanes fly over existing schools and now the new Stony Brook School. If elected I will continue to support and assist in finalizing the district’s current policy on safety whether it be playground, parking lot or athletic field safety.
In addition, if elected to the school board I would like to establish a series of forums, Community Connections if you will, in which residents are invited throughout the year to learn and discuss the variety of programs offered in the school community, such as the Responsive Classroom, Spectrum, D.A.R.E and the use of technology in the classroom. Other topics could include volunteerism, Parent Council, the Hopewell Valley Foundation, the Healthy Communities Healthy Youth program and school based organizations.
I respectfully request your support on April 16, so that I may work to achieve a quality education for our community’s children who are our greatest asset.
Stacey P. Simon, candidate, Hopewell Township
Votes for Main
To the editor:
Based on our experience as co-presidents of the PTO at Hopewell Elementary School, we are writing in support of Lisa Marin Main who is running for Hopewell Valley Regional Board of Education. We have had the opportunity to work closely with Lisa while she served as vice president in charge of fund-raising and on the Executive Board of the PTO for the past two years. During her tenure, Lisa not only successfully steered the fund-raising efforts for our school but also was a valuable contributor of ideas and solutions to issues that the Executive Board faced throughout the year. We could always count on Lisa to offer sound opinions based on a balanced mix of an accurate gathering of the facts with what was simply the right thing to do. Lisa is effective at offering novel solutions and gathering all the necessary facts with probing questions. As the head of fund-raising, Lisa ensured that those annual fund-raising efforts that were already in place were successfully managed. In addition, she proposed and implemented some new fund- raising ideas.
The skills Lisa exhibited and honed during her time with the PTO as well as those from her professional and personal background would be invaluable to the school board. Lisa has worked as an attorney with the attorney general’s office and in the Whitman administration. This experience enables her to navigate the agencies and departments of state government which would be valuable to the school board which interacts with the state in the ordinary course of its business.
Lisa currently lives in Brandon Farms and has lived in Hopewell her entire life. She is an active parent of three children, two of which are in the public school system and the third will be soon. Her experience with the Hopewell school system is broad: she attended Bear Tavern, her children are presently at Hopewell Elementary and (she) lives in the Stony Brook school district.
Let’s not lose this opportunity to put one of our most qualified citizens to work for the community. Please vote for Lisa Marin Main.
Judy Karp, Nancy Gravalis, Hopewell
Honesty and respect
To the editor:
I just had to agree with what so many people have been saying about Stacey Simon. From the first time I met her, I too felt very comfortable. She is a warm, good-natured person. I witnessed Stacey’s sincerity and openness during the League of Women Voters Candidates’ Night forum.
Knowing this about Stacey, I would feel extremely comfortable speaking to her about any issue I had that needed addressing at the school board level. Others should know this about her as well and feel assured that if you have concerns about your child’s education or other district issues, that your comments will be addressed with honesty and respect.
I know Stacey has you and your children’s interest at heart. Please give her the opportunity of representing such an important part of our community’s future by voting for her on April 16.
Carmen Tantum, Titusville
Truly team player
To the editor:
I have had the good fortune of knowing Lisa Marin Main for over a year now both in a working capacity as well as via our role as parents. She and I are the vice presidents in charge of fund-raising at Hopewell Elementary PTO and I have enjoyed the direction and insight she has provided in this position. We work well together and our skills and creativity have complemented one another’s strengths. She is truly a team player and I have been impressed with her enthusiasm and ‘ready to jump head first into any new project’ attitude. In addition to this, we are also room mothers in our oldest sons’ class. While she takes this position seriously, she brings a lot of fun and excitement as well. She’s made being room mother a fun job.
We both have kids the same age and share many concerns regarding their education. While we both strongly believe that academics should come first, we also realize that an important part of their education comes from outside the classroom. Extracurricular activities play an important part of her kids’ lives. They all love athletics but also take musical instrument lessons. I know from watching her parent them that respect and manners are also quite important to her and (she) has instilled in them the importance of being kind to others.
Despite the many responsibilities that Lisa has as a parent of three very active boys, I am amazed how she continues to work tirelessly for the school. She is always one of the first to volunteer for the many "special" days that occur throughout the year as well as dedicate her time and energy to the many day-to-day activities that help make things run smoother for the teachers. More amazing to me is that she does all of these things with a smile and wonderful attitude.
I have also observed Lisa discuss many important school issues with individuals and have been impressed by her problem-solving abilities as well as her intuition. Regardless of where she is, Lisa is always thinking about what is best for her family and her community. I wholeheartedly support Lisa’s desire to run for Hopewell Valley school board because of that dedication. She clearly has our school and our children’s best interest in mind. We would be lucky to have her as a member of the school board.
Elizabeth Bell, Hopewell Township
The better candidate
To the editor:
It is vital we have a strong school board to develop and lead the responses to the challenges facing the Hopewell Valley school district and that is why I am supporting Stacey Simon for the school board.
Stacey’s involvement with education and fund-raising provides valuable resources for the school board to develop solutions for the community. While education is the primary focus of our schools, Stacey Simon recognizes that it is also important for children to develop socially, emotionally and physically.
Our school district has lower spending per student than other local school districts but with state budget limitations and views expressed by the community, that spending is unlikely to change soon. The school district will be required to be creative and rely upon fund raising to increase the educational skills required by our children in a more competitive world while supporting the extracurricular needs of the students. Stacey Simon is the better candidate to help lead the process and I urge the community to vote for her to benefit the students of Hopewell.
Greg Myers, Titusville
Why Main? Many reasons
To the editor:
With the election for members of the Hopewell Valley Regional Board of Education just around the corner, I would like to express my support for Lisa Marin Main of Hopewell Township.
I have known Lisa from back when she first started school at Bear Tavern Elementary School. Her family roots in Hopewell Township go back to the 1950s. Her grandfather (Richard Nickerson) served on the school board and was president in the 60s.
Having raised three sons who attended Hopewell Valley Schools, I am acutely aware of the outstanding school system we have and want to make certain they maintain the highest standards in the future.
Lisa Marin Main has a strong commitment to academics for our children. She is aware how important it is for them to have a balanced education in order for them to become well-rounded individuals and that essential learning also takes place outside the classroom.
Lisa believes there is too much dependence on local property taxes to fund education, but until the state does something about it we are stuck because our children deserve the best education we can provide for them. She is concerned about the high property taxes and is sensitive of how difficult it is for many individuals to remain here due to the high tax burden.
Lisa has a degree in English from Franklin and Marshall College and has her juris doctor from Rutgers School of Law. She was a NJ deputy attorney general from 1990 to 1994 and worked as deputy counsel to Gov. Christie Whitman from 1994 to 1995. Lisa then became regulatory officer for NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities from 1995 to 1998.
Hopewell Township is indeed privileged to have a candidate of Lisa’s caliber. She has lived here all her life; Lisa and her husband Kevin are raising their three sons here and she is willing to make the sacrifices to serve her community. Lisa is now a stay-at-home mom, room parent at Hopewell Elementary School, vice president of the Hopewell Elementary PTO and has served on two district-wide committees for the school district.
For all these reasons and many more, I recommend the voters of Hopewell Township to look at the qualifications and experience that Lisa will bring to our school board. Lisa will look after the well being of not only our children, but also our tax dollars.
Beth Hansbury, Titusville
Advocate for children
To the editor:
It takes a certain kind of person to be a school board member. That person must be willing to devote a tremendous amount of time and energy in an effort to keep the school district running efficiently and cost effectively while striving to ensure that our children receive an academically superior education. I feel that the better person for the job is Stacey Simon.
With 18 years of teaching experience, Stacey has the background knowledge and expertise that will be an invaluable asset to the existing school board. In the three years that I have known Stacey I have gained an appreciation for her integrity, her commitment to improving educational standards and her tireless devotion to better the lives of children. Stacey is an honest, caring, and insightful person who will be an advocate for all children in Hopewell Valley.
Please join me in voting for Stacey Simon on April 16.
Sharon Squicciarino, Titusville
Dedication to Valley
To the editor:
I am writing to express my strongest possible support for Lisa Marin Main as a candidate for the Hopewell Valley Regional Board of Education, and to urge others to cast their vote in her favor on April 16. Lisa’s roots in the community, her tireless efforts on behalf of her children’s schools and her unique leadership qualities make her the best and most qualified candidate for the position.
I have known Lisa and her family for more than four years. Over that time my opinion of Lisa and her dedication to Hopewell Valley and its educational system have grown stronger and stronger. Lisa’s family has a long history of living in Hopewell Valley originally settling here in the late 1950s. Lisa and her husband have carried on this tradition by raising their three sons here. At a time when the community and our schools are expanding and facing new opportunities and challenges, Lisa couples a commitment to the Valley’s future with solid roots in its distinctive past.
Lisa has spent countless hours in support of her sons’ classes and schools, serving as room mother and vice president for the Hopewell Elementary PTO. In these and other community activities, Lisa’s experience as an attorney and her strong leadership skills are clearly evident. Lisa’s strongest asset is her ability to act as a facilitator. This is not to say that Lisa does not have strong opinions of her own; in fact, she has a very clear vision of what is best for Hopewell Valley schools and their students. However, Lisa’s skill at facilitation encourages others to voice their opinions, listen to those of others, and then work constructively toward the best possible solution. I have witnessed Lisa practice this ability in many situations, from disagreement among a group of 8-year-olds to passionate arguments between parents seeking to create the best possible educational environment for their children. In each case, Lisa’s personality and talents have helped guide the situation to the best possible outcome.
Because of her long-standing commitment to the area and our schools, her valuable contributions on behalf of the community and her unquestionable leadership skills and qualifications, I urge you to vote for Lisa Marin Main for the school board on April 16.
Katherine Toland, Hopewell Township
Ideal candidate
To the editor:
I wish that everything was as simple and as straightforward as my personal recommendation that Stacey Simon is the ideal candidate for Hopewell Valley Regional Board of Education.
There have been numerous letters in regard to Stacey Simon’s undisputed qualifications. I want to speak of her character ! I must admit of my clear bias: my entire family has known Stacey as a friend, as a parent and as a good neighbor for nearly ten years. Because of that we had a pleasure and a privilege to benefit from all that Stacey had to give.
Stacey can only be described as a "giver." She gives of herself to her family, her friends and her community. She treats her friends’ friends as her own, her friends’ families as her own and most of all her friends’ children as well as she treats her own. Aren’t these the qualities we should be seeking for the people who will guide our children’s education?
I believe so, and will certainly cast my vote on April 16 for the person who value our children’s education as she does: Stacey Simon!
Alex Simanovsky, Hopewell Township
Delightful, informative
To the editor:
We would like to express our appreciation to Stacey Simon for opening up her home to us this past Sunday. She was kind enough to invite our community to meet her and to find out why she would like to be a member of the Hopewell Valley Regional Board of Education.
After we raised concerns about our taxes, Stacey took the time to explain to us that Hopewell Township school taxes will actually go down if the budget passes. This is due in part to the new ratable in the township because of Merrill Lynch.
Even though our children have already graduated from public school, we plan to go out and vote. We feel strongly about public education and want to support the children in our community. Take it from us, we know how a school system can influence a community.
During our visit at Stacey’s, we were pleased to learn about her initiative of establishing forums for Hopewell Valley residents to learn about the different programs offered in the schools. This is a wonderful opportunity for people like us who don’t necessarily have children in the school district, but want to learn about the programs being offered and how our taxes are being spent.
All in all, Stacey was delightful, informative and eager to discuss her plans if elected to the Hopewell Valley school board. She will surely get our vote on April 16. We encourage you to support her as well.
Al and Blanche Segal, Hopewell Township
A vote for Simon
To the editor:
This letter was written to show my support for Stacey Simon who is a candidate for Hopewell Valley Regional Board of Education. I first met Stacey three years ago through her leadership role of the parent association at Toddler’s Village Learning Center. She has demonstrated creativity, resourcefulness and tenacity in this position. Stacey is open-minded and I feel has been a key person responsible for the growth and positive direction in which the PTO has moved. I have been fortunate to know her on a personal level as well. Stacey is warmhearted and enthusiastic. She brings a special part of her self to each new task.
I have no doubt that Stacey would be responsive to the needs of our children and our community. She is dedicated and truly believes in the importance of this position. Stacey has the education and the experience needed to make the kinds of decisions that will prove the most beneficial for our neighborhoods.
Please join me on April 16 and vote for Stacey Simon.
Trina Colt, Hopewell Township
Consensus-builder
To the editor:
I am writing to share my confidence in and support for Stacey Simon, a candidate for the Hopewell Valley Regional Board of Education. I know Stacey as a fellow parent of children in both preschool and the district. She is passionate about ensuring that our children are provided with the best possible educational experiences, and she has volunteered her time, talent and energy to make this vision a reality here in Hopewell Valley.
In the time that I have known Stacey she has repeatedly demonstrated her willingness to collaborate with others to reach solutions to the challenges that face our schools at all levels, particularly in light of a tightened economy. She has demonstrated a clear ability to lead by building consensus, and she is equally as willing to share her time and energy to help get the job done! In my interactions with Stacey on the parent board of Toddlers Village Learning Center, I have seen her offer informed and innovative solutions to our objectives, whether they involved fund-raising, program activities or family and community-centered events.
Stacey is an engaging and responsive individual. I know she will be open to suggestions from throughout the community on the tough issues that our school board faces. In the recent article carried in this paper, Stacey has offered concrete suggestions for the school board and community to consider following the recent defeat of the Back Timberlane referendum. The need still exists for safe athletic fields for our children (and all of the community), and Stacey has offered constructive ideas to pursue.
I hope each citizen who has the privilege to vote in our community will take the time and responsibility to register their vote for Stacey. It will be a vote cast for an energetic, constructive, "can do" person who I believe will be a tremendous asset to the school board and the community.
Regina Montemarano, Hopewell Township