While the November 5 election may seem a long way off, it is never too early to start planning a run for local office. To wit, Livingston Public Schools sent a press release last month encouraging residents to run for Board of Education. Two of the five Board seats will be up for a vote in this year’s election. They are currently occupied by Pam Chirls and Jenissa Arnette. Chirls, who is currently serving as the Board’s president, said that she intends to seek reelection for another three-year term on the Board. Arnette, currently the Board’s vice president, has yet to announce her plans for the next term.
It is our hope that qualified candidates will step up to the plate and announce their candidacies. During more recent election cycles, we have had many residents run for open seats who did not ultimately win their respective elections, but whom we believe would make excellent members of the Board. Each of them cared about the schools and our district’s students, and had unique attributes to offer. It is our hope that some of them will consider throwing their hat into the ring once more.
We have said it before and will say it again, we believe there is great value in having a contested election. When there are multiple candidates vying for positions, the dialogue produced can help educate the public about issues facing the school district. Forums such as the League of Women Voters’ Candidates’ Night – which is not held if there is an uncontested election – provide an opportunity for members of the community to express their opinions, ask questions, and get answers to issues that concern them.
As it is for any public office, running for the Board of Education is not a decision to be taken lightly. Qualified candidates need to be involved and should be up to speed on what’s happening in the school district.Acandidate should understand that the responsibility is not to administer the schools, but to work with the professional staff to see that the schools are well run and fiscally responsible. A successful Board member must listen to opposing views and be able to explain the Board’s philosophies. There is no pay for the position, which requires a significant time commitment.
The legal requirements to be a member of the Board of Education are minimal. One must be able to read and write; have citizenship and one year’s residency in the district; have no contract with or claim against the Board; not hold office as mayor or member of the Township Council; and be a qualified, registered voter in the district. That should cast a net wide enough to include most adults in town.
Those interested still have plenty of time to make a decision, as petitions for the seats are due by 4 p.m. on Monday, July 29. The forms can be downloaded and printed by going to essexclerk. com. For information on what is needed to file, see the New Jersey School Boards Association’s candidate kit at njsba.org. The kit also includes details about nominating petitions, legal qualifications for school board candidacy, the role of the school board member, and information about the New Jersey School Ethics Act.
All Livingston residents benefit from the exceptional quality of the township’s schools, whether it’s the top-ranking education their children receive, or the increased value of their homes because of the outstanding education that is offered. We hope that a few qualified people will care, and enter the contest. If you are considering it, but are still unsure, perhaps reach out to some school officials or Board members to discuss your questions, including the election process, as well as the responsibilities, rewards, time commitment involved, and whatever else you’d like to know to make an informed decision.
Summerfest
This Sunday, June 9, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Summerfest will return to the Oval. The event is a welcome continuation of Livingston’s long list of great warm weather events, from the recent Memorial Day parade and AAPI and Pride picnics, to the upcoming Fourth of July festivities and summer concert series. All of these events draw in large, enthusiastic crowds.
With Summerfest, we encourage everyone to take advantage of the activities, grab something to eat from the food trucks, enjoy a drink from the beer garden if you are over 21, listen to some live music, and enjoy the (hopefully) nice weather to welcome the (nearly official) start of summer.
Summerfest is a fun event that is sponsored by Livingston’s Rotary Club and the Livingston PBA (Policemen’s Benevolent Association), two groups who support our community by contributing to organizations and causes. The funds raised through the event will allow the Rotary and PBA to continue their good work. We hope to see plenty of familiar faces this weekend, having a great time for a great cause.
