The Observation Deck

From Ed Favre, School Board President 2009

"We are very pleased with the number and quality of applicants for the vacancy on the Board. The good news is that sixteen (16) Lakewoodites have answered the call to service and have offered their time and effort. Unfortunately, we can pick only one for the opening. However, we cannot let such talent go, so we will be asking all to become involved District initiatives this year."

Kevin Aylward
Ronald Ciancutti
John Farina
William George
Diane Helbig
Kenneth Jones
John Kamkutis
Brian Kvasnicka
Frederick Leick
Martin Lowell
Gary Romes
Ryan Salo
Kirsten Senger
Tessa Smith
John Sweo
John Zappala

In Lakewood Observer Volume 5 Issue 1, read comments and bios on all of the candidates.

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I am so pleased to see that Frederick Leick (Pronounced “likeâ€￾.) put his name in the hat as a candidate. I just visited him to ask about his decision and to express my pleasure in his interest.

Fred has lived across the street from me for two or three years. He’s a great guy, and a lot of fun. He’s a graduate of Lakewood High and Cornell. His career moved him all around the country, but he CHOSE to move back to Lakewood.

I’ve seen a plaque on a wall at LHS that recognizes him as a distinguished alumnus. He volunteers his time as a football coach, and he has done some great things for the alumni association and other organizations in Lakewood.

His intellect, analytical and organizational skills, and openness would serve Lakewood Schools very well. I trust that he would always act in the community’s interest.

As you can tell, I have great respect for him, and would endorse him without reservation.


Steve

Wow, that is a great list. I see many names on there that I would be happy to see on the school board.

Lots of good names. The one I'm excited to see is Kevin Aylward. He has had 3 children go through the schools and has always been a huge supporter. He has been very active with the music program. But has also served on many of the school committees.

He is bright, creative and very dedicated to the Lakewood Public Schools.

I second Lynn's comments about Kevin Aylward who I have known and admired for many years. And, also Danielle and Steve's comments; we are indeed fortunate to have so many well qualified citizens willing to step up.
Hooray!

Heidi,

I really like Fred Leick, and I don't know Kevin Aylward. I must admit that my endorsement of Fred is based strictly on my knowledge of him, but not relative to the qualifications of the other candidates that I don't know.

Apparently the Board will have a strong field to choose from. This is a very good thing.

Steve

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Seeing as how Mr Lowell actually came very close to being VOTED to a school board seat, I would consider him to be the best candidate.

Dee Martinez wrote:Seeing as how Mr Lowell actually came very close to being VOTED to a school board seat, I would consider him to be the best candidate.

Dee,

My comment has NOTHING to do with Mr. Lowell, so keep that in mind when I say, I'm glad that our system does not work that way.

People win and lose for reasons. They may not be the correct reasons, but you can't assume "best" by the numbers, and you certainly can't project that to another situation or election, ESPECIALLY against another field of candidates.

Steve


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One thing that I think is important to know is whether or not the applicants have been to school board meetings. I know that in the last election one of the reasons I voted for the person I did was because I had seen him at numerous school board meetings. I would hope that the candidates have made an effort to see the school board in action. I know that in the last election one thing that turned me off was that people were running that had never attending a school board meeting.

The Final 6 Are...

Kevin Aylward
Diane Helbig
John Kamkutis
Frederick Leick
Ryan Salo
Kirsten Senger




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Ed Favre mentioned in his comments at the last school board meeting that the board planned to have the new member seated for the January 12th regular school board meeting. Now that we know the final 6, I would like to know if they still plan to have a decision by Monday.

If not, then I propose to the board that there is time to include the public in this process considering that the board does have until the end of January to make the appointment. The final 6 would be invited to a public forum in which they would discuss who they are and why are they qualified, why they want to be on the school board, their vision and philosophy of education, and would answer questions from citizens.

I am ready to organize this event and I do have citizens standing by that are ready to help. How about Wednesday night, January 14th? 7pm? I can have a location by the end of the day.

Kristine Pagsuyoin wrote:Ed Favre mentioned in his comments at the last school board meeting that the board planned to have the new member seated for the January 12th regular school board meeting. Now that we know the final 6, I would like to know if they still plan to have a decision by Monday.

Yes. The Board will seat the next school board member at the January 12th regular school board meeting.

Thanks for letting us all know Mr. Markling. I tried. I am looking forward to see who will be sitting at the end of the table on Monday.

Kristine Pagsuyoin wrote:Thanks for letting us all know Mr. Markling. I tried. I am looking forward to see who will be sitting at the end of the table on Monday.

We all are.

I just hope with an even number it does not become contentious.


FWIW


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