Candidate profile: James Jordan

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James Jordan
James Jordan

James Jordan

Democrat

BOE candidate

Why are you running for this position?

“I recognize and appreciate the opportunities and positive impacts that education has brought to my life.  I cannot begin to imagine who or what I would have become had I been deprived of this essential privilege. Yet with all the established benefits education brings to our children and community, its quality and effectiveness is continuously eroded by difficult economic times and education’s vast resource requirements. This cannot be allowed to proceed unchecked if we are to provide our children with the quality education they require and deserve. I would like to have a voice and actively participate in these efforts.”

Have you held public office in the past? If so, what positions and when?

“I have served in public office as a commissioner on the Planning Commission. I was appointed as an alternate member in July 2000 by Mayor Joan Taf and voted onto the commission as a full member later that year.  I ran and was elected to four-year terms in the May 2001 and May 2005 elections.  In August 2002, I was elected chairman and served in that capacity until May 2009 when I choose not to seek reelection.”

What experience makes you qualified for this position?

“As a resident of the borough for 40 years, I have had the advantage of growing up in this town, attending school in this district, volunteering time in this community, representing residents in our local government and serving on the Board of Education since July 2010 (fulfilling Tom McKirryher’s term).  In my professional life, I am a degreed accountant with over 20 years experience in the corporate environment.  I believe these qualities will best assist me in better addressing the issues, individuals and requirements needed to function as an effective member of the Board of Education.”

If elected, what are your priorities and goals?

“My primary goal would be to provide focus and resources to create a positive, energetic, and safe environment for our children within which to learn. Immediate priorities are as follows: Work to provide more detailed and easily understandable financial reports from which better decisions can be made. Work with educational administrators to actively plan long-term educational needs and their costs. Implement a comprehensive communication program that includes parents, students, staff, town officials and the general public in BOE initiatives and issues. Implement changes to how we conduct the day-to-day business activities within the BOE. Choose qualified and effective individuals to fill the positions of business manager and superintendant.”