Cheshire Candidate Profile: Affie For Board Of Education

CHESHIRE, CT — The 2019 municipal election is heating up in Cheshire and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Cheshire Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Christopher Affie, 47, is running for a seat on the Board of Education as a Democrat.

Are you running for office in Cheshire? Contact Vinnie Salzo at vincent.salzo@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Cheshire Patch.

Family:

Jeanine Wife, Jake son, Christian son

Education:

UCONN-Actuarial Science SCSU 6th year degree CCSU Superintendent Cert

Occupation:

Public School Math Teacher 22 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

None

The single most pressing issue facing our town/district is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Making a plan for fixing the physical infrastructure of our schools. There will be a joint committee of the BOE and town council to make a plan to update our schools. I will push for a complete and workable plan that taxpayers will support.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have experience in many different aspects in education that allow me to look at issues from many perspectives. I can work with all stakeholders to find the best solution to many of the issues facing our school system.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

We need to continue to improve communication between the BOE and the community. There have been some issues over the past year and they are working to improve communication. Parents and students need to know how to get help and answers to give them the best education.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have had unique experiences as an educator that makes me ready to handle this job. I have been a teacher for 22 years. I have worked part time as an administrator, working to help teachers be better. I have been an advocate for my students, challenging them to think and fight for what they need in school. I have been a union leader and worked with administration to have a healthy working relationship in a district. Most importantly, I am a parent and always fight for what is best for my sons and will do the same for all students in Cheshire.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Be yourself and always follow what you believe in.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I will be working for and with the entire community. The new BOE of Cheshire will work collaboratively to continue the progress and high standards that are expected in Cheshire Public Schools.

Website:

Facebook: @affieBOE