Cheshire Election 2023: Tom White Running For Board Of Education

CHESHIRE, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Cheshire with plenty of races on the ballot.

Voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 7 and cast their ballots for seats on the Town Council, Board of Education, Planning and Zoning Commission and more.

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

Tom White, 71, is running for election to the Cheshire Board of Education as a Republican.

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

https://www.cheshiregop.com/to...

Education.

B.S. Business Administration, Sacred Heart University, MBA, University of Bridgeport

What is your occupation?

Retired from Peoples Bank and City of Bridgeport

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

Married to Lisa for 48 years, daughter Meredith, Son-in-law Mike (both teachers), Grandson James 7 years old (Doolittle School), Grandson Thomas 3 years old.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

Yes. Bridgeport City Council, various boards and commissions.

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

I moved to Cheshire three years ago to be a part of my grandchildren's lives. It is my goal to make use of my extensive legislative and business experience to ensure that the Cheshire public school system continues to support academic excellence and is a cornerstone of the Town of Cheshire.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is \_\_\_, and this is what I intend to do about it.

... the need to strike a reasonable balance of fiscal responsibility and quality of life issues. / I intend to scrutinize all spending to ensure it has direct benefits to Cheshire students and reflects the values of Cheshire families.

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

I am certain that all candidates want what they feel is best for Cheshire students. I have experience in fiscal matters in elected office, as well as hands-on experience in challenging work environments. This experience distinguishes me from the other candidates.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way do you believe the current officeholder has failed the community?

I sense that past and current Cheshire Boards of Education have done a credible job. I hope that my experience in fiscal oversight will address an element of Board duties that may be lacking.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

There will be challenges in the future, often due to the Democrat Party - controlled State Legislature imposing unfunded and unreasonable mandates. The Cheshire Board of Education must monitor proposed legislation that may impact Cheshire schools and take action.

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

My life experience includes many skills learned in the corporate world, in the classroom as an adjunct professor of business, in elected office requiring oversight, teamwork and compromise. Even my experience as a coach in Cheshire Youth Baseball and as a substitute teacher in Cheshire High School have contributed to my skills. Combined with my personal commitment to the children and parents of Cheshire, I believe I can handle this job.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Listen more than you speak.

Are you running for office in Cheshire? Email vincent.salzo@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile on Cheshire Patch.