Glastonbury Election 2023: Stephen Michaels, Board Of Education

GLASTONBURY, CT — Stephen Michaels is running for a seat on the Glastonbury Board of Education in the 2023 election.

Name

Stephen Michaels

How old will you be as of Election Day?

On November 7, 2023, I will be 45 years old.

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

https://glastonburyrepublicans...

What city or town do you live in?

Glastonbury

What office are you seeking?

Board of Education

If you are running in a district, you can specify the district here.

Please give us your party affiliation.

Republican

Education.

Graduate of Franklin and Marshall College

What is your occupation?

Financial Advisor for over 20 years

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

My wife, Jennine, and I are proud parents of four wonderful children, Gavin, Patrick, Mason, and Connor, ages 15 down to 9. Yes, 4 boys in 4 different schools here in Glastonbury Public Schools. That’s 4 bus routes, 4 sets of teachers, 4 mascots, 4 principals, 4 sets of counselors, etc. We are in it, as they say.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

I am the first to attempt this adventure.

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

All of my offices and appointments have been in the private sector.

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’ve been asked a hundred times, “why are you running again?” My answer is because I’ve got skin in the game, like all my skin lol. Today I have 4 kids in 4 different schools in GPS. That’s 4 bus routes, 4 sets of teachers, 4 mascots, 4 principals, 4 sets of counselors, etc., and 4 years from now, I’ll still have 3 kids in 2 different schools. 4 years after that, I’ll still have one. I commit to giving GPS to the next generation even better than I found it. I’m running to further our history of excellence. In my term, I’d like to reduce class sizes, improve financial literacy, fix the parking problems at GHS, and unify our schools K-12 under one identity. Do I have all the answers on how? Definitely not, but every penny counts, and I’ll work tirelessly to find a way. I believe I can make a difference.

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

We need more financial minds on the BOE. We need more financial minds participating in Finance Sub-Committees, not just 8 political BOE members. At every board of education meeting in Glastonbury, the savviest financial person in the room is the Superintendent, Dr. Alan Bookman. Without real challenge, Dr. Bookman has passed increase after increase. I will bring those needed financial minds to the BOE.

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

When elected, I will be the only Financial Professional on the Board of Education equipped with the skills to dissect a $120,000,000 annual budget.

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

Current officeholders have vote for budget increases year after year, fallen into party line politics rather than focusing on the kids, called one of the highest paid public officials in CT "a steal for Glastonbury", and they have not improved the school ranking in the 4 years a top the hill. Time for a change.

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

In my term, I’d like to reduce class sizes, improve financial literacy, fix the parking problems at GHS, and unify our schools K-12 under one identity.

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

I manage a practice that oversees over 5,000 households. I have served non-profit boards in numerous industries. I have lead community service projects. Most importantly, I'm one of those Dads where my whole life outside of work is devoted to kids.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

What you do when no one is looking defines who you are and who you want to become.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Thank you for your consideration. I'm grateful to have this opportunity to serve our community and our children