Wallingford Election: Jacqueline McFarlane For Board Of Education

WALLINGFORD, CT — The 2021 municipal election is heating up in Wallingford with plenty of races on the ballot.

Voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 2 and cast their ballots for the position of mayor, along with seats on the Town Council and Board of Education.

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

Democrat Jacqueline McFarlane, 37, is running for election to the Wallingford Board of Education.

Occupation: Banking Analyst

Family:
Husband - Aaron McFarlane
Children - Massimo, 8 and Cecilia, 6

Experience: None

Family in government: No

The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it:

The physical state of our facilities is currently lacking. We must balance the need for updating our schools with maintaining fiscal responsibility. I understand taxpayer concerns and believe that we must maintain transparency throughout the process. Our taxes should be treated as an investment in our children’s future.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I have over 10 years of management and leadership experience. I am detail oriented, methodical, and have strong problem solving skills. I am expected to continuously find new efficiencies in my current position and am used to analyzing data from multiple perspectives. The company I currently work for has offices all around the globe. I get to work and collaborate with wonderful people from all around the world including India, The Philippines, and Ireland. I believe my skill set will serve me well on the Board of Education.

Other issues:

Our world is ever changing. I would like to see career paths into green technologies and creative economics being offered in our schools. Green technologies are the future. Creative economics encompasses advertising, architecture, film, music, publishing, games, performing arts, research and development. According to a 2011 study by Americans for the Arts, this ever growing part of our economy generates over $135 billion in annual economic activity through non-profits alone. The more paths our students are given to explore, the more assurance we have that they will find a successful path into society.

We should strive to diversify our staff, so that we better represent the demographics of our student population. All of our children should be able to see a reflection of themselves in their teachers. Every segment of our population should feel represented and heard. We must build a culture that focuses on inclusivity and equity for everyone.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I have been door knocking along with my fellow democratic candidates for the last 9 months. We have been listening to the needs and concerns of our teachers, our students, and their parents. Should I be elected to the Board of Education I will continue to listen and lead with compassion. I urge all residents of Wallingford to come out and vote on November 2. Your vote and your voice matter. We can’t move towards the future without your participation. I hope you will vote for me, Jacqueline McFarlane, along with the rest of the democratic slate.