Patch Candidate Profile: Jeff Parker​​, Easton Board of Education

EASTON, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Easton and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Jeff Parker, 73, is running for re-election to the Easton Board of Education as a Republican.

Education.

Syracuse University BA

What is your occupation?

Retired: Previously, Regional Sales Manager for the Herff Jones Inc. from 1994-2015

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

Wife, Diane Parker retired Registered Nurse. Finished her career at Duke University Hospital in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab, Durham, NC. We were married in 2019.

First wife, Joan C Parker (1950-2010), married 36 years. Principal of Helen Keller Middle School, Easton, CT (2004-2010) Director of Special Education (2000-2004), Easton, CT

Daughter, Elizabeth Parker, Principal of Jerome Harrison Elementary School, North Branford, CT 2017-present. BA from Syracuse University in psychology 2004, MS from Lehigh University in 2007, Master in Educational Leadership 2014 from New York University.

Daughter, Megan (Parker) Newhouse, Deputy Director of Communications for General Electric 2022-present.
BA from Syracuse University in 2007, majoring in communication and public policy; minoring in Spanish and public relations. Began career at GE in 2007 in their training program.

Grandsons: "Trip" Newhouse 31/2 years of age. Jack Colligan Parker, 2 months

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No, they do not.

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

Yes, elected to Easton Board of Education 2011-2017, re-elected 2017-2023

Why are you seeking this office?

A well-rounded education is the greatest responsibility a town has to its children. This is more critical today than ever. Activism seems to be more important to some than providing the best education possible in a safe and caring environment. Additionally, parents want and need to be a part of this process.

In my twelve years of service to the Easton Board of Education, in concert with all the residents of the Town of Easton, I have strived to provide the best education the town can afford. That truth plus keeping the parents' part of our educational team is the mandate that I will continue to
follow.

As for my view on government, it exists to serve the residents of a town (or city, state and nation) that voted them into office. The one size fits all mentality found in the state/nation government, specially Hartford, placed upon our town is not in the best interest of the people.

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

Educating the whole child in a safe environment.

It is what I have been doing for the past 12 years on the Easton BOE. Putting the needs of our children, in concert with their parents, first and foremost in all that we do. We are here to serve our educational community which includes our administration, teachers, paraprofessionals, custodians in an effort to provide the best educational experience for our children.

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

Other candidates seem to be driven by the guidance received from Hartford as opposed to what the residences of our town want. We have a motto "Easton First" which succinctly says it all.

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

We have building upgrades and repairs that need to be addressed. The financial impact to the town could be substantial. A plan to get the work done in a fiscally responsible and timely manner must be a high priority.

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

In my 12 years on the board, I have been elected chairman for nearly 7 of those years. During that time, I led the district in negotiating 2 three-year contracts (back to back) for teachers, school administrators, paraprofessionals and custodians. Overall, I have been on the contract negotiation committee for 11 years with a track record of success.

I am the Chairman for the last 9 years of the Tri-district Food Service who chooses and oversees the food service in all 5 of our school buildings with great success both financially, food quality and selection.

I have served on the contract negotiation committee for 3 years of our district administrators.

Finally, I am the Chairman of the Easton Building Committee charged with identifying building needs and following through on the work being completed.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

The following expression: "There is my business and there is none of my business."

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

I will continue to work in the best interest of our children. Teachers and parents can count on me to continue to fight for their rights as well as their children.