2017 Election Questionnaire: David Koch, Plainfield School Board

Name: David Koch

Age: 56

Town of residence: Plainfield

Position sought: Plainfield Community Consolidated School District No. 202

School Board Member

Family: Married for 34 years, with four children that all graduated from district 202

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: No

Education: BA in Economics from the University of Rhode Island

Occupation: Stay At Home Dad for the last 18 years

Previous or current elected or appointed office: Appointed to the School Board in 2015-2017

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Maintaining the financial stability of our school district while meeting the educational needs of all of our students.

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

All candidates seeking this volunteer position MUST act in the best interests of the taxpayers and the students. The critical differences with these other candidates in interpreting this goal is unknown at this point.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

I can't speak for the challengers, but as an current board member who has dedicated myself to supporting high academic standards, hiring the best qualified teachers, and providing facilities that our community can be proud of, while being fiscally responsible to our taxpayers is my main goal.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

Continue to support the objective of pursuing other local funding by making our facilities and athletic fields available for rental to interested parties. This also includes developing a marketing plan for the scoreboards at each of our high schools, and additional signage in our gyms and stadiums.

If you gain this position, what accomplishment would define your term in office as a success?

Having a school district that has a high credit rating, that is financially strong, and maximizes the educational opportunities for all of our 28,000 students.

Please share with voters a story about wisdom gained from a mistake you made in your life or career.

There are too many stories to choose from to pick just one after raising four children.

Why should voters trust you?

As a parent, homeowner, taxpayer, and volunteer in this community over these past 27 years, I am fully vested in the continued success of this community and in its education of our students.

Share a quote that defines your philosophy:

Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard.

What questions should be asked of current government employees accountable to your board?

N/A

Explain your attitudes toward fiscal policy, government spending and how taxpayer dollars should be handled by your office (or board)?

The School Board is entrusted by the taxpayers to ensure that all of our students are provided with the best educational opportunities while being fiscally responsible.

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

During my time on the School Board, I have never missed a meeting, I have always come prepared and fully versed in the subject matter being discussed, and actively participated in every meeting with the best interests of the taxpayers and students in mind.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Work hard and be prepared.

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

Being on the School Board is truly a labor of love of the students and the community. I am honored to have served the community over these past two years and hope to be granted the opportunity to serve for another four.

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