Brick Township School Board Election 2020: Michael Blandina

BRICK, NJ — When voters go to the polls Nov. 3, they will be asked to choose two people to serve on the Brick Township Board of Education.

There are five people seeking those two seats, which are volunteer, unpaid three-year terms on the board.

Patch asked each candidate to answer questions to give voters information about who they are and their stances on various issues. We are printing their responses in full, unedited except for spelling or punctuation.

Here are the answers from Michael A. Blandina, who is running solo under the slogan Brick First.

Previous elective office, if any:

None

Does anyone in your family work for the school district or in politics?

No

Education

Graduate of Brick Township High School and Ocean County College

Occupation

Retired / Self-employed party and events planner

Why are you seeking a seat on the school board?

I have been involved in volunteer capacities since my middle school days in Brick Township. I feel that I can help the school district during these trying times.

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

I feel the state aid cuts are the most important issue facing the Brick Township School District at this time. I will work with anybody to help us get a fairer share of state aid, that Brick Township deserves.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking to serve on the school board seat?

I am unsure what the differences between myself and the other candidates are at this time because I do not know any of them personally. I believe they are all fine individuals and would hope they all have the best interests of Brick Township in mind. Especially the the students within the Brick Township School District.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I am aware some of the facilities within the district have received upgrades within the last few years and believe upgrades must continue. However I also believe we must look at the the ability to pay for upgrades with the state aid cuts we have been facing and will continue to face. Additionally, we need to make sure teachers have the tools they need to complete the job of educating the students and need to balance that with the abilities of the taxpayers to pay.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you will be effective on the school board?

In the many years that I have been a volunteer in Brick Township and elsewhere I take pride in the team efforts that have gone into specific projects. One such project that I am proud of is the building of a hospital in Brick Township. I remember as I am sure other do working many hot days and nights at the Brick Hospital Fair, in the rear of Brick Plaza.

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

I love Brick Township and have a very long history of giving back to the community.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Do it right or don't do it at all!