Take Five: South Orange-Maplewood BOE Candidate Carey Smith

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — There are seats opening up on the South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education and Patch caught up with the candidates ahead of the general election this November.

Questionnaires were sent out out to all candidates registered with the County Clerk's Office in the 2019 general election using the email addresses they went on file with. The responses will be posted on the site by those who submitted in the order in which they were received. They will also be included in an election preview wrap.

This Take Five features Carey Smith. His responses to the questions are below and unedited.

1. Why are you running for BOE?

I am running for the BOE because i feel there needs to be a change, and the change needs to occur now with the district about to embark on a $160 million facility plan. There is a huge lack of transparency and communication within the district and the BOE does not hold the Administrators accountable for their actions or lack of actions. The Board needs more independent thinkers, not people that are going to "Rubber Stamp" what the administration would like to do.

2. What is the biggest challenge facing schools in your town, and how will you address it?

The biggest challenge facing schools in SOMA is the lack of transparency and communication and holding administrator's accountable. I would like to be available via email and phone for everyone within the district. I pledge to attend the meetings (both regular and special as well as committee meetings). I will be an independent thinker on the board and not be there to rubber stamp what the administration wants the BOE to do.

3. What three words would you use to describe yourself to someone who has never met you?

The three words that people would use to describe me would be - committed, thoughtful thinker as well as caring.

4. What experience in your background has prepared you to be an effective leader?

I am self-employed and have run my own companies for 20 years now, as well as I have volunteered and been on the board of a few non-profit organizations. I know the time commitment that this position requires, I can lend my experience with regards to budget and finances as well as safety in the schools.

5. Tell me something about you, like hobbies or interests, that have nothing to do with the campaign.

I am a Life Member of the South Orange Rescue Squad. I am currently volunteering on the Millburn/Short Hills Volunteer First Aid Squad. I am also and EMT/CPR and FIrst Aid Instructor and have been for the past 23 years. I am a very caring person who can think critically in times of stress.

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