Meet Westfield School Candidates Virtually, Submit Questions

WESTFIELD, NJ — You can meet the seven candidates running for three seats on the Westfield Board of Education when the Parent Teacher Council holds a virtual candidates' night on Wednesday, Oct. 13 from 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Questions for the forum may be submitted to ptc@westfieldnjk12.org by Oct. 11.

Candidate bios and more information are easily accessible under the Board of Education tab at www.westfieldnjk12.org or directly by clicking here.

To virtually attend the Candidates Night, you should register here. A link to the virtual forum will be provided to everyone registered the day of the event.

The evening will be moderated, with candidates asked questions submitted from the public.

The official candidates' list is here.

There are nine seats on the Westfield Board of Education.

The three board members whose terms expire on December 31, 2021 are Robert Garrison (up for re-election), Gretchan Ohlig, and Tara Oporto, according to the Westfield school board election web page.

Last year, a whopping 10 candidates filed for three seats on the board.

If you're a candidate or supporter and want to submit a release or letter to the editor, post it on Patch using these instructions.

The candidates are:

• Emily Barker
• Robert H. Benacchio: "For Our Families"
• Kent Diamond (incumbent): "Because Experience Matters"
• Robert S. Garrison (incumbent): "Because Experience Matters"
• Ilya Eric Kolchinski: "No Mask"
• Kristen T. Sonnek-Schmelz
• Mary Wickens: "Accountability and Integrity"

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