Take Five With Westfield Board of Ed. Candidate Tara Oporto

WESTFIELD, NJ - Patch asked Westfield BOE Candidate Tara Oporto to take five with us and share some thoughts on the city, the campaign and beyond. Her answers are below, with minor courtesy edits for style.

1. Why are you running for office?

I’ve been thinking of serving on a non-profit board for a while. I have five children in the public school system, so this felt like the right fit. I think it is best for the community to have multiple choices when voting for someone to be a passionate agent and advocate for the education of all Westfield children. I’ve already worked with the town on several occasions organically as a result of my involvement with the schools. Some examples of my current active work include the recommendation and evaluation of free software to the current board to help keep our kids safe online, desperately needed restroom restoration, various PTO engagements, and proposed elementary school theatre programs.

2. What is the biggest challenge you see facing your community and how will you address it?

In relation to the school board, I think the biggest challenge is that some board decisions are hard or unpopular. Our school board’s first responsibility is to the children. Citizen input needs to be validated by the board, and board members have to support and defend controversial decisions.

3. What makes you the right person to vote for as opposed to the other candidate(s)? What do you bring to the table that others don’t?

All six candidates are good candidates. The best candidates don’t have any particular agenda besides making the district the best it can be for the community. To review each candidates credentials and goals, readers can refer to candidate bios.

4. What will you do to facilitate communication with the community?

I will actively listen to concerned residents and help direct them to the correct district employee for resolution of their issues. I will listen to all suggestions and comments from the community to ensure we are engaging with our town citizens, and give their suggestions a fair and thorough evaluation. I will also make sure we are communicating with them responsibly.

5. What inspires you?

The current Westfield Board of Education mission statement inspires me. “The Westfield Public School District, in partnership with the families and community, educates all students to reach their highest potential as productive, well-balanced, and responsible citizens who respect individual differences and diversity in an ever changing world.” I can’t think of much that’s more inspirational than that.

(Photo courtesy of Tara Oporto)

Editor's Note: Patch has reached out to every candidate that has filed to run for office and is publishing all responses received. If a candidate does not have a story on the site it is because they did not respond. But they are encouraged to contact russ.crespolini@patch.com if they have any questions.