Council Rock School Board Primary Election: Joe Hidalgo, Region 4

Candidates running in contested races in the May 16 primary election have been invited to provide background about themselves and their positions on the issues to voters in these profiles, which will run in Patch individually for each candidate.

NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP, PA — Incumbent Joe Hidalgo is running on both the Republican and Democratic ballots for the nomination as a cross-filed candidate for an open four-year-seat on the Council Rock School Board in Region 4. He is facing Matthew J. Laskowski, who also is running as a cross-filed candidate for the nomination.

Name: Joe Hidalgo
Age: 49
Town of residence: Richboro
Position sought: CR School Director Region 4
Are you an incumbent? Yes
What Towns Does Your Position Cover? Churchville, Richboro
Party affiliation: Republican
Family: Wife (Jenny), 3 children (Emily, Austin and Brandon) and a dog (Buddy).
Education: Bachelor's of Science, Environmental Science, University of Delaware; Chartered Financial Consultant, the American College
Occupation: Financial Advisor

1. Why are you running?

When I go into the community or the schools and receive positive feedback and thanks from students, teachers, and community members it validates the countless hours, sacrifice, and thoughtfulness that I have put into helping the board direct the school district during some of the most challenging times. It takes a couple of years to wrap your head around the processes and procedures of overseeing the school district and having a second term would provide value to our community by having a seasoned veteran on the board from Region 4 to provide continuity in leadership and vision. We are on the right course. I’m proud of my record and feel I represent my community fairly and with much passion.

2. What are your top issues and how do you plan to address them?

The biggest problem our school district faces is the same systemic problem the country faces, the swings in the economic cycle. Managing the budget with fiscal responsibility while providing the administration with the tools and resources they require to sustain and enhance the educational services we provide to the children in our community is always a give-and-take challenge. I will continue to use my financial background and insight to make suggestions which include attacking the issues from multiple angles and strategies. Just as important is the well-being and happiness of every child. I’ve always said that a happy child is a child who will learn. We must do our best to provide and encourage a culture of self-respect and respect for others regardless of differences. Perhaps we should celebrate our differences more often because it is our differences that give our nation strength.

3. What in your experience or background prepares you for election to office?

First and foremost, my wife and I have been educational advocates for our three children whose abilities range from gifted to special needs. My broad and diverse background allows me to have a unique and empathetic perspective. I was educated and worked as an environmental consultant before taking up a successful career as a financial advisor. This technical scientific background and finance training have given me the tools to dig in and see situations from a unique perspective. I am comfortable asking questions, thinking through challenges, and offering solutions. My empathy derives from my upbringing. As the last of eight children and a first-generation American on my father’s side, I have experienced life through different lenses which allows me to share and understand the feelings of others. That is a helpful leadership tool for the school district and a source of motivation for me.