The absentee ballots for the upcoming Belleville Board of Education election are already hitting mailboxes.
With two seats open, this is a crucial election for helping put a stop to the reckless financial management, the corruption, and the culture of hostility that has nearly destroyed the Belleville school district, and compromised the education of 4,600 students.
With a staggering 4.8 million dollar budget deficit racked up by the trustees of this current Board of Education (along with former trustee Joe Longo), getting two decent, determined people on the board to fill those open seats is the first but very pivotal step in stopping the bleeding. Creating a board majority that operates with sound ethics and good judgement, and getting Belleville students back on track for the education they deserve is the top priority for this election.
BVOTE – Belleville’s Voice of Teachers in Education – is a committee formed by Belleville educators to bring quality candidates to the table for this all-important BOE election.
The BVOTE has been active for awhile now, and I’ve been following their progress very closely as they completed their selection process for the two candidates that they’ll be endorsing for November.
Before you send in that absentee ballot, I’d like to introduce the BVOTE’s chosen candidates Ralph Vellon and Patricia Dolan. Below is a video presentation from their recent “Meet The Candidates” event, and some basic information about them for you to consider for your vote.
If you don’t already know Ralph and Patricia, after you listen and learn more about them, you’ll understand why they were chosen from the entire pool of candidates to help restore some common sense to this board, and to lead this district to a brighter future. They’ve both been very active in engaging the Board of Ed on behalf of the students for many years now.
We need Belleville residents to get involved, register to vote if you haven’t already, and come out to vote in the November 4th Board of Education election. Keep in mind that the deadline for voter registration ends 21 days before the election, which means you need to register before October 14th. So download that form, fill it out, and drop it in your mailbox today! Then, you’ll be all set to come out on November 4th, and help us bring some balance and sanity to this failing school district.
We absolutely crushed the last election in May with record-breaking numbers for Belleville, and also setting a New Jersey state record for write-in votes in the process. I think we can do even better this time around!
Your vote is your voice, and the students and teachers of Belleville need your voice, right now.
~ Griff
BVOTE’s “Meet The Candidates”
The following announcement and introduction can be found on BVOTE’s website:
We are excited to announce our candidates!
Ralph Vellon and Patricia Dollan
A Message From Our Candidates:
RALPH VELLON
My name is Ralph Vellon, and I am running for one of the two trustee seats for the Belleville Board of Education. I was born in Puerto Rico, and have lived in New Jersey the majority of my life. My wife Carmen and I are homeowners and residents of Belleville for many years. I have two children who attend the Belleville school district, a daughter who is a freshman, and a son who is in the sixth grade. I have a Bachelors of Science and a Masters of Science degree in Nursing, and will soon complete my Masters degree in Business Administration. I am a decorated United States Navy veteran with an honorable discharge. I am a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 109 in Belleville. Above all, I am a proud American citizen ready and eager to serve my community.
The position of a Board Trustee is one that requires dedication, the ability to collaborate with different groups, and a strong sense of compassion. My involvement with the youth sports recreation leagues as a coach demonstrates my desire to nurture our children. I am also a member of the Belleville PTA, and the Father’s Pride Committee. I frequently attend public board meetings. I have met and spoken with community leaders, and developed relationships with many of the parents and teachers in the district.
My education, career background, and volunteer work have provided me with the skills necessary to steer this district towards the reform that it so desperately needs. I feel that teachers are one of our most valuable resources, and it is essential that they are given support and treated with respect. In order for a district to thrive, an open line of communication needs to be established between the educators and the board members, and repairing the relationship between these two groups is one of my top priorities if I am elected.
I am eager to hear your thoughts, questions, and concerns. I will make myself available today and every day. I encourage you to contact me. My mission is to help to the teachers, children, parents, and citizens in this district, not to cater to politicians. I am hear to listen. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Ralph Vellon
MY EMAIL ADDRESS: ralph.vellon@gmail.com
PATRICIA DOLAN
Hello, my name is Patricia Dolan and I am a Belleville resident since 1963. I am the proud parent of Katie Dolan, a beautiful 2013 graduate of Belleville High School who is pursuing her career in education. I am also a homeowner and taxpayer.
I have attended almost every Belleville Board of Education Meeting for the past 7 years, as a speaker and an observer. I decided to run for the Board so that the students, educators, homeowners and citizens have a voice – in me. I was a fierce advocate for my daughter during her 13 years in the school system. I now want to advocate for every child, teacher, staff member, and resident of Belleville. Our children need supplies, updated books and instructional technology in order to achieve the best education possible. Without these necessities, our teachers find themselves constantly stressed and frustrated. If our teachers are unhappy, they will not be able to teach to the best of their ability. I feel that a positive energy from an educator is essential in order for their students to learn. This district has failed to support the teachers, and THAT is why we have failing scores. Belleville’s schools have been shortchanged for far too long, and it’s just not fair to the students.
We need to bring spending under control and direct funds where they belong-to the children. Without having gone over the budget line for line, I cannot say where it should be cut. But what I can tell you and can promise you, is that if elected, I will ask questions, and make sure the excessive, needless overspending will stop under my watch as a Board Trustee. I promise that you will not be disappointed if I am elected to sit on the Board of Education! Please feel free to contact me at any time with questions or comments. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Patricia Dolan
MY EMAIL ADDRESS: vote4dolan@aol.com
About BVOTE
Belleville’s Voice Of Teachers in Education (BVOTE) is a political action committee comprised of teachers from the Belleville district. It is our mission to find, screen, and fundraise for quality, pro-education candidates for the Belleville Board of Education election.
Find out more about BVOTE and our candidates by visiting www.bvote.org.
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