PARK RIDGE—Residents will have the opportunity to meet the candidates running for the local Board of Education on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m. The informal session will be held at the Park Ridge Community Center, 51 Park Ave., adjacent to the library.
Can’t make it? PKRG-TV makes it easy to follow along, as they’re broadcasting the forum live. Tune in on PKRG-TV Optimum Ch. 77 (Park Ridge), Verizon FIOS Ch. 22 (Bergen County), or watch on YouTube at PKRG-TV On Demand. (The forum will be re-aired at various times until Election Day and will remain available at the YouTube link. Check pkrgtv.com for schedules.)
In the spotlight…
Three candidates are vying for two open seats. Incumbent David Bradler and newcomer David “Shelton” Hollers Jr. are running as a team, focusing on transparency and prioritizing educational excellence. Both are confirmed for the Oct. 29 event, organizers report.
The third declared candidate, Christopher A. Amitrano, campaigning under the slogan “Cut Your Taxes,” has neither acknowledged our requests for interviews nor confirmed his attendance at the candidate forum.
Bradler, a long-time Park Ridge resident and seventh-grade teacher in Bergen County, says on his campaign page he has served on the Board of Education for six years, including three years as president. He has volunteered as a coach for softball, soccer, and basketball, positively impacting many young athletes in the community. He emphasized the importance of transparency and open communication with teachers, parents, and the community. “While the current board has made progress, there’s always room for improvement. Strengthening communication will build trust and foster a more engaged environment,” Bradler says in Pascack Press’s 2024 Election Guide.
Hollers, who moved to Park Ridge in 2021 from Brooklyn, N.Y., says he’s focused on maintaining the high standards of Park Ridge’s school system. With more than 20 years of experience in learning and education and having served on the board of the Association of Talent Development (ATD), he says he is committed to prioritizing educational excellence and budget efficiency. “Residents want politics out of the school board, and I’ll keep the focus on educational excellence,” he tells us.
The evening begins with welcome remarks at 7 p.m., followed by candidate introductions at 7:10 A moderated Q&A session will start at 7:20, where attendees can hear the candidates’ views on key issues. The event concludes with closing statements at 7:50, followed by a meet-and-greet at 8.
Residents are encouraged to submit questions in advance of the Q&A by emailing maria.tatham@gmail.com. Tatham tells Pascack Press, “Attendees can ask additional individual questions during the meet-and-greet, but not during the moderated Q&A so that we can be mindful of time.” For more information, email rebeccaanastos80@gmail.com or contact Maria Tatham.