Press Release: WNY Kids First Candidates

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Frank Ferreiro
201-491-8001

“WNY KIDS FIRST”
Candidates File for WNY Board of Education

• WNY BOE Slate Established
• Education, Safety, and Sense of Community
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West New York, NJ (December 10, 2013) A slate of experienced WNY professionals have filed to run for the newly established seats on the West New York Board of Education.

On November 5, 2013 WNY residents overwhelmingly voted in favor of BOE “Open Elections” void of Mayoral interference.” The WNY BOE is now required by law to hold a Special Election which will allow for two additional Board Members increasing the Board’s size from seven to nine members. Prior to the November 5 election, BOE members were selected by the Mayor. The Special upcoming election to elect two new members is scheduled for January 28, 2013.

A report published by the NJ Department of Education’s Office of Fiscal Accountability and Compliance (OFAC) brought to the forefront what every parent feared – politics playing too high a role within the educational community. Residents throughout the town; parents and senior citizens alike, felt compelled to end this type of political interference once and for all and so they did by executing their vote to no longer allow the Mayor to appoint representatives to the School Board thereby opening the election process to qualified children oriented candidates of their choosing.

Joan Palermo is one such qualified candidate. A successful private practice attorney and former public school teacher of sixteen years knows how important proper education is for both the child’s development and the community. “I regularly attend town board and commission meetings and have experienced first-hand how the political process works and over the years, how this has negatively affected our schools and community. My background and experience, in education and the law will enhance my ability to serve the community as a member of the Board of Education.”

Another qualified candidate is Matthew Cheng, father and successful businessman founder/principal of eCoupons, Inc. of WNY who has also seen the negative affect politics has had upon the WNY educational system. “As a concerned father, I refuse to have the type of political oversight demonstrated by this administration play a role in my child’s chances of a promising future. Not only would my child benefit from the decisions made by qualified Board Members, but so would every child within the WNY educational system. I will work hard to make a positive difference in the lives of our children and our community”