New Beginnings

by: Jennifer Strauss, a BOE Candidate 

There is a buzz around Long Island and the state of New York.  Board of Education races are happening everywhere, and more than ever, citizens are well-informed.  As a candidate in my own town and a first-time candidate at that, I wanted to share some interesting observations.

Platforms, of course, are critical.  Unconstitutional mandates being argued at both the federal and state levels, district third-party relationships, appropriate curricula, and school budgets are all hot-button issues.  Candidates must be well-researched and prepared.  In my experience, what has been overwhelmingly positive are the incredible relationships forged during these unique times.  People want change and they are willing to grind right alongside me during this race.  Make no mistake, it is a grind!  Writing letters, walking neighborhoods, social media, prep with BOE support groups, doing independent research, and responding to every single community member who contacts me; I have learned this is not for the faint of heart. 

To work with other men and women who cherish democracy has been rewarding in ways I cannot adequately articulate. Allowing myself to be vulnerable to criticism is an opportunity for growth. I have let the community know where I stand on issues: I am pro-parental rights, I am pro-Constitution, I am for keeping third-party relationships to a minimum so that education stays under local control, and I am for a thorough examination of the budget. I have laid it all out for my constituents to accept or reject. Criticisms have become gifts for self-reflection.

I do want to write in this week’s letter that not all has been rosy. There is a real divide. I know we all know this, but now that I am in it, I see clearly an opportunity for The CLL and its members to begin building bridges. 

Because I am a person of faith and am open about it, I have been called an extremist and a religious fanatic who will ruin Wantagh because of my narrow world views. I have been told, “we don’t want your kind here.” I have even had a couple of scary incidents with people who disagree. These are only a few of the venomous attacks. Rooted in partisan ideology, these attacks are presumptuous and antithetical to who I am. The beauty of The CLL is its non-partisan identity; we welcome all and will not sling mud as a way to initiate change. 

The opportunity I see for our members is to continue to engage in truthful but respectful dialogue. As a country, we have a vacuum being created in the ever-widening chasm of discontent. We can fill this space with information on Constitutional rights, abuses of power, and government overreach with kindness and compassion. We have the opportunity to rise above social media comments that devolve into hateful rhetoric by choosing joy and never operating from a defensive posture. What’s the old expression by Benjamin Franklin? “Tart words make no friends.”

I believe The CLL’s momentum reveals just how precious liberty is; innate in every human is the hunger for freedom.  The dignified leadership of Margaret Marchand and the warrior spirit of Chad LaVeglia, Esq. allow me to remember that I have a fire in my soul and grace in my heart. 

I will continue to work tirelessly in my district to get a seat on the board. Whether or not I am elected, I hope that my efforts to engage those who agree, as well as those who disagree in thoughtful discourse, will be both informative and facilitate healing.