April 28, 2022
Friends and Neighbors,
I am running for a seat on the Chappaqua Central School District (CCSD) Board of Education.
I am asking for your support and your vote.
Now, more than ever, who you elect to the school board is of viral importance to the community. In the past, too often, the election has been a popularity contest rather than a genuine discussion of the issues. The issues are too important to leave to chance. With the ballooning budget, the laying off of 7 teachers, the limited communication with the community, the limited ability to give feedback to the Board and the Administration, the inconsistency within the Special Education program, and the struggle for true diversity, equity and inclusion, the District is at a critical juncture.
I have lived in Chappaqua for 23+ years. Chappaqua is a special and unique community. Special and unique in that while we value social and economic diversity, while we value the individual, we are collectively focused on our children and on our schools. The greatest inheritance we can give our children is an education. I am a single empty-nester (empty-Mester?). I chose to remain in Chappaqua because of my appreciation for and love of the community, the small town atmosphere, the terrific school system, and my friends and neighbors.
It is no secret that one of the most important value propositions of living in Chappaqua is the quality of the schools. Our property values are directly tied to the continued excellence of the school system. The excellence of the schools can only be maintained by keeping vigilant with respect to the academic, social, and extra-curricular programs. I fear losing our academic and fiscal discipline developed over the last 20 years or so.
I fear the Board and the Board election becoming political. We are not Loudon County, and we should not be identifying ourselves as candidates or as Board members as democrats or republicans. There is no place for the NCDC and the NCRC supporting and pushing candidates. There is no place for politics on the school board. That is why we do not run on party lines. It is the reason I changed my registration many years ago to "no party affiliation". When asked, I tell people I am in the Common Sense Party. Two of the candidates are being pushed by the NCDC.
I hope that the information provided on my website gives you, the voter, insight into my thoughts on the issues, my ideas for the future, and my concerns for the present. I believe in transparency, direct and frequent communication, and civility. I challenge my fellow candidates to be as transparent and forthcoming on their candidate positions on the various issues.
As I said in a previous letter to the community, "As those of you that know me well, I tend to be detailed and thorough in my writing. Some might even say long winded. Although I am not sure a candidate should ever apologize for being transparent, detailed, and thorough, apologies in advance if you find this site to be overwhelming or too much information."
In addition, "Apologies also for the hasty web design. I am doing (did) all of the setup and content myself. While I know the content cold, the formatting and setting up of a website/blog is not something that comes easy to me. Substance over form is my [new] motto."
Also, in preparation for updating this site, I have reviewed all my old posts and pages. While some of the information is specific to the times (dated), I stand by all my postings. For that reason, I have chosen to leave them up. Rather than replace the old posts, I will simply add my new ones. If I can figure out the design logistics, I will move them all to a subsection or clearly delineate current posts from old ones.
Check back often as I will be adding new pages to the site as I am able.
Finally, with no humility whatsoever, I state unequivocally that I am the best candidate running and would make the best Board member if elected. Why? In short, I have the most experience of any candidate yet I have the added benefit of perspective (time off). I know more about the budget and the budget process than any candidate, I have no conflicts of interest, and I am not a politically supported candidate.
In closing, I again ask for your support and your vote. I also ask that even if you do not vote for me, that you make your voting decision on the issues, the candidate position, and the facts, not on politics, popularity or anything else.
Jeffrey S. Mester
Ask Me Anything:
914-840-2233 text or voice mail.
