In preparation for Tuesday’s election, Patch asked the four candidates running for three seats on the Franklin Lakes Board of Education to fill out the following “Patch Candidate Profile.”
Below are the answers Patch received from Candidate Anthony Zolfo.
Name: Anthony P. ZolfoAge: 53
Where did you grow up? Please tell us a little bit about your education and profession.
I grew up in Brooklyn, NY. I graduated from St. John's University with a BA in Political Science. I then graduated from the University of Miami School of Law and came home to take the New York Bar Exam which I passed in 1987. I had worked for various Fortune 50 companies throughout my career as corporate counsel specializing in commercial contracting and information technology.
How long have you lived in Franklin Lakes?
My wife, Denise and I moved to Franklin Lakes in 1999. We chose to live in Franklin Lakes because, apart from being such a beautiful town, the reputation of the school district was highly rated. I have three children; a 13 year old daughter who attends Franklin Avenue Middle School and twin 8 year old sons who attend High Mountain Road School.
Why are you running for a seat on the Board of Education?
My family and their well being is, and will always be, the biggest part of my life. Just as all of you, I will do anything I can to insure that well being. Sometimes that means giving more of yourself whether it’s in the form of time through volunteering, money in the form of direct funding or some expertise that you have developed professionally. By helping the Community through these efforts you are insuring the well being of your own family members. I’m running because I believe the Board of Education needs a new face with a new perspective and new competences to ensure that our school district has the leadership to succeed now and in the future. We can't afford to let history repeat itself with regard to some of the hiring decisions that have been made in the past.
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As an attorney, I have the skills and knowledge to take the issues, analyze them, objectively look at all aspects and negotiate so that we can reach a consensus that is beneficial to all. As a corporate officer, I will work hard to create a governance culture of objective excellence, continuous improvements, accountability and transparency in our K through 8 School District. As a volunteer, I know the hours and the ownership one feels when they give of their time and talents to make any organization better. And finally, as a parent, I understand the anxiety parents feel about how the curriculum their children are subjected to will impact that child’s life.
What do you feel are some of the most important issues the district is facing?
This is one of the most crucial Board of Education ("BOE") elections in Franklin Lake’s history. The incoming Trustees, as well as the current BOE, will be charged with changing the administrative base of our entire educational system by hiring an excellent Superintendent that will bring the right combination of experience, enthusiasm and vision to the Franklin Lakes K thru 8 School District. This critical task must be embraced in the spirit of unity and cooperation to ensure that our School District continues to afford our students with the leadership that will provide them with the means of truly learning lifelong skills.
The foundation of that leadership will begin with the election of a cohesive Board that appreciates and respects one another and works together to enrich the lives of every student in Franklin Lakes.
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Do you have an election website and/or Facebook page?
My web site: www.zolfo4boe.com
To see profiles of the other three candidates, click here.
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