Wakefield Election Profiles: Ami Wall, School Committee

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The following candidate profile is from Ami Wall, who is running for School Committee.

Age, as of April. 1, 2021: 40

Town of residence: Wakefield

Position sought: 1 year term for school committee

Party affiliation: Republican

Family: I am married to my husband Troy, and have 2 daughter's Olivia (12) and London (3).

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government, including the Town of Wakefield or Wakefield Public Schools?: My husband has worked in state government for several years including at the Massachusetts State Senate and within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretariat.

Education: I have a Bachelors of Science degree in Fashion Textile and Design with a minor in Fashion Merchandising from Lasell University

Occupation: New Accounts Manager

Previous or current elected or appointed office: Member-Zoning Board of Appeals 2014-present (appointed); Advisory Member-Wakefield Vision 2030 Committee 2021-present (appointed)

Campaign website: Facebook page-Ami Wall for School Committee

You are running because: I care about the mental well being of our kids. Never before have our children faced such difficult challenges. The ongoing pandemic has caused unprecedented impacts on their daily lives. From in class learning to social activities. From athletics and exercise to creative outlets, such as music, art, and drama. There isn't one aspect of their lives that hasn't been uprooted.

If I'm elected, my primary focus will be on the safe re-opening of our schools for full time, in person learning and the commencement of a path to normalcy. This will also include more access to mental health resources so our children who need assistance can begin the process of healing.

What is the single most pressing issue facing the school committee, and what do you intend to do about it: Along with mental health, we need to work together to slow the drastic rise of youth vaping and drug use. These are issues I take very seriously and more effort needs to be made to stop this epidemic. I'd like to work together with key players, such as school nurses, teachers, and local law enforcement to find ways to educate and eradicate these issues.

What are key differences between you and your opponents in this race: I stand for democracy and giving everyone a voice. We need to work together as a team and listen to all sides of every issue and make sure we are making decisions with everyone's best interest in mind. I will act fairly and openly and I'm not afraid to get my boots dirty as I dig into the issues.

What other issues make up your campaign platform: It is incredibly important that we have faith that our public dollars are not only safeguarded, but utilized appropriately. If elected, I will ensure our dollars will be wisely spent to aid our students in a manner that sets them up for success.

What accomplishments and experiences would you cite as evidence you can handle this job: I have always been an engaged resident of Wakefield. From my early days of working at my mom's store (Lubie's Jewelry) to participating in town functions, I have been an active participant in our community. Importantly, through my experience as a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, I have learned both process and procedure, and will be able to tap into that experience while serving on the School Committee. Growing up in a family owned small business as well as working for a Fortune 500 company, I know what it takes to deal with budgets and trying to balance many aspects of work and life simultaneously.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and the position: I have 2 children in the Wakefield Public School system, and I am fully invested in our town and schools. I plan to stay in Wakefield for many years to come and I want to invest in all of our childrens' futures.