Election 2020: Chester School Board Candidate Rebekah Forlenza

NEW JERSEY - In a few short weeks what is expected to be one of the most charged elections in modern history is set to take place and Patch has asked local candidates to share their thoughts before the Nov. 3 election.

Editor's Note: Patch sent out emails to all candidates to the email addresses listed for their campaign provided to the county clerk. The responses received will be published between now and the general election. Candidates who would like to participate but did not receive one (for whatever reason) can contact Russ.Crespolini@patch.com.

• Name: Rebekah Forlenza
• Previous Elective Office: Running for a second term on the Chester BOE
• Education: BFA from Syracuse University
• Occupation: Facilities Planning & Design for Wiley (publishing company based in Hoboken, NJ)
• Fun Fact: I grew up in Buffalo, NY but was born outside of Atlantic City and lived there for a year. I guess I’ve always been a Jersey Girl at heart because after living here for the past 21 years I can’t imagine any place else I’d rather be.
• What inspires me: My family! I have a wonderful husband and 2 children. My daughter is now a freshman at West Morris Mendham and my son is at Black River Middle School.

Patch asked these questions to all candidates:

1. Why are you seeking a seat on the school board?
2. The single most pressing issue facing our school district and what you intend to do about it:
3. That are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking to serve on the school board? If unopposed, describe the issues that define your campaign platform.
4. What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you will be effective on the school board?
5. Recovering from COVID-19 is going to put a significant financial strain on the schools. With so much of our tax dollars going to support them. But cuts will still be needed. Where do you see room for budget improvement? What things will you go to the mat to defend?
6. The COVID-19 pandemic has put into focus the issue of mandatory vaccinations. If such a movement gains traction, where do you stand on the issue for your community?

This was the response we received:

"I am proud of our district and particularly its response to the pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, Chester already had a solid technology foundation and that enabled us to rapidly shift to the virtual learning platform last spring. Through the hard work of our teachers and administrators we’ve been able to return this fall in a hybrid model, and we hope that it will continue for as long as possible. Our BOE has been very supportive and involved in the planning that went into reopening schools. I continue to support the district in its efforts to remain open for in-person/hybrid instruction, while continuing to prioritize the health and safety of students and staff. "

Since the change to this year's election was announced by Murphy, there have been many questions about how the process will work. Below is some further reading on the Nov. 3 election process:

• Here's How NJ's Mail-In General Election Will Work: What To Know

A primarily vote-by-mail election means a lot of changes to election day. See what you can expect this November.

• What's A NJ Provisional Ballot? How Does It Work? Patch Found Out

Those not needing an ADA compliant booth will need a provisional ballot to vote in-person. Here is what that will look like.

• Do Mail-In Ballots Force NJ Voters To Lie? Here's The Answer

There was language on the primary ballots asked voters certify they requested the ballot, even if they didn't.

• How Are Election Signatures Verified In NJ? Patch Found Out

Voters wondering how their signatures are checked before the upcoming election can see the process for themselves.

• How To Register, Track Your General Election Vote Online In NJ

Need to register for the upcoming election? Want to track your vote once you do? Read on to learn how.

• Key 2020 Voting Deadlines In New Jersey

Here is a recap of important dates to remember with upcoming election, all in one place.

• NJ: Get A Wrong Or Duplicate Ballot? It Is Probably Your Fault

Confusion and concern has reigned as ballots arrive, here Patch got some answers from a county clerk.

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