Election 2020: Kinnelon School Board Candidate Karen D'Amico

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. What you see below are their answers with mild style edits.

• Name: Karen D’Amico
• Campaign Contact name, phone number (n/a if you don't have one): KarenDamico4BOE@gmail.com
• Previous elective office, if any: New Jersey Federated Republican Women, Member of Board of Governors, 2017-2019, Morris County Women’s Republican Club, Member and Secretary of the Executive Committee, 2015-2019. Pro bono attorney and mentor for Unchained at Last, an organization assisting victims of forced and child marriages, Pro bono attorney for Footsteps Org., helping ultra orthodox members leave their community and transition to secular life
• Education: State University of New York at Albany, graduated cum laude, Albany Law School; admitted and in good standing in New Jersey and New York
• Occupation: Attorney and Business Owner
• Fun Fact: Animal Lover with two long-haired German Shepherds and two rescue cats
• What inspires you: I’m passionate about advocating for others, watching my children on their life journey, and learning a new language (currently taking Portuguese lessons)

Why are you seeking a seat on the school board?

I want to create true transparency around how tax money is spent to give all children in the district the best possible education. Our BOE must examine how to better use our high taxes effectively in school funding. I will analyze how best to improve the Special Services Department, and see what can be done to improve the educational services for exceptional children. I will work to attract and retain the best and brightest educators who can adapt to changing educational methods and needs.

The single most pressing issue facing our school district and what you intend to do about it:

The single most pressing issue facing our school district is our school budget. I will advocate to bring back the community vote on budgets, have the district financial records evaluated to find out why we pay such high school taxes and yet, even at the beginning of COVID, we were told funding was a major issue for our schools, review contracts such as transportation with an eye to renegotiating what we can and seeking bids on contracts that have not been re-evaluated in years. In addition, I plan to recommend a BOE committee to review the Special Services Department and update curriculum for the children it services.

Equally as pressing is that we must also improve how children are educated and services are provided virtually, and get our children back into the classroom as soon as we can for those that want to attend full-time.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking to serve on the school board?

As an attorney, I have spent years working with contracts and insurance issues, and I am able to objectively evaluate legal issues being brought before the Board. In addition, I am an independent thinker person and I’m not afraid to speak out about issues that important to our community and need to be heard; even if it is unpopular to do so.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you will be effective on the school board?

I have handled cases with 100 million dollars in exposure and supervised multiple branch offices across the Country as a former Vice President of a Berkshire Hathaway Company. I am able to effectively negotiate and resolve complex issues. As a former prosecutor, and Director of the Child Sex Crimes Unit, and lifelong advocate for the vulnerable, I am not afraid to stand up for what is right and what needs to change; and I believe we have a lot of issues that need to be examined that are not fully being discussed.

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?

Again, I think we need to look at the contracts that we are entering into during times of uncertainty to make sure that they are in the best interest of our community and appropriate. We need to take a critical look at why we have had several lawsuits and settlements in the last six months from Special Services, We need the community to have more say in the district’s spending and re-open the opportunity of a community vote. We need to make sure that our students are prepared for life beyond the Kinnelon School system, and make sure we are offering the best possible programs for all types of learners.

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?

Parents should have the right to choose whether or not they want to give their child a COVID vaccine.

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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