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Schools

Meet the BOE Candidate: Brian J. Geoghegan

Geoghegan believes district should spend taxpayer money with the mindset as 'if I were paying them from my own savings account'

Toms River Patch to each of the eight candidates running for the school board of Toms River Regional Schools. Seven responded to the questionnaire, where we sent each candidate identical questions on who they are, why they are running and what issues matter most to them and what they’d hope to accomplish if elected.

Here is the candidate profile of Brian J. Geoghegan:

He provided a response addressing each of the questions in a single essay, below. Separately he provided biographical information, which appears after.

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The questions were: What are your key concerns about the school district? What issues do you hope to address? What do you think should be done to resolve those issues? What motivated you to run this year? How do you plan to serve the board and the residents of Toms River Regional School District in a meaningful way?

I have been asked a few questions that seem to be common among many voters.  In my continuing attempt to manage a thrifty campaign, I will post those questions and my responses here where I am able to spread the word with no expense spared.  Since my campaign is conducted without the support of any political party, finances are limited.  Working with limited finances is certainly something more elected officials should manage.

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Many have asked “Why?  Why run for the Board of Education especially during such a tumultuous time?”  After many discussions with my wife, we agreed that the time was better now than ever before.  Being a graduate of Toms River High School North, I believe that I received an excellent education from the Toms River School System, and more specifically its teachers.  This education has led me to accomplish many great things both personally and professionally.  I want and expect the same for my children as well as the other children of the school district.  I was raised with the notion that it is proper to give back to the community.  I have consistently volunteered services back to the community since I was 16 years old.  Aside from being a volunteer EMT and Firefighter in my home community, I have held a variety of positions in the respective organizations, such as elected leadership positions to fundraising efforts and still volunteer to this day.  Being elected to the Board of Education will allow me to use my education and experiences to benefit the community as a whole.

Unfortunately due to recent events both locally and at the state level, there has been a shift in the support for teachers as well as other public employees.  I believe that our teachers need our support, as the success of their work will have a significant impact on the future of us all.  Toms River School’s students have consistently yielded test scores that exceed statewide averages.  This would indicate that the teaching staff is doing their job well.  Additionally, countless statistics would indicate higher crime rates in areas where schools are failing.  My experience in law enforcement supports the fact that most police contacts with juveniles are not with those who are educated or involved in programs.  Elevating crime rates negatively affect our property values, already suffering in this economic climate.  Ensuring a quality education for our students is essentially an insurance policy for the success of our future.

Another commonly asked question is what the voters can expect of me.  As, I too, am a taxpayer; I want to see the greatest benefit to the district received for every tax dollar spent.  As done with my family’s business, every dollar spent needs to be scrutinized.  This scrutiny has enabled us to succeed over the last four years, during the most trying of economic times.  Most public scrutiny has centered on teachers’ contracts and benefits.  Yet there has been little attention paid to the money paid for other services and professional contracts.  Each of these services and contracts should receive the same attention as if I were paying them from my own savings account.  I am sure each candidate would agree with this statement.  Another expectation is that I will decide on school issues without conflict.  No member of my family is employed by the school district, nor is any member of my family employed by any company that does contract work for the school district.  A common issue that is consistently brought up is the number of conflicts school board members have with issues brought before them.  Public opinion has been clear in its opposition to nepotism.  Following a family career path can be a natural tendency, as my siblings and I followed our father’s footsteps into careers in law enforcement.  However, when such conflicts become commonplace, changes need to occur.

By the end of the day on April 27, the voters will have elected three new candidates to the Toms River Board of Education.  Many of those vying for these positions bring a wealth of education, experience and talent.  Regardless of which candidates you support, I hope that I have earned your respect and support in this election.  I ask that you be sure to vote on April 27 and make your voice heard.  I thank you for your time spent getting to read a little bit more about me and my perspectives.

Please give us a brief bio:

Brian J. Geoghegan

Resident of Toms River, New Jersey since 1980;  Married to Michele Dozier for 11 years, two children attending Silver Bay Elementary School, Toms River Regional Schools – Kiernan (age 8) and Erin (age 6);

Graduated from Toms River High School North, Class of 1989;

Have worked as a police officer for 21 years; Currently a member of the Jackson Township Police Department since 1994, promoted to Sergeant in 2006 where I am currently working in the Traffic Safety Division;

Member of the Silverton Volunteer First Aid Squad and an Emergency Medical Technician since the age of 16, became a Paramedic, and am currently a life member of the squad along with other members of my family; Member of the Silverton Volunteer Fire Company since 1999;

Adjunct faculty member of the University of Phoenix; Bachelors of Science in Administration of Justice from the University of Phoenix; Masters Degree in Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University, New Jersey; Certified Public Manager in the State of New Jersey.

Here are the links to the other candidate profiles:

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