Current directors voice support for candidates

In addition to hearing from the candidates for Lehighton Area School District’s vacant board seat Wednesday, Carbon County President Judge Roger Nanovic also allowed sitting board members to voice their opinion on who they would like to see appointed.

Below are quotes from those statements:

DAVID BRADLEY SR: “I believe everyone here cares about the kids. If we can hold lawful meetings within the community that allows stakeholders to have a more active say in what happens, any of the applicants would be acceptable. Mr. Beltz had the next most votes for a two-year term. He has the least animosity within the group. I believe appointing him would be a benefit in unifying the district because the people would feel like they had a voice.”

ANDREW YENSER: “We have a great pool of candidates and I don’t know if I can support just one candidate. I support a candidate who makes unbiased, fact-based decisions and is involved and engaged in the community. Mr. Krause and Mrs. Bowman are strong candidates with their previous board experience. Rita Spinelli has faced situations similar to what this board faces today. I think any of them would make a great appointment.”

GAIL MAHOLICK: “Frank Tamburri is hardworking, honest and ethical. Wally is a good businessman who is concerned about education. Richard Beltz has a calm demeanor and is a team leader. I would like to see him take the seat as he would try to bring the board together.”

STEPHEN HOLLAND: “We have three former members, Mrs. Bowman, Mr. Krause and Mr. Eidem, who have experience and were all officers on the board. It is time to move forward. We can’t keep dragging our feet and looking in the past.”

RICHARD R. BELTZ: “All of the prospective board members are qualified for the job. My dad ran for the school board in order to have a voice in the community. He got the next most votes for the two-year term.”

WAYNE WENTZ: “Mrs. Bowman, Mrs. Frey, Mrs. Spinelli, Mr. Foeller, Mr. Krause and Mr. Eidem are here for the kids. They are here on their own merit and didn’t need an attorney in front of them asking them questions. When Mrs. Bowman was on the board, she was at the schools every day and attended every concert, every football game, and basketball games. She is there for the kids during the day and supported them at night. She has the experience and the knowledge.”

JOY BEERS: “I think the person appointed should be someone who fosters a more functional process within the board. Mr. Beltz ran with us on the campaign trail and what struck me about him was his calm demeanor. He is unflappable. I didn’t know of Walter prior to the last few months. I am very impressed with him. The elderly folks who use his oil delivery service speak about his kindness. Both nominees are good ones, but I would lean toward Walter because he is younger and may have more energy.”

LARRY STERN: “This term is 20 months and that is not a lot of time to get someone up to speed on the policies, procedures, operations and function of the district. I think the person with experience, a positive attitude and a different outlook on what is going on would be Mrs. Spinelli.”