Somers Democrats Announce Board of Education Candidates

The below posting is a press release from the Somers Democrats.

Somers Democratic Town Committee announces endorsement of the diverse, enthusiastic, experienced and ready to serve team of candidates for the Board of Education: Robert Schmidt, David Palmer, Barbara Capuano, and Mary (Molly) Rockett.  

This team is dedicated to building on Somers’ past and committed to preparing Somers students for competing in a global economy, using tax dollars wisely. Their vision includes collaboration with parents, staff, and administration, demonstrating fiscal responsibility, with a commitment to listen to the needs of all constituents. In a town as small as Somers, this team is dedicated to local needs, believing politics that matter are those that affect the citizens and students within the Town of Somers.  

Here are the candidates:

Bob Schmidt, a resident for 20 years, has demonstrated a commitment to the Town. An advocate of Somers Public schools, he believes his two children acquired a solid education in Somers. Bob has been a member of the Economic Development Commission for 8 years, Somers Rotary Club for 7 years serving currently as vice-president, and previously as treasurer for 2 years. He recently retired from South Windsor School District with a 35-year career teaching high school and middle school. Bob was appointed to the Somers BOE. His personal platform is to listen to all key community groups when making decisions with open-mindedness and compromise to achieve what is best for the children and residents of Somers.  He will practice decision-making based on being firm, fair, and consistent to all parties involved.

Barbara Capuano, a resident of Somers for 31 years, was responsible for the start up of the Somers Playground Committee in 2002. She served on the children education committee at the Somers Congregational Church and was appointed to the Board of Education and serves on the policy Committee. Barbara has 26 years experience with Fortune 100 companies in the Financial Management and Corporate Management Fields, controlling national staff and multi million dollar budgets.  Also, Capuano was a co-owner of a commercial construction company in Windsor, CT for 16 years and a current owner of a small business. For the past 22 years, Barbara has held a Real Estate License in CT and MA. As a mother of a 14-year-old daughter attending Somers High School, Capuano understands the challenges for students and school staff to achieve a high level of education. As a widow and homeowner Capuano understands the need to balance with budget restraints of the community.

Dave Palmer has been a resident of Somers 24 years where he volunteered and served as Co-President of the Somers Ponytail Softball Association, Somers Recreation Commission Basketball Board member, and coached several youth sports teams. His service to the Community includes Chairman of Somers Housing Partnership, Secretary of Planning Commission and is presently a member of the Somers Fire Commission. Palmer is seeking fifth term as member of the Board of Education where he presently serves his 4th year as BOE Chairman, (previously vice chair for 6 yrs., and 1 year as secretary). Dave earned a Masters Degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Bachelors Degree from Central Connecticut State University. Palmer is General Manager of United Technologies Aerospace Systems where his responsibilities include total Profit &Loss for one of the corporate entities, and manages associates and activities for Engineering Development and Production programs with overall annual sales and budgets of approximately $75M. Dave is recognized as a leader and mediator and executes with honesty and compassion.

Molly Rockett is a graduate of Somers High School, National Honors Society, with an Academic Excellence Scholarship at UCONN.  She is a junior, majoring in Political Science, minoring in Economics.  In her first two years, she was elected Communications Director, then President UConn Democrats, became a Resident Assistant, led an initiative to register every eligible voter at UConn. Youth engagement and community leadership resulted in her acceptance into UConn Leadership Legacy premier training program. Molly has a GPA of 3.95 and in the Honors Program.  She further developed her skills as a Research Assistant in the UConn Bennet Research Program, in the private sector with the Investment research firm, Washington Analysis in D.C. Molly also completed internships in the D.C. offices of both Senator Blumenthal and Congressmen Courtney. She is a selected participant in UConn’s Special Program in Law, and has secured conditional admission to UConn’s Law School in Hartford upon graduation. Molly is committed to fully attending all Board meetings, and plans to use her internship work and experience in Somers School District to offer a unique perspective on global changes that affect student preparation for a productive future. Molly commented:

“I have a deep appreciation for the important work, efficiencies, and effort my team members have contributed to deliver quality initiatives and keep budget demands low.  They are very experienced and bring diverse ideas forward. I think I will bring a fresh perspective yet retain the careful, judicious decision making that is characteristic of myself and my team of candidates.”  

You can find more information about the platform on the Somers Democrats' Facebook page.