Patch Candidate Profile: Arnold Skretta For Guilford Board Of Education

GUILFORD, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the town.

Candidate's Name:
Arnold Skretta

What office are you seeking?
Board of Education

What town do you live in?
Guilford

Campaign Website
https://guilforddemocrats.org/

Party Affiliation:
Democrat

Occupation:
Attorney

Family:
My wife Allison and I have twin daughters named Catherine and Giorgiana. They are 9 years old and attend 4th grade at Calvin Leete Elementary School. Outside of school they play tennis, soccer and just started training in jiu-jitsu. Above all they love animals, travel and spending time with their friends. Allison works in clinical research with the NIH.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
I have a brother who is the superintendent of public schools in Lincoln, NE; another brother who is a teacher; and yet another brother who is a federal agent.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
This will be my second term on the Board of Education with Guilford Public Schools. I also served for one term on the Guilford Board of Assessment Appeals, as well as on the Guilford Hazard Mitigation Commission.

Why are you seeking this office?
As this will be my second term, I am seeking office to continue the good work we have already been doing on the Board of Education and with Guilford Public Schools (GPS). I truly enjoy working for the benefit of our schools and our town as a whole, but above all I am motivated by and passionate about helping to ensure GPS is a welcoming place for all of our kids, with a strong support system for the social/emotional health of all of our students, coupled with rigorous academics and a compelling curriculum for students at all levels.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
The balancing act between providing valuable and often-times much needed resources, while complying with real-world budgetary constraints in our current challenging times. We as a Board have to make tough decisions, but we accomplish this by working closely with and yes - trusting and respecting - our administrators.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I believe it's less what makes me different, as opposed to specific attributes I bring to the table. As an attorney I bring a good amount of analytical thinking to my role on the Board. I am also very much a listener; and although I tend to be on the contemplative side, I am eager to weigh in when facing important issues and decisions. I know that my approach compliments the overall structure and membership of the Board of Ed.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
There are so many issues that come before the Board of Ed, but ensuring we provide the schools the resources needed to maintain GPS' excellence is paramount. We must continue to ensure that GPS is a safe and welcoming place for all students as we endeavor to provide them with a fun, challenging and rewarding learning environment. We are already working on developing a policy on the use of personal electronic devices (cell phones and the like) by students, and have started hearing growing concern over school start times, which we will need to take a serious look at.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
Winning the initial election four years ago (in a climate just as charged and divided as politics is now) was a threshold moment that allowed me to get on the Board of Ed in the first place. Since joining the Board, we have been able to continue working in a collegial and supportive manner across parties and in the best interest of our students, faculty and town. Maintaining academic excellence and a sense of belonging for all students at GPS - while reflecting the values of Guilford as a whole - is the accomplishment that shows I'm fit to continue the job. I thank the people of Guilford for trusting me in this role.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
My dad, who sadly passed away this past May, was a big fan of both Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger. Paraphrasing them, he basically said if you want to be rich, win an election, etc. - work as if you deserve it. His other words of advice - don't take any wooden nickels.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I take great pride in serving on the Board of Education for Guilford Public Schools, and I'd like your vote in this coming elections. I love our town, our schools and our kids. Thank you for reading!