Malden Candidate Profile: Keith Bernard For School Committee

MALDEN, MA —With the Malden Municipal Election scheduled for Nov. 7, Patch is profiling the candidates.

Here, we learn more about Keith Bernard, who is an incumbent running to represent Ward 7 on the School Committee. Bernard is running unopposed for a second term.

Bernard has spent 20 years as a computer systems administrator.

Candidates were sent questionnaires and filled out the answers.

Name

Keith Bernard

How old will you be as of Election Day?

53

Campaign website

https://Bernard4Malden.com

What city or town do you live in?

Malden

What office are you seeking?

School Committee, Ward 7

Education

BS in Computer Science, University of Phoenix

What is your occupation?

I've worked for over 20 years as a computer systems administrator.

Family

I've been married for 18 years, have one son and have just become a grandfather.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My wife is an activist and organizer, the head of Progressive Massachusetts and field organizer for One Fair Wage.

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

I am an incumbent, so just finishing my first term and running for a second.

Why are you seeking this office?

I'm running for re-election because the people put their trust in me two years ago, and I've worked hard to keep that trust. Education is the foundation for everything we do — my job is to make sure that Ward 7's children get the best environment to learn.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ______ and this is what I intend to do about it.

The most pressing issue facing my neighbors is feeling like they aren't heard and I take that seriously. I have and will continue to make sure I am listening to them, and as I am able, getting what they need, both in and out of school.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have no challenger.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

The biggest issue and roadblock is finding the funding to pay for every initiative we have, whether it's paying our teachers and educational professionals their worth, or providing the resources our students need. I will continue to advocate at the state and national level to ensure we get the monies we deserve, as well as work with our other city and state officials as we all believe in education.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have held this seat for the last two years — while there have been challenges, they have been surmountable.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Everyone knows how to do something better than you, whether that's teaching a class or sweeping a street — so know when to let them just do their job.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

There is nothing more awesome and humbling than serving one's community — it was one of the high points of my life to stand on the Malden High Stage in 2021 and swear an oath to support the Constitution, my home state of Massachusetts and the students and city of Malden.