Cranford School Board Election 2022: Brian Lopez

CRANFORD, NJ — Eight candidates are running for four open seats on Cranford's Board of Education this November.

There are three open seats on Cranford's board for three-year terms and one open seat for a two-year unexpired term. This seat is vacant due to the recent resignation of Maria Loikith from the board.

Incumbents Brett Dreyer and Patrick Lynch are running again to maintain their current seats on the board. Nicole Sherrin Kessler, whose term is also up this year, did not file to run again.

Candidates Brian Lopez, Susan Shaw, Thomas Grasso, Francis N. Riccio III, Christine Bradley and Jessica Soltys are also running for seats this year.

Brian McCarthy, who previously filed to run, withdrew from the race.

Patch asked all the candidates a series of questions ahead of the November election. (All of the candidates were given the same questions).

Here are candidate Brian Lopez answers below:

Brian Lopez

Website: https://www.facebook.com/BLOfo...

What office are you seeking?

I am asking for your vote to be elected as a member of the Cranford Board of Education. The “office” I am seeking is to be a voice for the children, parents and taxpayers.

Educational Background

I have a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.

Occupation

After graduating from Seton Hall University, I started my career as a Cranford Police Officer. Over the course of my tenure with the department, I served in the capacity of a Patrol Officer and a Detective. Additionally, I also worked with the students in our schools as a D.A.R.E Officer. Currently, I own and run a private investigation business. I continue to have a passion
and a commitment to Cranford, which is one of the reasons that I am seeking to continue to serve my community.

Do you have a family? Tell us about them.

My wife Susan and I purchased a home in Cranford in 2005. I have lived in town for 53 years. We have strong ties with the town and frequent the many restaurants in Cranford. We share our home with our rescue cats, Timba and Oliver.

Why did you decide to run for the Board of Ed this year?

I have several reasons for running for BOE this year. First and foremost, I love this town. I have lived in Cranford my entire life and chose a career that allowed me to serve this community. Like so many, I was horrified by what occurred to children during the COVID lockdown. While it is true that children in Cranford were in school more than many other places, they were still subjected to protocols that were deleterious to their social and emotional wellbeing, as well as developmentally inappropriate. The over-the-top social distancing and masking that was imposed upon the children in our community was unnecessary and unfair. Not one member of the current BOE
stood up for the kids in this community. Not one of them spoke up and advocated for kids. Right now, kids in Newark are attending school wearing masks. It is conceivable that some will clamor for masking again this winter. Kids need an advocate, not a politician and I want to be their advocate.

Have you previously run for the Board of Ed or served on the board before?

Yes, in 2019 I ran for Board of Education. At that time there was a movement to increase the amount of bussing in Cranford, which would have effectively destroyed our neighborhood schools. I was against the bussing and still am.

What do you hope to accomplish if you are elected to serve on the Cranford Board of Education?

Transparency for one. At the August 22nd Board of Education meeting, a member of the board attempted to stop me from asking questions and making my statement. When I asked another board member for their opinions concerning the sexual education curriculum, I was told to stop. Taxpayers have the right to ask our elected officials specific questions. I can assure you,
when elected you can ask me questions.

According to the School Board Budget, 87.85% of the funding comes from Cranford taxpayers. Looking at this percentage, one must keep in mind that approximately 50% of Cranford’s taxpayers do not have children in the school system. We must ensure the support of our schools in a fiscally responsible manner. I will create a citizen audit committee. This volunteer committee of
Cranford residents will ensure our tax dollars are allocated appropriately.

What do you think is the most pressing issue for the Cranford School District?

Education of course. I fear our children have fallen behind due to the draconian measures taken by Trenton in the name of safety. I think the earlier we can assess if and where they fell behind is important.

What will you do to ensure that students feel safe at school?

I was a Cranford Police Officer. I have still maintained a relationship with members of the department and its command staff. I am still an active member of the Cranford P.B.A. Local 52. The Cranford Police Department has a wonderful school resource officer program. This program is beneficial, and I plan to augment it whenever possible.

What is your stance on the new sex education curriculum that has been introduced by the state?

My position is that parents need to have all the information regarding this curriculum. When asked about this curriculum, our BOE and Superintendent have stated that the children will be taught what is appropriate for their age. Who determines what is age appropriate? I invite all community members to take a deep dive into the state curriculum and really look at what the state of New Jersey believes is age appropriate for some of our youngest children.

Middletown recently adopted a policy of “opt-in” as opposed to “opting out” of the curriculum. The BOE has a duty to be fully transparent with parents on all matters, especially one of such a delicate nature. When elected, I will advocate for your kids and for the rights of all families to be afforded full transparency of what is happening in your children’s classrooms.

What is something new that you will bring to the Board in the coming year?

I have the distinct advantage of being a lifelong citizen and a police officer in Cranford. I will ensure that your tax dollars are spent wisely. Over the past couple of months, I have spoken with a number of concerned parents about the recent changes in the sex education curriculum. A lot of parents are apprehensive in speaking out against the curriculum. They are concerned of
potential backlash against their children in school and socially. I do not have children. I do not have this concern. I will be their voice.

Secondly, over sixty-one million dollars of the school board budget comes from Cranford taxpayers. A proper curriculum leads to strong schools. Strong schools lead to higher property values. A large number of Cranford citizens do not have children in their school systems. I will be their voice as well.

Anything else voters should know about you?

As I stated in my 2019 questionnaire, I consider myself to be compassionate, tenacious, and analytical. A fellow Detective I worked with, once described me as “tireless”. I will bring these character traits to the Cranford Board of Education.