Meet The Candidate: Harold “Skip” Peters For Lacey BOE

LACEY, NJ — In one week, Lacey Township will head to the polls and cast their votes for two open seats on the board of education. Patch has asked the three candidates vying for those seats to share their thoughts before the Nov. 2 General Election.

Patch sent out emails to all candidates to the email addresses listed for their campaign provided to the office of the clerk. The responses received will get published between now and Election Day.

Here is the response from incumbent Harold “Skip” Peters who is running for re-election.

Age (as of Election Day): 55

Family: Laurie (wife), Kayla (Daughter), Olivia (Daughter), all graduates of Lacey Township High School including myself

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

Education: Lacey Township High School, Stockton College (alternative route) Teacher certification

Occupation: Industrial Arts Teacher 20 years; Owner RWP Construction 20 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: Lacey School Board Member, Lacey Township Board Of Health

Campaign website: SkipPetersforBOE on Facebook

Why are you seeking elective office?

To ensure our schools are the best environment for all of our students, keep taxes affordable, and maintain the buildings and grounds.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

We have several pressing issues facing our Board currently: cuts to our state aid and mandates issued through executive orders. As a current member of the Board, I serve on the finance/facilities committee. I am constantly attempting to lower pricing for work being completed throughout the district. One example is by keeping work in house to be completed by qualified district employees rather than contracting the work to outside contractors.

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

The difference between myself and the other candidates is 2 1/2 years of school board experience, working in a school setting for 20 years, and understanding how a school district operates and its policies and procedures.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

When I have to make any decision I always ask myself what the impact to students will be. I always consider students first when I need to make a decision as a school board member.

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

I have been ready, willing, and able to help whenever necessary. I have served on numerous committees and have had perfect attendance at school board meetings. I spent many hours working with my fellow board members and school administration working on the safe return plan. Additionally, we have maintained updating school policies and addressing concerns as they arise.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Always take my time and think out my response to an issue or problem. Take the time to research before you make a decision. Additionally, my woodshop teacher once told me, "measure twice, cut once, do it right the first time." I not only use this in the construction industry but am able to apply this philosophy in everyday life as well.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

As a current board member I am against both executive orders from our governor. I feel it should be the choice of a parent or staff member to wear a mask. Also, it should be a parent or staff members decision to receive the vaccination. I don't feel either should be mandated by the state.