Point Pleasant School Board Election 2024: Larry Williams

POINT PLEASANT, NJ — Patch is again publishing profiles of local candidates in the 2024 election, set for Tuesday, Nov. 5.

The Point Pleasant Board of Education election has four candidates seeking three, three-year seats. Dawn M. Coughlan, running on the Guiding Panthers Forward slogan, and Lawrence "Larry" Williams are seeking re-election. Hannah Corbin, running on the Advocating for Education! slogan, and Gregory Hillman also are seeking one of the three seats.

The candidates received the same questions. Here is the response from Larry Williams.

Name: Lawrence (Larry) Williams

Age: 71

Family: Wife: Debbie Williams. Daughters: Kelly Reese, Courtney Gallo, Son: Kevin Williams, 8 grandsons: Baylor, Connor and Jack Reese. Matthew and Andrew Gallo. Brayden, Logan and Noah Williams

Education: Point Pleasant Borough High School, Class of 1971. Attended St. Bernard College, Cullman, Alabama.

Occupation: Chief of Police (Retired) Point Pleasant, NJ, Police Department

Any previous elected office or appointments in local government? 28 years as a member of the Point Pleasant Board of Education

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for. Kelly Reese, 2nd grade teacher, Stafford Twp. Board of Education, Courtney Gallo, Paraprofessional, Nellie Bennett School. Kevin Williams, Sergeant, Brielle Police Department

Why are you running for office? To assure the best education possible for the children of Point Pleasant.

What do you see as the biggest issue facing the Point Pleasant School District right now and how would you address it? Funding is always an issue. State aid has been declining while expenses are always increasing. The district must utilize every available funding source.

Name one thing about the Point Pleasant School District that always makes you smile.
Seeing the children succeed in both the classroom and in extracurricular activities.