Election 2024: Wayne School Board Candidate Harry Prassakos

WAYNE, NJ — In the 2024 general election, Wayne residents will be voting in the presidential race and for their representatives in Washington, as well as for local school board seats and some Passaic County offices.

Patch has asked local candidates in contested races to answer some questions about their campaigns, which we've included below.

As a quick note, early voting begins on Saturday, Oct. 26, and the general election is on Tuesday, Nov 5.

Here is the candidate profile of Harry Prassakos, a current Wayne Township Schools Board of Education member who is running for re-election.

Editor's Note: Patch sent out the same questions to all candidates, using the email addresses listed for their campaign on the county clerk’s office. The responses received will be published between now and the Nov. 5 general election; any questions that the candidate did not answer will be left out. Local candidates who would like to participate but did not receive an email (for whatever reason) can contact Michelle.Rotuno-Johnson@patch.com.

Name: Haralampos (Harry) Prassakos

Town of residence: Wayne

Education: B.S. Finance and Marketing double major; NYU Stern School of Business and M.B.A. in Finance from Fordham University's Gabelli School of Business with a designation in Entrepreneurship and Venture Initiation.

Occupation: Deputy Chief Credit Officer

Candidate website or social media page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ha...

What inspired you to seek public office?

I had considered it for many years to provide my knowledge and experience to help the community but I finally decided to go for it and run for the BOE in 2021 when I saw my town's school district continue operating remotely when other schools were going back in-person.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I have almost 3 years experience on the Wayne Board of Ed already, with a "New Board Member" certificate from the NJSBA (New Jersey School Boards Association) and I am on track for one more in the next few months.

In recent meetings, some Wayne residents and board members have expressed worry about how recent developments and housing projects in town will affect traffic and put a strain on resources. What is your stance on ongoing development projects, and what do you say to residents who believe it will cause overcrowding/traffic?

I would have to agree with those worried residents since I am also concerned about the amount and rapid pace of new developments because we will imminently experience overcrowding in the classrooms and will have to get very creative with an already tight budget to solve the influx of this new population since the most recent referendum was shot down.

Name one thing about Wayne that always makes you smile.

Seeing the smiles from students, guardians, and teachers at the various graduations and stepping up ceremonies at all of our schools.

Finally, do you want to tell voters anything else about you, or your goals for this position?

Based on my experience, I will continue to be an effective team player, bringing fiscal accountability to the school district as well as continue being a watchdog for Wayne taxpayers by keeping a close eye on the budget. If you vote for me, #3 on your ballot and I am elected again, I would be able to provide you with the confidence and assurance that you can freely escalate ideas, provide input, and raise issues that are important to YOU so that YOU are heard by the Wayne Board of Education! I have provided a steady hand, common sense, and professionalism to the Board. My four children attend elementary school, middle school, and High School in this district, so I directly see and I am able keep abreast of the issues that affect the various levels in our school district. This November 5th, voters in Wayne will have the opportunity to choose me again to help guide the district towards continuous improvement for student achievement.

More info on election deadlines and early voting

For new voters, New Jersey’s deadline to register for the Nov. 5 election is Oct. 15. This is also the deadline for people who need to update their registration to change their name or their address on their voter record.

In-person early voting for the general election will be Oct. 26 through Nov. 3. Hours are Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.to 6 p.m.

The Wayne location for early voting is Wayne Main Library, at 461 Valley Road. Or, you can vote early elsewhere in Passaic County.

If you are already registered to vote and want to check your registration status or see where your polling place is, you can do so online.

Any New Jersey voter may apply for a vote-by-mail ballot by completing the application by Oct. 29, and returning it to their county clerk's office.

Then, they may return their ballot by mail, in a secure ballot drop box, or at the county Board of Elections office.

New Jersey voters will also select a U.S. Senator to replace Democrat Bob Menendez, who resigned from office after being convicted in a high-profile bribery trial. All of the state's seats in the House of Representatives are also on the ballot, and you can look up which district you live in here.

Related articles:

• See Early Voting, Candidate Info For Election Day 2024 In Wayne Twp.
• Wayne School Board Elections 2024: See The List Of Candidates