Candidate Profile 2021: Bob Hickey, Council Rock School Board

NEWTOWN, PA — Bob Hickey, a Bucks County corporate manager, is a Republican running for a position on the Council Rock School Board out of Region 3.

Hickey is the father of eight children, all of whom went through the Council Rock school system. He will be focusing on the transparency of education for students throughout the district, with a focus on better education and proper budgeting in the district.

The general election will take place on Nov. 2.

Here's Hickey's profile, as filled out by the candidate:

Age (as of Election Day)

63

Party Affiliation

Republican

Family

Wife of 39 years - Maureen. Children (Robert 38, Matthew 36, Kimberly 34, Kevin 32, Keith 30, Ryan 27, Kyle 23, Carly 20) Proud grandfather of 12 (6 years and under).

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

B.S Secondary Education - Temple University

Occupation

Corporate Management - 30 +

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Committeeman

Campaign website

N/A. Facebook - BobHickeyForCouncilRockSchoolBoard

Why are you seeking elective office?

Having a child in the district for 26 consecutive years gives me a unique perspective of both where the district has been and where it is heading. This is an opportunity for me to give back to the district that has been so beneficial to my 8 children. I am concerned that Council Rock is satisfied with being one of the best districts in the state instead of the best district in the state. As I approach retirement age I also am in a position to recognize the effect taxes have on our senior population and I feel I have the knowledge to bridge the gap responsibly between the wants of the district and the needs of the taxpayer.

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

The lack of transparency in the education of our students. From past personal experience, the school and family unit were more cohesive. Students cannot be successful unless both units are working together as a team.

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

I am not comfortable speaking about my opponent. The voters can decide if my points of view align with theirs. I choose not to run a negative campaign.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

N/A

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I believe in keeping students safely in school. I believe parents, not politicians, know what is best for their child/children. I believe there should be a stronger focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) while also exploring and promoting other career avenues such as the military and the trades. I believe schools should balance their budgets like families.

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

Co-Chaired a group (FACE - Families Advocating for Continuity in Education) that worked directly with the school board and Superintendent to successfully address the middle school split and end the separation of students at a critical time in their life. I also served on the Council Rock Planning Commission. In addition, I was a member of of a CYO board for 8 years.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Never give up!

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

In today's world, where civil discourse is almost non -existent, I feel I can be a calming influence on the eight other board members. Being one of 11 children and in raising 8 of my own I learned early the necessity of give-and-take and being able to respectfully express my views. Not only that, but I also learned how to be respectful of a differing opinion. While not "book knowledge", these traits are also just as critical in being a successful school board director.