Candidate Profile 2021: Michael Roosevelt, Council Rock Director

NEWTOWN, PA — Michael Roosevelt, a Bucks County architect, is a Republican running for the position of Council Rock Board Director.

A focus on the quality of education and reduced taxes in the school district will be top priority for Roosevelt, who was endorsed by Mark Byelich, the current Finance Committee Chairperson.

If elected, this would be Roosevelt's first elected or appointed office.

The general election will take place on Nov. 2.

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

Age (as of Election Day)

49

Party Affiliation

Republican

Family

Married to my wife for 21 years, we have 3 sons, 2 in the district, 1 graduated from CRSD in 2020

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

1. Bachelors Degree - History - Eckerd College, FL.
2. Architectural Degree - Philadelphia University/Jefferson, PA.

Occupation

Architect

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

www.ElectRoosevelt.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

It is important to listen to the concerns of our district families and work together to find solutions to solve district issues quickly and efficiently. I intend to work with other board members to solve the current problems our school district is facing such as: budget shortfalls, achievement gaps, and keeping kids first. I am motivated to run for this position as I feel my experience in running a company, interfacing with people, and my ability to collaboratively problem solve will be an asset to this school board. I have a vested interest in the success of this district, not just as a community member but as a parent.

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

Ensuring the kids of today are given the tools to succeed as adults to they can improve the community, the state, and the country. This would include STEM education, along with the basic education: reading, writing, and arithmetic. Additionally, including civics, respectful debate and effective conflict resolution is something the district needs. We need to teach kids how to learn, and how to think for themselves; not what to learn and what others expect them to think.

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

My campaign started out this past Spring on a positive note and I have made it clear to all those that have supported me or worked with me that I want to run a positive campaign. I have no interest going negative. We have allowed too many issues, organizations, and people to divide us. The community needs unity, and to find common ground.

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

I am not a challenger; my predecessor, Mark Byelich has endorsed me.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

1 - Kids and Taxpayers First.

2 - Academic Excellence.

3 - Transparency and Representation, which you can read more about on my website www.ElectRoosevelt.com

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

As a former Human Resources manager and licensed architect, I bring a creative and technical approach to problem solving that is not entrenched in administration. My experience is in listening to other’s concerns and creating plans and solutions to meet needs, and then executing plans, interfacing with others and resolving issues along the way. My skills are suited to a position such as school board director and I’d be honored to be a part of this board. I enjoy challenges and I am motivated by presenting solutions that can be implemented to bring positive change.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Do not waste time stressing over things you cannot control, Instead spend time working on problems you are in a position to solve.

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

The role of a school is to educate the youth of the community, then the kids must come first. We, as a School Board, must be committed to their education and enrichment as well as strengthening the community. Therefore, our accountability must be shifted towards the students. One of the most direct ways to educate the youth of the community is to hire and maintain good teachers that enjoy motivating kids to learn and improve. Administration is a factor, and neither students nor administration can be ignored in this response. The administration is subject to rules and confines that must also be taken into account. It is a balance that must be struck, but the primary focus is the good of the students, all students, that we are serving.