This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Politics & Government

In Their Own Words: Here's Why You Should Vote for School Board Candidate George Jackowiec

George Jackowiec is running against Robert L. Cabeen, Leslie N. Juby, Mary Lynn Stith, Kelly B. Nowak, and Michael T. McCormick for three open seats on the Geneva School Board.

Why would anyone work so hard for a volunteer position? The simple answer is that you must feel strongly that two things exist: 1) There is a job that needs to be done, and 2) You feel that you have something you can contribute to that position that others cannot. Someone who provides a different perspective.

As has been pointed out in many articles written to the various news outlets and discussed in the forums, there are serious issues that need to be addressed in our community. 

Some issues may not come to light until later on; many things are being discussed at the state level that will impact Geneva. Some issues we are absolutely having to deal with currently:  1) Home values are decreasing and will continue to decrease for possibly another two years. 2) Our bond debt service (interest and principle payments) will increase steadily for the next six years. 3) Housing growth has been non-existent and is only slowly coming back. These issues will have a big impact on the overall financial condition of Geneva.

Find out what's happening in Genevawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

So how are we going to maintain good schools, with good programs, and good teachers with the possibility of decreasing or stagnant growth in revenues? 

We will need to look at all of our financial line items carefully. If we keep all options on the table, and if we discuss things openly, in my experience the best solution presents itself. It usually does not present itself clearly. Some people will get angry and say “there is no solution.” But we need to persist.

Find out what's happening in Genevawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

We discuss things, and somehow additional information comes to light. However the answer still may not show itself. This is the point that most people give up. I find this is the time when you keep working the problem and slowly the answer starts to develop. You need to check facts. You need to go over things with the group and explain the solution.

At this point you usually don’t get a big "hooray, we did it!” Usually people are exhausted and the magnitude of what they just developed will not be clear to them until they have a good night’s sleep. 

Do I think I have all the answers? No. Do I think this will be easy? Absolutely not. Am I willing to talk with all parties to try and come up with the best possible answers? Yes, I will. Will I guarantee that there will be “No new taxes?”  That would be disingenuous.

All I can guarantee is that I will read my oath of office and I will do my best to ensure our children receive an excellent education, respect taxpayer’s interests, protect the school district’s assets and encourage and respect the free expression of my fellow board members and others who seek a hearing before the board.

If you think I am the kind of person you want to represent you and work to solve some very tough issues, please get out and vote for me, and tell a friend or two.

Thank you.

Editor's note: Geneva Patch invited candidates in contested races for Park Board, City Council and School Board to write their own autobiographical introductions and final essays. You can read them all in the Elections 2011 tab at the top of the home page.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?