B-BP BOE Candidate Race: Incumbent James March

With school budget and board elections happening Tuesday, May 21 Patch offers up insight on the four candidates running for Bayport-Blue Point Board of Education.

There is just one contested race this year. Longtime incumbent and Board President James March is being challenged by Blue Point resident Mike Miller, who's making his second bid for election.

The other two candidates are incumbent trustee Leonard Camarda, who is uncontested for his seat, and newcomer Anthony Sanseviro who will be taking the seat of trustee Molly Licalzi who chose not to see re-election this year.

Patch asked each candidates the same questions to provide readers and voters insight on their background, reasons for running and what they hope to accomplish.

Full Name: James S. March (Jim)

Age: Bayport-Blue Point High School Class of 1970.

Resident of which town and for how long: Lifelong resident of Bayport.

Ages of any children:

Daughter Laura – Class of ‘97

Son Jason – Class of ‘97

Son Jesse – Class of ‘99

Do your children attend the public district or a private school?

All graduates of Bayport-Blue Point.

Are you a registered member of a political party?

Yes.

Have you run for any other office, school board or otherwise?

No.

Occupation:

Marina management until 2012 for 40+ years. Presently starting new as an independent marine contractor and consultant.

How many terms have you served as of April, 2013?

Completing my 15th year as as a trustee. Have served the last 12 years as president.

What is the top change you’ve seen in district oversight or management during your years as a trustee or the biggest challenge change for BOEs (excluding the tax issue or tax cap)?

There has been a significant move toward greater transparency.

Why are you running or seeking re-election?

I believe in community service and feel I have something positive to offer.

How do you define the role of a school board trustee?

It is one of oversight not micromanagement. The most imporatnt task is to select the right Superintendent and then let them do their job.

What is the top issue or concern you want to solve as a trustee in the upcoming school year (2013-2014)?

Mandate relief and relaxation of high stakes testing.

Are you in favor of the state tax levy cap?

I am in favor of the state tax levy cap. I am not in favor of property taxes being the greatest source of revenue.

Why should residents vote you onto the school board?

I believe my years of service and my networking as a legislative liaison offers the community (property owners) the best chance for a significant tax savings without affecting programs.