Make a Good Thing Better Tom Ham announces candidacy for school board slot by Crispin Kott
When Tom Ham fell just 25 votes shy of being elected to the Saugerties Central School District’s Board of Education last May, he said he’d be back. True to his word, Ham announced his candidacy for school board last week. His platform is similar to last year, with the added benefit one more year as an observer to help shape his focus. Ham, a globe trotting director of engineering by trade, has been a fixture at school board meetings for the past three years. His candidacy for board last year was his first, running on a ticket with vice president George Heidcamp and trustee James Steinhilber. Receiving 1,538 votes, Ham was left on the outside looking in when Mark Thompson (1,688 votes), Steinhilber (1,598) and Heidcamp (1,562) were all elected. Ham received more votes than incumbents Vincent Buono Jr. (1,417) and Edward Kovac (1,268). Asked what he learned about the process after his Election Day loss last year, Ham opened with a joke. “I have learned it’s not very rewarding to come in fourth,” Ham said. “Levity aside, even though I came in fourth, I have continued attending and contributing at school board meetings. While I was prepared for all of the hard work that I felt was ahead of me, I learned there is far more work being done in the month between meetings than I knew about.” Ham said the sheer volume of work isn’t a deterrent, and he’s even more prepared to make his mark this time around. “I speak often with many of the board members and keep abreast of the issues they face,” Ham said. “While I know there are many issues facing this district at any given time, I have found a new appreciation for the fact that for every headline making issue there are dozens of smaller issues that are equally important in their own way. As a trustee, one must review and respect each and every issue regardless of its popularity.” Ham said the change on the school board in 2007 was a step in the right direction, and he’d like to see it continue. At the end of their current terms are Terry Parisian, Robert McCaig and former board president Michael Brennan. “Last year I noticed a certain lack of enthusiasm amongst some board members,” Ham said. “I think it’s time for change, new faces and fresh ideas. Because I enjoy attending the board meetings already, I’m well versed on the current issues so my learning curve should be short.” In addition to his observations as a member of the public, Ham will enter this election cycle with some legitimate experience thanks to a recent appointment by trustees. “Recently the current board showed their confidence in me by appointing me as the Saugerties representative to the Ulster County BOCES Board of Education,” Ham said, adding that his approach to his career will carry over into his work on the board, if elected. “Professionally I make informed decisions and solve problems every day,” Ham said. “It sounds a bit cliché, but I believe that every problem presents opportunities –– it’s just up to us to recognize them. As a board member I will seek out various perspectives and strive to make the most informed decisions possible. I think that some people underestimate the investment that must be made on the part of a school board member. I am willing to commit the time and energy required to insure I’m contributing in a positive, productive manner.”
Cause for concern According to Ham, the school board during the past year has helped alleviate come of his concerns. “The good news is that there are many issues I’m interested in but only a handful I’m concerned about,” Ham said. “Being a father of two in the district, I’m primarily concerned with our curriculum. We need to make sure it’s current and provides any advantage possible to our kids. To me, it’s important that our children get a quality education that gives them an edge in whatever endeavor they choose after high school whether that’s college, a trade or other path.” But Ham added that it’s important to strike a balance between the needs of the students and what the public can afford to pay for them. “As a taxpayer, I’m concerned with the current state of our facilities,” Ham said. “The leaky roofs have been a rather public issue as of late. While I’m confident we are on track regarding the roofs, I think we need to look at the rest of our facilities to make sure they do not fall into disrepair again. I think prior boards did not put a priority on maintenance. We need to establish a preventative maintenance program that systematically addresses issues before they create so much damage. It will be far less expensive to resolve issues as early as possible.” Ham said he’d also like to ensure money wasn’t being spent frivolously on positions the district might not actually need. “I wonder about our ever growing administration,” Ham said. “For example, recently there was an idea put forth that maybe we need a Human Resource person. I would rather make sure that monies we spend directly benefit the children. I do not believe increasing the size of our administration will necessarily help our children. I, like many others, wonder how we will continue to bear our tax burden. It is very important to me that every dollar spent is absolutely essential.” Ham added that the selection of a new superintendent at the end of current administrator Richard Rhau’s contract is also vital, as is the settling of the contract between the district and the SESA, the district’s support staff. Ham’s candidacy is welcome news to one of his former running mates. “I'm delighted that Tom Ham is running again,” Heidcamp said. “If anyone deserves to be on the BOE it’s Tom. As you know Tom Ham, one of my running mates last election, lost by just a few votes. His determination to come back and run again shows just how strong of an individual he is. Tom is dedicated, hard working and compassionate individual who truly cares about the community and its children. I strongly encourage voters to support Tom Ham on May 20th, as I need him on the school board.” Ham said he’s hoping voters give him the chance to make a difference. “I wish to take on this responsibility because I find the school board meetings interesting and I would like to give back to the community by representing their interests on this board,” Ham said. “I’m the only non-incumbent candidate that has shown such an interest. I wish to do this for one simple reason and that is to do my part in improving our school district.” Trustee petitions are currently available in the superintendent’s office. The deadline is April 21.
Crispin Kott |
