Do you have any children in the School System?
I am the only candidate with kids currently in the Massillon School system. Every day I hear first hand from my kids and their friends what is going on both in the High School and Middle School. In addition, I continue to keep tabs on developments in every elementary school.
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Do you have experience working with kids?
In order to spend more quality time with my kids I have spent several years as a youth coach in the YMCA basketball program, Massillon Little league and Boys and Girls Club football league. I have met hundreds of our city’s kids and learned first hand about the difficult circumstances many of them live with everyday. I cringe at the lack of basic character skills so many of these kids possess. When did respect for your elders and manners go out of style?
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What are your views on the behavior issues at the middle school?
If a child isn’t taught respect for authority how can our teachers teach? If a child isn’t taught manners, respect for the people around them and property of others how can we trust them? If we don’t teach them about hard work, how will they succeed? As the only candidate with children in our schools and an active youth coach I understand what is necessary to bring out the best in our kids. Discipline, encouragement, hard work, punishment, rewards and respect are essential to every child’s learning process.
Its time to make the type of character development we learned as children part of the educational experience.
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What are my views on Tiger Football?
I believe that Massillon Tiger Football, like all extra-curricula’s, are a vital part of the education process. Though neither I nor any of my kids ever played Tiger Football, I have seen the positive life lessons it teaches our city’s children. Respect for authority, team work, and the benefits of hard work, etc... all are essential pieces of a quality education.
Though I have never been an active member of the Booster Club, I try to attend Touchdown Club luncheons to keep abreast of the program. Also, as a member of the business community I have grown to understand the important economic impact Tiger Football has in our town.
Tiger Football is an important part of our City’s history and tightly woven into the fabric of our community.e Touchdown Club and close friends with many active football supporters, I understood the importance of his remarks.
WHERE I STAND...
A) For over 20 years I have been a season ticket holder sitting in section 3 with my Father-in-Law, Tom Kimmins, a member of 3 State Title teams under Coach Mather and right in front of family friend Dewey Knight. I would say that I have become well versed in Tiger history and tradition.
B) I intend on taking lessons learned on the field about hard work, discipline and team work into the classrooms.
C) I believe Tiger Football and its traditions are part of the fabric of our community and will fight to keep it strong. I realize that there are concerns in the community concerning education and athletics in our district. Those perceptions can only be addressed through better communication with the community.
If I wasn't confident that I could make a difference I wouldn't be running. To those who fear the effort it will take to get the job done, I would simply say, give me the ball. Then lead, follow or get the heck out of my way. Tigers don't quit when things get tough, they fight harder.
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