Dear Editor:
The importance of education is a very hot topic in our country, state and municipalities right now. Everyone claims to love education yet there is always a flip side to a story. How funds are allocated, teachers are paid, and student resources to name a few are always up for discussions. On Tuesday, voters will head to the polls in Jersey City to vote for United States Senate, Hudson County Freeholder and for the Jersey City Board of Education. Without a doubt, I am supporting the re-election campaign of U.S Senator Cory Booker who believes in the Democratic party’s principles of helping everyone especially our children who are our future. But another heated race is for the Jersey City Board of Education. There are numerous candidates running and I have much respect for anyone who chooses to get involved in the democratic process but there are a trio of candidates whom I believe will best serve our children. Carol Harrison Arnold (6H), Monica Lorenzo Kress (8H) and Bertram Okpokwasili (2H) who are running on the Jersey City Parents for Excellence Slate has definitely gained my full support.
I first met Carol Harrison Arnold back in 2011 and I had the opportunity to campaign for her in the Jersey City School Board race. Since then, she has focused on her campaign promises to ensure our children in our Jersey City Public Schools receive a fair quality education. Also, what is intriguing to me is her Camp Literacy Summer Reading Program. Her program is extremely important to help children focus and understand the importance of reading. In the Greenville community, where sadly violence is taking over, her reading program shines a light on our children and offers them a different perspective of life. The importance of reading will help our children far in life and Carol Harrison Arnold understands that. Now to focus on Monica Lorenzo Kress; recently I have had the opportunity to meet with Monica Lorenzo Kress and we discussed the upcoming school board race. As a Greenville resident and activist, I believe our school board needs someone who understands the struggles of our children in the public schools on the Southern side of Jersey City. Kress who has been an educator for numerous years in one of the toughest school districts in New Jersey understands the importance of making a difference in every single child’s life. She has the experience, knowledge and tools to move the Jersey City School Board forward. Last but not least I cannot forget Bertram Okpokwasili. Since being appointed to the school board on April 25th, 2014, he has been fighting hard to make our public schools excellent. As a practicing attorney and former family law clerk, he understands the needs of our children in our city especially in Greenville. In conclusion, The Jersey City Parents for Excellence Slate has my full support and I am hoping you will vote for the right team on Tuesday November 4th, 2014. I can assure you this trio will make sure our children, teachers, and schools are excellent.
Demetrius M. Terry
Jersey City Ward A Greenville Activist New Jersey Chair of College Democrats of America Black Caucus