MEET THE BAUMANN SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS
SCHOOLS
052303 Mark Santora exits Bedford Schools Board Race
By FRANK NARDOZZI
Citing obligations that would prevent him from devoting as much time to school matters as he thought necessary, Mark Santora of Mount Kisco has withdrawn his candidacy for the Bedford Central Board of Education.
The election, to be held on Tuesday, June 3, will fill the two seats on the seven-member board currently held by school board President Dorothy Fallon and Trustee Joseph Whelan, who are not running for re-election.
Susan Elion Wollin of Bedford Village is running unopposed for Mrs. Fallon's seat. Mr. Santora was opposing Jason Black and Betty Negron-Ramirez, also of Mount Kisco, for the seat currently held by Mr. Whelan.
In a public announcement at the school hoard meeting on Tuesday night, Mr. Santora said, "After considering all of the time constraints that would be necessary to do an effective job as a member of the Bedford Central school board, I have come to the conclusion that it is necessary for me to withdraw my candidacy effective immediately."
Mr. Santora stated that he was "finishing a couple of degrees" and working toward getting a teaching certificate from the State of New York this year.
He had previously reported that he was attending Long Island University and SUNY at Purchase to obtain the teaching certificate that would allow him to teach high school science, biology and technology. He is also a doctoral candidate in the College of Metaphysical Studies of Florida.
"While I believe I could make the standard meetings of the school board on Wednesday night, I could not make all of the ancillary meetings," he said.
"I feel that if I am not able to participate and give 100 percent of my time to this endeavor, it would hurt the board and be a disservice to the students and the teachers and the general community."
Mr. Santora stated that he was not disqualifying himself from participating in school affairs, particularly at Mount Kisco Elementary School, or from running for the school board at some time in the future.
In a letter he submitted to members of the press, Mr. Santora had kind words for Schools Superintendent Bruce Dennis, Mrs. Fallon and Mr. Whelan, as well as all other members of the board.
"Dr. Dennis has shown me that he thoroughly accepts and promotes an open-door policy to his office. I think the board and the community will miss Mrs. Fallon in her leadership and management capacity," he wrote. "Her professionalism has been exemplary."
Mr. Santora also cited Mr. Whelan for the work he has done, complimenting him for "his objectivity and thinking outside the box." He also said that he had "the highest respect and admiration" for all of the current school board members, saying that "they provide an incalculable service to the community."
Mr. Santora stated that he had met and spoken with his two opponents, Mr. Black and Mrs. Negron-Ramirez, over the past two weeks since he had announced his candidacy.
"I am sure that whoever gets elected will perform their services with integrity and respect as trustees to the community and I wish them well," he said.
Mr. Black, who was also present at the meeting, said that he was "disappointed" that Mr. Santora had decided not to run. He also stated that he was a little excited',', because he recognized that Mr. Santora's withdrawal might also improve his chances.
Mr. Black said that if elected, he would favor "working Mr. Santora into the process."
Mrs. Negron-Ramirez said that she, learned about Mr. Santora's withdrawal from watching the board meeting on television.
"I don't feel anything for or against the man," she said. "I think that he should have given himself a chance."
Asked about Mr. Black's comment that he thought his chances may have improved, Mrs. NegronRamirez said, "Of course, when he said that, obviously he must think that I'm not much competition for him.
"But, it's OK. It's OK for him to think that. It's the public that has to decide that, not him," she said.
While at the microphone at the board meeting, and being one of only a few people in the audience, Mr. Black took the opportunity to propose an idea to the board that might allow for greater public participation.
He noted that many residents don't come to school board meetings, which are always held on Wednesday nights at the Fox Lane Middle School, but rather watch them on cable television, as in fact his opponent, Mrs. Negron-Ramirez, was doing.
He suggested that the board have an open telephone line available for viewers to call in if they have questions for the board or school administrators, or wish to make a public comment.
"This would be a great way to demonstrate our commitment to open communication," Mr. Black said.
Mrs. Fallon responded that this was not the first time that the idea had been suggested; a board member had proposed it five or six years ago. The only difficulty was that it would require a paid staff person to answer the calls.
"But if a board member brings it up again, I'm sure that we would be glad to consider it," she said.
Mark Santora
"I am sure that whoever gets elected will perform
their services with integrity and respect as trustees
to the community and I wish them well."
MARK SANTORA