Candidate Q&A: David Briggs

Name

David Briggs

Party, Position Seeking

Republican, Board of Education

Background

BFA in Graphic Design, Rochester Institute of Technology

Family information

42 years old, married 16 years, Canton resident for 11+ years, 3 children in Canton schools

Occupation:

Prepress manager for a marketing company

Political Experience

No prior political experience.

Other Relevant Experience, Community Service

Most of my volunteer activities involve coaching. I have coached baseball, softball, soccer and basketball

Why are you running for office?

I am running for BOE for two reasons. I want to help ensure that the Canton schools continue to be a role model for other school districts and I feel that serving on the BOE is the best way for me to help give back to the community.

What skills do you have that you could bring to the community?

What I have to offer to the BOE is a common sense and logical approach to all functions of the board. I feel that all the facts and opinions of any problem or situation must be considered before a rational, objective solution can be achieved.

If elected, what would be your primary areas of focus?

My primary focus on the BOE would be to balance a reasonable budget with providing the highest level of education. I feel it is imperative that we provide many opportunities for all students. I am a strong supporter of the music and art programs and sports. It is in providing a well rounded education that we produce the best future citizens.

Name something the school system has done well over the past four years.

Over the last couple of years the BOE has done an outstanding job in controlling budget increases while maintaining the level of education Canton has become accustomed to. The last three years have been an economic challenge for many towns across the country and Canton has not lost focus on the importance of education. Through minimal cuts and some reorganization, the BOE and school administration have kept the schools functioning at a high level with little or no loss of services.

What is something the school system could have done better during the past four years?

I have a hard time looking back over the last few years and criticizing what the town or schools could have done better when we were all dealing with extreme economic turmoil. Canton has by my estimation fared well and we need to continue to be fiscally responsible while maintaining services for all of our residents. The schools have done their part over the last two years with a 0% and less than 2-percent budget increases while not sacrificing the quality of education. One should learn from the past, but look ahead to what can be done today for a better tomorrow.

Additional thoughts? (optional)
The best resource Canton has are the residents. This town is full of energetic, concerned, willing individuals who want the best for Canton. It is in tapping all of that knowledge and ability that Canton will continue to be the place that all of want to live and raise our children. I wish to do my part to see that the future of Canton is as bright as it can be.