We-Ha.com is offering our readers the opportunity to meet the candidates running for election on Nov. 3, 2015.

Carol A. Blanks. Submitted photo

Compiled by Ronni Newton

We-Ha.com is offering our readers the opportunity to “Meet the Candidate” – designed to help them get to know the candidates running for office in the Nov. 3, 2015 municipal election.

Identical questionnaires have been sent to all major party candidates, and each profile received has been submitted directly to We-Ha.com by the candidate or the candidate’s campaign management. The responses have not been edited but have been formatted to match our publication style. Questions left blank have been deleted.

As profiles are received, they will be published on We-Ha.com under the “Government” tab. We-Ha.com is not making endorsements of any political candidates but we are publishing this information in order to assist West Hartford voters in being informed and prepared when they go to the polls on Nov. 3.

If you are a candidate and wish to submit a profile, please return it by email to Ronni Newton at [email protected] ASAP.

Name:  Carol A. Blanks

Age:  56

Party, position seeking:  Democratic Party, Board of Education

Family information:  I am married to Charles Blanks, we have three daughters; Channen a 2004 graduate from Conard High School, Cynthia and Kaye are juniors currently at Conard High School. We have resided in West Hartford since 1996.

Other occupation, if applicable:  I have worked for the State of Connecticut for over twenty years. I am currently employed by the Connecticut Department of Public Health as a Program Director where I manage a cancer screening program for low income, uninsured, and underinsured women.

Political experience: I am a member of the West Hartford Democratic Town Committee since 1997. I have participated in Congressman Christopher Dodd’s Presidential campaign, participated in Governor Dannel Malloy campaign as well as local campaigns for town leaders.

Other relevant experience: Member of Conard High School PTO, past member of Sedgwick Middle School PTO, past PTO member of Florence E. Smith and Charter Oak Elementary School, tutored children in the ConnectiKids Tutorial program for seven years.

Why are you running for office? I am running for the West Hartford Board of Education because I believe every child in our town should have the opportunity to obtain an excellent education that will prepare them for graduation, college, and post-secondary education success, so they can become contributing citizens and future leaders of this great town. I want to partner with the administration and keep our schools at the top and continue the legacy of delivering an excellent affordable education. I want to work toward closing the achievement gap and enhance services for our students that struggle due to many barriers they may experience. Together we can continue to capitalize on our strengths and build areas that are in need of improvement.

On Tuesday, November 3, I am asking for your vote, not only for me but the entire democratic slate located on row A.

What issue(s) are your primary area of focus?  Common Core, teaching for knowledge, and adequate resources for teachers and administrative staff.

What do you feel is the biggest issue facing West Hartford today? Teacher Evaluation, SBAC Test, Teachers Contract, Charter Oak International Academy

What do you feel differentiates you from other candidates also running for this position? Each student brings unique skills and learning abilities, I’d like to focus on addressing those issues utilizing existing resources. My experience as a parent and as a tutor allowed me to observe that every child learns differently and at a different pace. Having children that are students in the district is my incentive to partner with teachers and aim for successful outcomes by utilizing available resources

(Optional) Anything else you would like to share? I listen carefully and work collaboratively to resolve issues that may benefit those who are impacted by decisions made. As a parent (and a government employee) I am committed to being a good steward of public funds, creating effective public policy and delivering services that positively impact our community.

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