Candidate Survey: Tom Scanlan for Carroll County Board of Education
Candidate Survey: Tom Scanlan for Carroll County Board of Education
TheDuckpin.com Candidate Survey
Name *
Tom Scanlan
Age *
67
Office Sought *
Board of Education
County *
Caroll
Political Party *
Democrat
Education *
Master of Science in Reading
Career/Occupation *
Teacher, retired
Political Experience *
Carroll County Democratic Central Committee
Social Media Accounts *
Website *
Why are you running for office? *
I am running for the Board of Education to bring reason and community back to our school system. School Boards are non-partisan for a reason, and we need to put politics aside so we can focus on learning and excellence. Now more than ever we need to refocus our schools as community centers where we can celebrate our common values.
Who do you consider your political role model, and why? *
My political role model is Jimmy Carter, not because of his presidency but because of what he has accomplished since then. The Carter Center has a far-reaching world health program. Eradicating the Guinea Worm is just one of six initiatives worldwide. Working towards world peace by monitoring democratic elections in 39 countries is another important enterprise of the Carter Center.
What is your favorite book about politics and policy, and why? *
I am not a politician, and I don’t read political books. As an educator, I would point to The Other Wes Moore as an excellent example of a book that demonstrates the importance of making good choices based on the opportunities that arise in life. Not only could my 12th grade students relate to the stories of the two young men, my students learned meaningful life lessons.
What will be your top priority in office? *
First, we need to attract and retain the highest quality educators through competitive salaries and a supportive work environment. Robust funding for our school system is vital if we are to provide excellence in our classrooms. The Board of Education must work collaboratively with our county commissioners and our state delegation in Annapolis to ensure adequate funding for our schools. Additionally, the Board of Education and CCPS must be good stewards of our finite resources.
What is the biggest issue facing your area? *
Ensuring adequate funding for our school system is a perennial issue. Beyond that, the politics of division has infiltrated school systems across the country. Here in Carroll County we see the same dynamics, with political action groups lining up to argue over issues such as school safety and political neutrality in classrooms. Our focus needs to be twofold: helping our students recover from the lost instructional time caused by the pandemic, and helping our educators overcome the burnout of increased responsibilities and challenges of the job.
What are the three biggest issues facing Maryland? *
First, we must ensure that the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future is properly funded and implemented. The Blueprint addresses many of the problems we see across the state, such as the impacts of poverty on students and schools. It also addresses the inequity of educator pay county to county. Finally, Education Support Professionals must also be recognized and compensated for their contribution to our school systems.
What is your position on life issues? (abortion, assisted suicide) *
Not applicable to the Board of Education
What is your position on taxes and spending? *
Adequate funding of public education must be a priority.
What is your position on gun rights? *
Not applicable to the Board of Education
What is your position on the legalization of marijuana? *
Not applicable to the Board of Education
What is your position on the current three-tiered system for the sale and distribution of alcohol? *
Not applicable to the Board of Education
What is your position on land use, growth, and development? *
Not applicable to the Board of Education
What is your position on crime and public safety? *
The School Resource Officer program has been a success in Carroll County. Perhaps other counties could look at Carroll for guidance on improving the program statewide.
What is your position on county tax caps? *
Not applicable to the Board of Education
Was Joe Biden legitimately elected President of the United States in the November 2020 Election? *
Yes
Do you pledge to accept the results of your election? *
Yes