Politics & Government

Meet the Candidates: Neal Leon

Democrat running for the Board of Education.

Name: Neal Leon

Age: 43

Party, Position Seeking: Democrat running for the Board of Education. 

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Family Information: Wife, Tina Leon; two children, age’s nine and 12, attend Highland Park School and Illing Middle School

Employment: Director of Operations for UGL Services (worldwide facilities management company).

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Political Experience: Current member of the Board of Education; Co-Chair Buildings and Sites Committee; Co-Chair Personnel and Finance Committee; Co-Chair Transportation Committee. 

Other Experience: Former Highland Park School PTA President; Fundraising for Relay for Life (raised over $20,000 since 2008); Treasurer, Parent’s for Highland Park Referendum in 2008.

Why did you run for office? 

I would like to continue my work on the Board of Education. During this current school year many important decisions will be made. We will hire a new superintendent, a new high school principal and approve a budget for 2012-13. These decisions are at the core of our school system.

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

Over the past two years, I am one of the few Board members who has asked the tough questions and demanded transparency from the administration. Although I am only one of nine members of the Board of Education, I will continue to make sure my voice is heard. 

I am and will continue to be an engaged Board member. Over the past two years I have put a lot of time, energy and emotion into my position on the BOE. From Board meetings to subcommittee meetings to school events, I spend many hours each week dedicated to the school system. I have been fighting hard for the students and teachers of Manchester.  

What do you feel is the biggest issue facing Manchester today? 

I find it unacceptable that students continue to attend school in buildings that are decaying around them, buildings that don’t have the technology of the 21st Century and buildings that are either overcrowded or under utilized.  

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

My 20 years of experience in the facilities management profession allows the Board of Education to have a voice when it comes to building renovations and safety. I want to continue to work toward a plan that allows all students to attend schools that are safe and comfortable to enhance their ability to learn. 


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