Candidate Profile: JP Foster Says 'Common Sense Rules the Day'

The annual budget votes and board elections take place throughout Long Island on May 21. In East Hampton, there are six candidates — Alison Anderson, an incumbent, Nicholas J. Boland, JP Foster, Wendy Geehreng, Mary Ella Moeller, and Rich Wilson — are vying for three positions on the board of education. The following is a profile of JP Foster:

JP Foster has a long history of public service. He is the senior supervisor at the East Hampton Village Emergency Communications 911 Center, where he has worked for 23 years. He also serves on the East Hampton Town Planning Board, an appoint position that he has held for about one year and a half.

Though he has never held public office before, he ran for school board in 2005.
Foster also has a New York State real estate sales license and works for Town and Country Real Estate. A member of the Pierson High School Class of 1989, Foster was raised in Sag Harbor. He has lived in East Hampton for 23 years.

Foster, 42, has two children in the East Hampton School District, both of whom are at the middle school. Among his other community involvements, he is a past Master of the Star Of The East Masonic Lodge.

Q: What qualifies you to be a member of the school board?

First, I have the ability to work with others, see objective points of view and put children first. I would bring my management, business and negotiation skills to the board. I have experience in working together and making difficult decisions. I think sometimes common sense rules the day.

Q: Why do you want to be a member of the school board?

I have two children and many members of my family are in the schools. I think its my time to step to the plate and give my time and experience to this district. I feel that we must preserve our children's education as well as our community as it is our future. I had a great opportunity as a child and I want to see it go forward in an even better way. I think it is just part of being a part of the community to naturally want to do my part.

Q: If elected, what changes would you like to see at East Hampton Schools?

I would like to see more communication between the district and the residence, I think one of many ways to achieve this is to have LTV present at all public meetings. I think this would take a lot of speculation out of what takes place at open meetings. I would like a clear way to cultivate prospective administrators possibly in some type of mentorship program.

Q: What is the most serious issue facing East Hampton schools?

Well, first I think the two percent tax cap is looming, I would say that in the near future we will be faced with piercing the cap or cutting major services for our children. Some of this has already begun, I for one do not have a problem with responsibly raising taxes for a excellent education as long as we are not wasting money. Our youth need to be at the top in a very competitive world, we must prepare or children the best we can and be responsible financially at the same time.

Q: ls there anything else you'd like to add?

I ask you for your vote on May 21st. Please know I have everyone best interest at heart. Many have said do you have the time for this? I say how do I not have the time, what is more important to me then my children. As someone one said to me "if you want to get something done, ask a busy person." Please also remember to support my running mates Wendy Geehreng and Nick Boland.

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