Q&A with Freehold Borough Board of Education Candidate Michael Lichardi

Question: What is your profession and professional title?
Answer: I am practicing as a Physician Associate specializing in Trauma Surgery and Critical Care Medicine. I'm a graduate of St. John's University Physician Associate Program 1983 followed by receipt of a Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery (DPM Degree) from NY College of Podiatric Medicine 1990. Was in private practice for several years but, returned to hospitalist medicine & surgery during the tumultuous period of health insurance change/reformation to managed care/HMO of the 1990's - that served as a major disincentive to continue as a private practitioner in podiatry due to restraint of trade policies that were in play at the inception of this insurance evolution. Ironically, the same policies that discouraged my private practice led to a virtual renaissance in the PA profession that continues to grow in this current health care reformation.

Question: How long have you been a Freehold resident?
Answer: I’ve been a resident and homeowner in Freehold Borough since 1998.

Question:Why do you want to be a member of the BOE?
Answer: Three years ago I ran (and won a seat on the board) as an invested member of this community (a homeowner with 3 children all students in the district) who appreciated the impact of a strong school district on the community as a whole. Our district has been forced to endure diminishing financial assistance from the state with a burgeoning student population in facilities that have been “bursting at the seams”. I felt compelled to play a role in strengthening the district. I’ve been pleased to realize that our board working with our administration has made significant strides in spite of the extreme stressors put upon it. Today, I run for reelection as I remain compelled to continue working with this board to overcome our district’s continuing challenges.

Question: What strengths would you bring to the BOE?
Answer: My 3 decades of professional experience in private and non-profit institutional practice have contributed significantly to working with this board throughout my first term. If reelected, I will have the added benefit of substantial experience as a very proactive board member.

Question: What do you consider to be important issues in the school district?
Answer: I remain compelled to continue work as a board member as the issues that drove me to run for my first term remain very prominent and critical issues in this district. As I’ve elaborated previously; Our district has been forced to endure diminishing financial assistance from the state with a burgeoning student population in facilities that have been “bursting at the seams”. Additionally, we’ve begun the process of hiring both a Chief School Administrator (Superintendent) and a Business Administrator.

Question: What is something you would like to see happen while you are on the board?
Answer: Our district has partnered with our community members in a comprehensive strategic planning/restructuring process. In essence, the district is attempting to re-invent itself. I believe our district is at a critical juncture in its history and the success of the restructuring process is essential; so, I want to see it through to its completion.

Question: Where would you like to see the BOE in a year from now?
Answer: I am generally not a fan of long incumbency for elected officials. However, I take exception in the case of our present board at this juncture. We’ve been a strong board that has worked together in exemplary fashion. I don’t think our district can afford a “shake-up” of the board during a major restructuring of the district and its administration. Therefore, I believe this district needs this present board at the helm of the restructured school district in the coming years.

Question: Why do you think people should vote for you?
Answer: To reiterate; My 3 decades of professional experience in private and non-profit institutional practice have contributed significantly to working with this board throughout my first term. If reelected, I will have the added benefit of substantial experience as a very proactive board member.