Andy George
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Andy George is a Democratic at-large representative on the Stamford Public Schools school board in Connecticut. First elected in 2015, George won a new term in the at-large general election on November 7, 2017.
Although George ran and was elected as a Republican in 2015, he left the party in late 2016, citing his disagreement with how the Republican Party adopted then-President-elect Donald Trump's platform.[1] In the 2017 election, George ran for Geoff Alswanger's open seat despite having another year left in his school board term and was officially endorsed by the Democratic Party.[2][3]
George previously ran unsuccessfully for the board in the general election on November 4, 2014.
Contents
Biography[edit]
George earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from Lehigh University in 1976 and an MBA from Cornell University's Johnson School of Management in 1984. He became a certified public accountant in 1978 and certified management accountant in 1985. George has served on the Stamford High School Governance Council.[4]
Elections[edit]
2017[edit]
- See also: Stamford Public Schools elections (2017)
Three of nine seats on the Stamford Public Schools Board of Education in Connecticut were up for at-large election on November 7, 2017. Three Democratic incumbents were re-elected: Andy George, Jackie Heftman, and Betsy Allyn. They defeated Republican Town Committee candidate Dan Mena, Green Party candidate Jaclyn Pioli, and petitioning candidate Theresa Robbins.[5][6][7][8]
While Andy George was an incumbent, he filed for Geoff Alswanger's open seat after changing party affiliations. George previously ran in the 2015 election as a Republican candidate.[2]
As a petitioning candidate, Robbins ran without a party endorsement. Candidates Anne Sessa and Alison Toushes were also nominated by the Republican Town Committee, but their names did not appear on the ballot.[8]
| Stamford Public Schools, At-Large General Election, 3-year terms, 2017 |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Democratic |  Jackie Heftman Incumbent |
25.53% | 10,954 | |
| Democratic | Andy George Incumbent |
25.48% | 10,935 | |
| Democratic | Betsy Allyn Incumbent |
24.81% | 10,645 | |
| Republican | Dan Mena | 16.20% | 6,953 | |
| Green | Jaclyn Pioli | 4.87% | 2,090 | |
| Nonpartisan | Theresa Robbins | 3.11% | 1,335 | |
| Total Votes | 42,912 | |||
| Source: Connecticut Secretary of State, "Election Center: 2017 November Municipal Election," accessed November 8, 2017 These election results are unofficial and will be updated after official vote totals are made available. | ||||
2015[edit]
- See also: Stamford Public Schools elections (2015)
Five seats on the Stamford Public Schools Board of Education were up for election on November 3, 2015. The following three at-large incumbents' seats were up for regular general election in 2015: Lorraine Olson (R), Jerry Pia (R) and Polly Rauh (D). Additionally, two unexpired terms were also up for special election following resignations from the board. Rauh was the only incumbent to seek re-election; her defeat saw all five seats go to newcomers. The election did not change the board's Democratic majority; post-election, the board had six Democrats and three Republicans. This is the highest single-party majority allowed by law.
Republicans Mike Altamura and Andy George won two of the three full-term seats up for election while fellow party member Gerald Bosak won one of the unexpired terms. The Stamford Republican Town Committee initially endorsed Gerald Bosak and Prasad Tungaturthy for the one-year terms and Mike Altamura, Andy George and former board member Nicola Tarzia for the three-year terms. Tungaturthy, however, withdrew from the race on August 31, 2015. John Ciuffo was selected as the new Republican in Tugnaturthy's place.[9] Republicans Altamura, George and Tarzia ran as a slate called 2015BOE Team.
Democrats David Mannis and Jennienne Burke won a three-year and one-year term, respectively. The Stamford Democratic City Committee did not endorse any of its incumbents for re-election.[10] Instead, the party endorsed Angelica Gorrio, David Mannis and Ligia Marroquin for the three-year terms and Jennienne Burke and Monica DiCostanzo for the one-year terms.[11] Democrats Gorrio, Mannis and Marroquin also formed a slate for the election.
Incumbent Rauh still sought to retain her seat on the board despite lacking her party's nomination. The Democratic board member chose to run as an unaffiliated candidate instead of forcing a primary election within her party. Rauh's party registration as a Democrat, however, meant the state law requiring a minimum of one-third of the board's seats to be held by minority parties following each election still applied to her in this election.[12] John Zito also ran as an independent petitioning candidate in the regular-term race. Rauh placed seventh and Zito eighth out of the nine candidates running in the election for three-year terms.
Rolf Maurer was the sole Green Party candidate for the election. He sought a three-year term, but he placed last in the nine-candidate race.[13]
Results[edit]
| Stamford Public Schools, At-Large (3-year terms), General Election, 2015 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Republican | Mike Altamura |
17.4% | 5,445 | |
| Republican | Andy George |
15.9% | 4,997 | |
| Democratic | David Mannis |
14.9% | 4,656 | |
| Democratic | Angelica Gorrio | 14.1% | 4,431 | |
| Republican | Nicola Tarzia | 14.1% | 4,428 | |
| Democratic | Ligia Marroquin | 14.1% | 4,405 | |
| Petitioning | Polly Rauh Incumbent | 5.2% | 1,624 | |
| Petitioning | John Zito | 2.8% | 882 | |
| Green | Rolf Maurer | 1.5% | 472 | |
| Total Votes | 31,340 | |||
| Source: Connecticut Secretary of State, "Prescribed Form for Return of Votes Cast At A Municipal Election," accessed November 5, 2015 | ||||
Endorsements[edit]
George received no official endorsements in this election.
2014[edit]
- See also: Stamford Public Schools elections (2014)
The election in Stamford featured three at-large seats up for general election on November 4, 2014. There was no primary election. On the Democratic side, incumbents Julia Wade and Jackie Heftman ran for re-election and Betsy Allyn ran as a challenger. Mike Altamura and Andy George ran on the Republican ticket. Democratic incumbent Gary Klein chose not to run for re-election.
The full Democratic slate won election.
Results[edit]
| Stamford Public Schools, At-Large General Election, 3-year terms, 2014 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Democratic | Julia Wade Incumbent |
22.3% | 16,366 | |
| Democratic | Jackie Heftman Incumbent |
20.3% | 14,873 | |
| Democratic | Betsy Allyn |
20.1% | 14,754 | |
| Republican | Mike Altamura | 17.6% | 12,885 | |
| Republican | Andy George | 16.4% | 12,029 | |
| Green | Cora M. Santeguila | 3.3% | 2,384 | |
| Total Votes | 73,291 | |||
| Source: Connecticut Secretary of State, "Stamford Election Results - November 4, 2014," November 8, 2014 | ||||
Funding[edit]
State law did not require campaign finance reporting if contributions or expenditures did not exceed $1,000 during an election cycle.[14]
Endorsements[edit]
George was endorsed by the Stamford Advocate.[15]
Campaign themes[edit]
2015[edit]
Stamford Advocate Q&A[edit]
George provided the following answers to questions from the Stamford Advocate:
Why are you running for the Board of Education? What qualifies you for the job?
| “ | I hope to be an agent of change. The current board has become lethargic, sclerotic. It needs new energy, new vision. I have been active in the schools and deeply involved in SPS-related issues via task forces and participation on committees. I have the time, the expertise (former CPA) and dedication to do the job correctly. Most candidates do not, as they have career and family obligations. I have no conflicts of interest - no one in my family is employed by the city or school district nor has any contractual or ownership interest in a vendor providing services to either.[16] | ” |
| —Andy George, Stamford Advocate candidate Q&A (2015)[17] | ||
What are the district’s strengths and weaknesses?
| “ | In many ways, stamford's strengths are its weaknesses as well. for example: 1) Size - much support is offered throughout the school system, but an individual can get lost. 2) Diversity - there are many advantages to the exposure to a variety of cultures, backgrounds and beliefs but ensuring everyone's voices are heard can be a challenge. 3) Resources - we have phenomenal teachers and programs (which could even be better), but we are confronted every day with budgetary constraints.[16] | ” |
| —Andy George, Stamford Advocate candidate Q&A (2015)[18] | ||
How well has Superintendent Winifred Hamilton performed? Do you agree with her decision to retire?
| “ | Agree with her decision to retire; she should have stepped down immediately. We are in a “lame duck” malaise that is not good for the district. By staying until January, it prolongs the pain that caused the resignation in the first place.[16] | ” |
| —Andy George, Stamford Advocate candidate Q&A (2015)[19] | ||
Should the search for a new superintendent be delayed until after the election?
| “ | Yes. It is unconscionable for the current board to hire a new superintendent given that more than half the board will be new in December. And three of the current, incumbent board members were present for the last superintendent-hiring decision (not heart-warming). Appoint an interim superintendent and slow down the search. Get it right.[16] | ” |
| —Andy George, Stamford Advocate candidate Q&A (2015)[20] | ||
How do you think the current board handled the Stamford High School sex scandal? What might you have done differently?
| “ | I would have avoided the delays and dithering. The board became overwhelmed by legal advice, yet after nine months we have not progressed with respect to the administrators or the victims. The investigation only aided the victim's defense and bared deficiencies in the administration. The root issue of the administrators’ culpability has not changed since last October. I would have moved for immediate termination of the administrators and entered into negotiations.[16] | ” |
| —Andy George, Stamford Advocate candidate Q&A (2015)[21] | ||
The condition of the district’s facilities has been called into question lately. Should the Board of Education bring its facilities management in-house or should it continue to contract with an outside firm? Why?
| “ | This is too complex to give a sweeping answer. Privatization has advantages, but accountability and control are required. The current quagmire revolves around the institutionalization of AFB. There are certainly areas that should be examined and an audit of capital accounts would be a welcome initiative. The structure of having facilities report to a central authority rather than through the school is awkward and leads to some of the issues.[16] | ” |
| —Andy George, Stamford Advocate candidate Q&A (2015)[22] | ||
Define what you think the school board’s role should be in the district. Does the superintendent currently have too much power?
| “ | It is not so much that the superintendent has too much power, rather that the board must not become subservient to the superintendent. The board members need to be actively involved, though not a distraction to day-to-day operations. The board members have a right to information and free access to personnel, though the board is prevented from interfering with labor-relation issues. I think the best board members are engaged and collaborative - looking for ways to advance the goals of the district.[16] | ” |
| —Andy George, Stamford Advocate candidate Q&A (2015)[23] | ||
How specific should the Board of Education’s goals be for the superintendent?
| “ | My recent observation is that the 2014-15 objectives were ludicrous - ill-defined goals without metrics. If the board sets goals, they should be clear in intention, measurable, and provide progressive feedback. It should not be a surprise for the board members or the superintendent that goals were not fully met. The board must be cognizant of unintended consequences - the superintendent may achieve a goal with bad side effects. Goals should be substantive, not superfluous.[16] | ” |
| —Andy George, Stamford Advocate candidate Q&A (2015)[24] | ||
Would you make expanding preschool programs a priority?
| “ | There are many priorities. I would not endorse preschool expansion over several other needy initiatives.[16] | ” |
| —Andy George, Stamford Advocate candidate Q&A (2015)[25] | ||
How should the district better support the mental health of its students, given its limited resources?
| “ | It is very frustrating that the school system, once again, is left as the last resort for solving a social problem much bigger than “schools.” Yes, we can provide more counseling, but much of the root issue lies with the family unit or lack thereof. Since we are a district of size and have a population in need of such services, I would seek a partnership with the state to create an “awareness center” - not a new concept, but maybe a step in the right direction.[16] | ” |
| —Andy George, Stamford Advocate candidate Q&A (2015)[26] | ||
Campaign website[edit]
George provided the following campaign themes on his campaign website.
| “ | Crisis of Confidence
The investigations, arrests, damaging reports and media frenzy that surround the “Stamford High scandal” have left many citizens wondering about the competence and leadership abilities of the elected Board of Education and the school district’s central administration. The Board should develop a plan for addressing the reported shortcomings in the district’s climate and culture. Changing personnel is the first step. But more must be done to assure that a new administration does not fall back into the same habits. I believe that board members must connect regularly with the school community to avoid being caught unaware of problems. Overcrowding Perhaps the most significant challenge facing SPS is overcrowding and the attendant demographic projections. The need for more space will intensify over the next decade and necessitate a long lead-time to plan, design and construct. Traditional facilities may be inappropriate for future learning. The overcrowding problem has been known for over two years (and probably longer). We need an immediate solution to address the current crisis - there is not time to design and build. We need to look at leasing alternatives. Any new building must be flexible. What should a classroom look like 20 years from now? Are there better ways to configure classrooms? These questions must be answered when planning new construction. Acquisition of Sacred Heart Property Kudos to the administration and legislative team that helped get the financing through. However, renovating an old structure is usually more expensive than building from ground up. There are often unforeseen complications. I would prefer a site where the cost is less for the same result and the estimates are more reliable. I am further concerned that we are constructing a school in the same model as last-century buildings. I would like to see the design reflect forward-thinking ideas and teaching concepts. Common Core While I understand the premise of setting a state-wide or national standard for student progress, I do not agree that having a rigid structure for all students will yield a superior learning experience. It contradicts the efforts made to further “personalization” in our schools. Students learn at different paces and in different styles, and a “one-size-fits-all” solution does not work. Additionally, it tends to rely on traditional instruction methods and assessments rather than consider evolving technologies and instructional approaches. Charter Schools I believe the current charter schools (Stamford Academy, Trailblazers) are assets and complementary to SPS. They concentrate on the most in-need, at-risk constituents. The developing Stamford Charter School for Excellence is a different model. Ultimately, it may be an economic benefit to Stamford (though that cannot be guaranteed) and provide some relief to overcrowding in the public schools, but it adheres to different regulations and incentives. It may have the unintended consequence of aggravating the SPS achievement gap based on standardized testing.[16] |
” |
| —Andy George's campaign website (2015)[27] | ||
2014[edit]
George's campaign website listed the following campaign themes for 2014:
| “ | Overcrowding Perhaps the most significant challenge facing SPS is overcrowding and the attendant demographic projections. The need for more space will intensify over the next decade and necessitate a long lead-time to plan, design and construct. Traditional facilities may be inappropriate for future learning. The overcrowding problem has been known for over a year (and probably longer). We need an immediate solution to address the current crisis - there is not time to design and build. We need to look at leasing alternatives. Any new building must be flexible. What if enrollment grows more than projected? What if it goes down unexpectedly? What should a classroom look like 20 years from now? Are there better ways to configure classrooms? These questions must be answered when planning new construction. Acquisition of Sacred Heart property Common Core Charter schools |
” |
| —Andy George campaign website (2014)[28] | ||
Recent news[edit]
The link below is to the most recent stories in a Google news search for the terms Andy George Stamford Public Schools school board. These results are automatically generated from Google. Ballotpedia does not curate or endorse these articles.
See also[edit]
- Stamford Public Schools, Connecticut
- Stamford Public Schools elections (2017)
- Stamford Public Schools elections (2015)
- Stamford Public Schools elections (2014)
External links[edit]
Footnotes[edit]
- ↑ Stamford Advocate, "Stamford elected official opens up about leaving GOP," December 31, 2016
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Stamford Advocate, "Voters faced with new names or status quo on Board of Ed," November 6, 2017
- ↑ Marielle Bricker, "Email communication with Stamford Democrats," September 1, 2017
- ↑ Andy George for Board of Education, "Resume," accessed September 24, 2014
- ↑ Stamford Democratic City Committee, "Introducing....Our 2017 Endorsed Municipal Candidates," July 29, 2017
- ↑ Stamford Avocate, "Stamford RTC endorses down-ballot candidates," July 21, 2017
- ↑ Green Party of Connecticut, "2017 Candidates," accessed August 31, 2017
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Connecticut Secretary of State, "Stamford Sample Ballot," accessed October 20, 2017
- ↑ Stamford Advocate, "Stamford GOP school board candidate withdraws," September 2, 2015
- ↑ Stamford Advocate, "Stamford Democrats dump school board incumbents," July 23, 2015
- ↑ Stamford Democratic City Committee, "Our 2015 Democratic Candidates," accessed August 10, 2015
- ↑ Stamford Advocate, "Rauh to run for Stamford school board," August 5, 2015
- ↑ Connecticut Green Party, "2015 candidates," accessed September 10, 2015
- ↑ Connecticut State Elections Enforcement Commission, "Understanding the Connecticut Campaign-Finance Laws – a Guide for Municipal Candidates," accessed September 16, 2014
- ↑ Stamford Advocate, "Endorsement: Heftman, Allyn, George for Board of Education," October 30, 2014
- ↑ 16.00 16.01 16.02 16.03 16.04 16.05 16.06 16.07 16.08 16.09 16.10 16.11 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Stamford Advocate, "Stamford Board of Education candidates answer why they’re running," October 8, 2015
- ↑ Stamford Advocate, "Stamford Board of Education candidates talk about district’s strengths, weaknesses," October 8, 2015
- ↑ Stamford Advocate, "Stamford Board of Education candidates: How well has Hamilton performed?" October 8, 2015
- ↑ Stamford Advocate, "Stamford Board of Education candidates discuss search for new superintendent," October 8, 2015
- ↑ Stamford Advocate, "Stamford Board of Education candidates talk about Stamford High sex scandal," October 10, 2015
- ↑ Stamford Advocate, "Stamford Board of Education candidates talk about the district’s facilities management," October 10, 2015
- ↑ Stamford Advocate, "Stamford Board of Education candidates talk about board’s role," October 17, 2015
- ↑ Stamford Advocate, "Stamford Board of Education candidates discuss goals for superintendent," October 17, 2015
- ↑ Stamford Advocate, "Stamford Board of Education candidates discuss expanding preschool," October 24, 2015
- ↑ Stamford Advocate, "Stamford Board of Education candidates discuss mental health services for students," October 24, 2015
- ↑ Andy George for Board of Education, "Core Issues," accessed October 28, 2015
- ↑ Andy George for Board of Education, "Home," accessed November 3, 2014
| Stamford Public Schools elections in 2017 | |
| Fairfield County, Connecticut | |
| Election date: | November 7, 2017 |
| Candidates: | At-large: Incumbent, Andy George • Incumbent, Jackie Heftman • Betsy Allyn • Dan Mena • Jaclyn Pioli • Theresa Robbins • Anne Sessa • Alison Toushes |
| Important information: | What was at stake? |
| 2015 Stamford Public Schools Elections | |
| Fairfield County, Connecticut | |
| Election date: | November 3, 2015 |
| Candidates: | Four-year terms: •  Incumbent, Polly Rauh •  Angelica Gorrio • David Mannis • Ligia Marroquin •   Mike Altamura • Andy George • Nicola Tarzia •  John Zito One-year terms: • Jennienne Burke • John Ciuffo • Monica DiCostanzo • Gerald Bosak |
| Important information: | What was at stake? • Key deadlines • Additional elections on the ballot |
| 2014 Stamford Public Schools Elections | |
| Fairfield County, Connecticut | |
| Election date: | November 4, 2014 |
| Candidates: | At-large: • Incumbent, Jackie Heftman • Incumbent, Julia Wade • Betsy Allyn • Mike Altamura • Andy George |
| Important information: | What was at stake? • Key deadlines • Additional elections on the ballot |
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