Jimmy Richardson (I) – York County School Board 4th District
J.E. “Jimmy” Richardson, running for York County School Board – District 4
1. Why are you running for office?
I have been considering running for this office for several years. Out of respect for Page Minter I did not run against him and I had several discussions with him in the past about this. I have always been involved with my children when they were in school. I was PTA president for many years while they were in York County schools. I want to give back to my community by representing my district as a representative on the York County School Board.
2. Why should people vote for you?
I have the Education, I know the Budget Process, and I know York County as I have lived here most of my life. I retired after 35+ years with the York Poquoson Sheriff’s Office as a Captain. A few of my duties were to write the policy for the Sheriff’s Office, serve as the accreditation manager for the office, and prepare the budget. I have a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Troy State University. I was PTA president for many years when my children were in York County schools. I even attended York County Schools. I was at Dare Elementary, Tabb Middle, and graduated from Tabb High School. I was a substitute teacher for York County on my days off when I worked shift work, from approximately 2003-2006 at the elementary and Middle School level. I have always been involved in the community. I am a member of the York Lions club and volunteered for many organizations to include Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Relay for Life, Jobs Daughters, York DARE Association, York Athletic Boosters, and several other volunteer organizations. York DARE Association, York Athletic Boosters, and several other volunteer organizations.
I would like to keep the quality education in York County to the level that keeps people wanting to move to York County for the Schools. I would like to maintain the infrastructure, technology and buildings of the division. I would like to explore the possibility of electronic textbooks to keep our student’s resources current. I also want to continue to maintain and enhance the safety and security for our students and staff at all of our schools. I want to keep quality and enthusiastic educators. What it boils down to is our children. I want York County to provide the best education for ALL students in our schools so they have the tools necessary to become respected and productive members of society.
3. What’s your favorite thing about the area you want to represent?
Our commitment to quality education.
4. What is the biggest problem your area is facing, how will you fix it?
The biggest problem are budgetary issues and hiring special education teachers. The school board has to do the best with the funds that are ultimately appropriated each budget year. They have to make decisions on how to spend those funds that will best benefit the division and their goals, more especially the quality education of our children. I plan to work with the Board of Supervisors to do what I can to make this happen.
5. Describe Donald Trump in max 3 words?
A presidential candidate.
6. Describe Hillary Clinton in max 3 words?
A presidential candidate.
7. What do you do for a living? Why do you do it?
I am a retired police officer after 35 ½ years of service. I selected this occupation because I wanted to help people. I am also a sworn Marriage Commissioner and I perform civil ceremonies for couples that want to get married. As a commissioner, it is a fun job. Everyone is so happy and they are allowing me to take part in a special moment in their lives.
8. You’re going to be marooned on a tropical island for a week, you can only bring 1 thing – what is it?
A book on surviving on a tropical island with nothing.
9. What do you think of Colin Kaepernick?
I stand for the National Anthem and place my right hand over my heart.
10. Would you vote to fund light rail expansion in your area?
There are pros and cons on both sides. In our area, I don’t believe that it would be supported and could sustain itself. The funds could be better spent on expanding our highways right now.
11. Will you respect the outcome of the election?
Absolutely, we have a wonderful voter registrar and staff and I have the utmost confidence that they will do all they can to see that the election is conducted properly.
12. Favorite TV Show?
It’s a tie, Big Bang Theory and Walking Dead.
