Incumbent Natalie Watson and running mates Toni Alfano and Lora Smith-Staines wrapped up their joint 2021 campaign for three open seats on the Tinton Falls Board of Education on Monday evening, thanking their supporters for their time, energy, and enthusiasm. “In walking throughout Tinton Falls, in attending backyard barbecues and meet and greets and town meetings, we have heard the citizens of Tinton Falls loud and clear. Divisive rhetoric and politics have no place on our BOE. Our town knows that our ticket will continue to focus on the real issues of the BOE, providing targeted educational resources to kids impacted by school closures, improving transportation, and continuing to make sure Trenton gives Tinton Falls its fair share so that our taxpayers are protected,” said Watson, the only incumbent on this year’s ballot for Board of Education. Smith-Staines noted that, “This campaign was a reminder that our town really is better together and that the majority of people, like us, are in favor of rolling up our sleeves and focusing on concrete actions that can help our District. Regardless of the results on Tuesday, I am looking forward spending more volunteer time with the school and partnering to improve our already strong Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math program to inspire all kids to love STEAM.” Alfano, a veteran teacher in the Middletown Public School District, ended by thanking the children of our town, who “often understand, better than the adults, the importance of being compassionate.”

Watson, running for her second term on the Tinton Falls Board of Education, is coming off of several critical wins for the District, its students, and the tax payers of Tinton Falls. As she did on the Earle issue before her election into the 2019 term, Watson partnered with the LD11 team, including Sen. Vin Gopal, to secure record funding from Trenton for special education programs, protecting Tinton Falls taxpayers from tax increases. She also oversaw the successful completion of the District’s referendum projects, coming in on time and under budget, and successfully pressed to make BOE meetings available via zoom. Watson, Alfano, and Smith-Staines have stressed their commitment to integrity and fairness and noted that their platform includes pushing for funding from other sources to reduce the burden on taxpayers, making meetings more accessible through Zoom and other remote options, and continuing to support the educational needs of all of the town’s students. “We are grateful for the support we have received and remind everyone to vote for responsibility, integrity, and experience before the polls close on Tuesday by voting for Alfano, Smith-Staines, and Watson on Line 2.”

For more information or to contact their campaign, visit Alfano, Smith-Staines, and Watson on FaceBook. Watson noted that the views in her comments are hers alone and do not reflect the views or opinions of her employers or the Board.