The Power to the People Campaign, led by mayoral candidate Charlie Kratovil and City Council candidates Doris Elliott and Yeni Mendez Romero, announced its endorsement of Oscar Garcia Meza for the New

Brunswick Board of Education during a community event at Roosevelt School.

Garcia Meza is a born and raised resident and three-sport athlete at New Brunswick High School who was selected by his peers to serve as the non-voting student representative to the Board of Education. He is a seeking a full term as a voting member of the board in the April 21 election, and running on a platform focused on safety and transparency.

Garcia addressed residents directly, raising concerns around school safety and accountability.

“We need leaders who actually listen. When I speak on my concerns about the violence, I'm always told there's no record of it and there's no documentation so ‘there's no such thing as fights.’”

“Oscar Garcia is an inspiration to all of us in New Brunswick,” said Kratovil. “I think the hope for change is standing right behind me. At just 18 years old, as a senior in high school, he is already stepping up to serve.”

Mendez Romero highlighted the broader impact of Garcia’s leadership.

“It makes me really proud to speak here for Oscar Garcia today. He's such a great motivation for each one of us. I wish that at his age, someone like Charlie had told me how much I could do with my voice, my words and my passion to help everyone gain the same opportunities in New Brunswick.”

Elliott emphasized ongoing concerns within the school system.

“I am a lifelong resident of New Brunswick and I would like to echo some of the things Oscar said because he's speaking the truth. I work for the New Brunswick Board of Education and interact with the kids every day. And there could be 10-15 fights that could pop off any day. They keep kicking the can down the road and saying that it's not happening but it's been happening for years.”

The endorsement reflects the campaign’s continued focus on affordability, safety, and transparency, and its commitment to supporting leadership that prioritizes students, families, and educators.