Candidate Profile: Chacon Pushes for Community Participation

Michael Chacon is running against former Commack Board of Education President for a trustee position. In a phone interview, Chacon discussed his views on fairnees, his plans to take tax dollars back from Albany and why he should be elected.

What is your relationship to Commack School District?

I’ve been a Commack resident for 16 years, and I have four children in Commack schools.

What issues are you most concerned about?

My biggest concern is figuring out a way to maintin the district's services while being fiscally responsible. The first thing we need to do is bring all parties to the table—the community, the teachers' union, the other staff unions and adminstrative staff—for a brainstorming session on how we’re going to increase funding for the district—what can we do to get Albany to release some of those dollars? The reality is if we cant find funding, we're going to have to make cuts. We can't continue being a burden to the taxpayers.

Are you a member of any other organization(s)?

I am a soccer coach, and I'm also invloved in my kids' baseball teams and I teach CPR. Since I work so much, I choose to spend my free time with my kids instead of on committees. 

What is your occupation?

I'm a Registered Nurse, and I work the New York State Nurses Association. 

If elected, what would you bring to the Board?

I hope to bring fairness and open mindedness, and a new sense of enthusiam. There's a lot I have to learn and I acknowledge that, but I like to keep as much hope in mind as I possibly can. I think we should re-examine things and with a different lens. I know it’s a lot of work, but I think programs and budgets need to be under scrutiny each and every time. We owe it to the community.

Residents can vote on the and elect trustees from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on .