Meet Easton School Board Candidate Dominick Buscemi

Editor's note: In the weeks leading up to the May 21 primary, we asked Easton area candidates to fill out questionnaires about themselves. This is how Easton Area School Board hopeful Dominick Buscemi responded.

Dominick Buscemi

Age:  64

Family:  Married 44 years to Toni (DeBonis) Buscemi.  We have 3 grown children all educated in the Easton Area School District, and we have 2 grandchildren attending Easton Area Schools

Political party affiliation:  Democrat

Tell us about your educational background:  Graduate of Notre Dame High School and Allentown Business School (computer networking).  Attended Cedar Crest College (paralegal studies) and Northampton Community College (Web Design)

Tell us about your professional/business background: 

I was employed by Preston Trucking for 20 years as a local and over the road truck driver; I served as a Teamster officer for 10 years (6 years as President of Teamster Local 773 in Allentown); I am currently employed by PennDOT as a Driver Safety Examiner.

Why are you running for the Easton Area School Board? 

I’m concerned about the drastic cuts in programs and staffing.  We need competent teachers and educational programs to give our students the tools they need to succeed in our society. We also need affordable tax rates for the residents in the Easton Area School District.

What qualifies you to serve on the board? 

I am a people person.  I have experience in contract negotiations, and I have experience in working as part of a decision making body that is responsible for budgeting money wisely.

What do you see as the board's/ primary role and responsibilities? 

The board’s primary responsibility is to provide a quality education for the students of the Easton Area School District at an affordable tax rate for our residents.

Tell us about three major challenges facing the district and how you would address them. (Please be as specific as possible): 

I see cuts in state funding as the most serious challenge, because it not only robs our children, it burdens our local taxpayers.  I would like to garner public support to put pressure on the politicians who are responsible for these cuts.  I think this can be done by educating them about the tax cuts that are being given to corporations at their expense. 

I am also concerned about the demonizing of teachers and support staff.  While I can’t fully support some of the contract provisions, I do believe that teaching is one of the most important professions, because it teachers who mold the minds of our future leaders.  I’d like to be in negotiations for future contracts to see if we can find mutual ground for survival. 

Finally, we may have to raise taxes to provide our children with a quality education.  If this is the case, I would be in favor of a modest increase to be able to provide programs such as driver education.  As a former driver examiner I know from experience that young driver who attend these classes are much better prepared for the responsibility of operating a vehicle.  Music and art are high on the list of worthwhile programs that need to be assured of funding.

How much are you spending to run? How is your campaign being funded? 

My campaign is entirely self-funded.  So far I’ve spent about $300 for 50 campaign signs.  I will also produce my own literature and copy it on my printer at minimal cost.

What, if any, endorsements have you received?  I have receive the endorsement of the Lehigh Valley Labor Council

Do you use social media? If so, please provide links to your Facebook and Twitter.

My Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/dbuscemi

My Twitter account is https://twitter.com/dbuscemi1949

I also have a Facebook page for my campaign at https://www.facebook.com/BuscemiForEastonAreaSchoolDirector

My personal web page is http://home.ptd.net/~buscemi

I was also the subject of a mini documentary done by a NCC student which can be seen at  http://vimeo.com/56062239