Q&A WIth Candidates For School Committee

The lone open School Committee seat up for election this spring is for a three-year term. The candidates are incumbent Jackie Kinney and challenger Ted Delano. We asked each candidate the same five questions.

Jacqueline "Jackie" Kinney

1) Biographical: Please tell our readers in 40 words or less who you are. This can include anything you want such as family, occupation, experience, residence, education, age etc.

I’m 47 years old, and a graduate of Brockton High School and Framingham State College. 13 years ago I decided to get married, put down roots and raise my family in Swampscott – one of the best decisions I ever made. I am married to Michael McClung (himself a product of Swampscott schools) and we have four fantastic kids, one in college at Case Western Reserve University, two who are juniors at the High School and one who is a 3rd grader at Hadley.

2) Why are you running for the office? 100 words or less.

Experience, stability and continuity on the School Committee are very important to the Swampscott school district. Since 2007, I have wondered why no one on the Swampscott School Committee stayed for more than one 3-year term. I have challenged former committee members to run again in the past, so I am putting my money where my mouth is!

Being on the School Committee is challenging, engaging and rewarding. I value being able to help make decisions, with my fellow committee members, that will positively affect our children. The ideas and innovations we've facilitated and the work we’ve accomplished over the last three years has demonstrated some of the most forward-looking progress there has been in Swampscott. Our children are challenged, safe, engaged with and aware of the world around them.

3) What is the one thing about Swampscott that you would change, if you could?

I would change the way some in our community feel it’s more important to denigrate the hard work that their fellow townspeople try to do – no matter what that work is – instead of sitting back, opening their minds, considering the motives and desires behind the action and engaging in thoughtful, constructive conversation.  

4) What is the one thing about Swampscott that you would keep the same?

The small-town heart of the community. Swampscott is a place where neighbors help each other, where “the village” keeps an eye out on our seniors and our kids, where everyone, young and old, gathers at the local coffee shop (Panera Bread!) to converse, commune, and conduct business (of all kinds).

5) What one word best describes you?

Optimistic

Francis "Ted" Delano

1) Biographical: Please tell our readers in 40 words or less who you are. This can include anything you want such as family, occupation, experience, residence, education, age etc.

My name is Francis “Ted” Delano. My family has resided in Swampscott close to 7  generations. My wife, Candace, and I are raising three children in our community. Two of the children are in the district, and one of them will be in a few years.

2) Why are you running for the office? 100 words or less.

Several weeks ago I saw in the local press that nobody had taken papers out for School Committee. Having been a police officer for more than twenty years, I truly enjoy helping people, especially the young children in our community. As I began collecting signatures, many people offered to help the campaign in any way possible. I honestly believe an election is good for the community. People in town need to become more involved in the different boards of Swampscott.  Elections give people an opportunity to reacquaint themselves with issues that are important to the future of the town and make decisions accordingly. It would be my intention if elected to encourage greater engagement from the community in the important decisions brought to the School Committee. I ask for the communities to vote!   

3) What is the one thing about Swampscott that you would change, if you could?

If there is one thing I could change for the community of Swampscott, it would be fairness. I do not believe that the town receives an appropriate amount of the chapter seventy funds, which is hurting the district more and more each year. The community effected needs to gather, and voice their displeasure to the right individuals. Secondly, I honestly believe in respect during elections. The people running are husbands, wives, mothers, and fathers. We can agree to disagree, but in the end our families are truly important.

4) What is the one thing about Swampscott that you would keep the same?

We have some great teachers in the district. I would like to retain the teachers for a longer period of time. Most teachers are incredibly devoted to our district. As parents, we can always remember our child’s most positive teacher in their educational journey. These teachers are the foundation to our children’s success.

5) What one word best describes you?

Committed.