In an effort to help you make informed decisions during the General Election, ABC Action News has reached out to dozens of candidates running for office. The following statements have been submitted to ABC Action News by the candidate. Every candidate was given the same set of questions. These are their responses in his/her own words.
Name: Steve Cona
Office: Hillsborough County School Board, District 1
Experience:
12 Years of Education Leadership President/CEO of Associated Builders and Contractors - Directs one of the largest construction apprenticeship training programs in Florida.
Hillsborough Community College Board of Trustees - 4 Years
Elected Hillsborough County School Board Member - 2 years
Why should voters vote for you?
As a father and education leader, I have a vested interest in the long-term success of our public schools to prepare our students for success in the classroom and in a future career. As a school board member, I have been committed to ensuring our classrooms have the resources to foster innovation and a passion for learning.
If elected, what are your top priorities?
Financial Crisis - Hillsborough County Public Schools finances continue to plague our district. As your School Board Member, I have worked to put an end to the majority of these problems by eliminating financial waste, and returning more money to teacher salaries and classroom education.
Safety & Security - Schools should be a safe haven for student learning, and as a school board member, I have committed to making local schools secure for teachers and students. I have accomplished this by working in lockstep with the Sheriff’s office to ensure school security and worked to safely reopen our school during the COVID pandemic. I have also worked to make sure our students and teachers receive mental health services and programs.
Expanding Career and Technical Education and Exceptional Student Education Services and Programs.
What are three key messages of your campaign?
Fiscal Accountability, Safe Schools, and a quality education for every student. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Expanding Career and Technical Education programs and providing more services and offerings for Exceptional Student Education.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Expanding Career and Technical Education programs and providing more services and offerings for Exceptional Student Education.
As it relates to the role you are seeking, how has that governmental body handled the Covid-19 pandemic? What would you do differently/the same in handling both the public health risk and the economic recovery?
Our schools faced many challenges during the pandemic. We worked diligently to bring our students back to school. The district has done a great job reopening our schools and we look forward to bringing back all students as soon as possible.
In the role you are seeking, what will you do to address issues of racism and inequality?
Racism and inequality have no place in our education system. As your school board member, I have worked to ensure every student has the opportunity to receive a high-quality education.
What motivates you to run for public office?
As a five-generation Hillsborough County Native and graduate of our school district, I’m motivated to make our school district the best school district in the nation. We live in one of the most diverse communities in the state and this gives us a unique opportunity to be leaders in education.
