Meet the Democrat: Zaya Oshana

"Meet the Candidates" is a feature on Southington Patch designed to help you get to know your local candidates before you take to the polls this November. Each profile was submitted directly by the candidate. 

Take a moment to review each profile so you can be informed and prepared when you go to the polls on Nov. 5, 2013.

This week, we are looking at the Southington Board of Education candidates.

Name: Zaya Oshana
Age: 50
Party, Board Seeking: Democrat, Southington Board of Education
Family information: Married to my wife Karen for 17 years.  We have two children, our son Zaya is 16 and our daughter Katie is 13
Occupation, if applicable: Director of Human Resources for Sargent Manufacturing/ASSA ABLOY in New Haven, Connecticut
Political Experience: Currently Serving on the Board Of Education. I have served on the Planning and Zoning Commission as a Member, Vice Chairperson and Chairperson
Other Experience: I have served on the State Board of Directors for the Future Business Leaders of America, as well as the Southington High School Chapter, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), The Special Olympics, Relay for Life, and the Southington South Little League helping to coach baseball.

Why did you run for office?
I believe we must continuously focus on improving our educational system to provide our students an outstanding education consistent with the State’s Common Core Standards. Furthermore, because we live in an ever-changing world with an unsure future, we, as a system must be ready to adapt to change. Based on my background and experience in the business world, I have seen the damage done when students are not prepared to move forward with their careers. We must provide them with the skills and abilities to compete now and into the future, and the most sound way to accomplish this is to know what works and what does not work.

If elected, what would be your primary areas of focus? 
I would focus on researching the myriad issues that present themselves to the Board, issues of curriculum, safety, the work force, and so many others. In addition, we must use the funds that are allocated to the Board prudently to provide the best educational environment.

What do you feel is the biggest issue facing Southington today?  
I believe the biggest issue facing our town is the budget and the need for funding. Taxpayers cannot carry the load by themselves. We must be sure that we are utilizing the funds that are allocated to the Board of Education most prudently to educate our students, and one way to do this is to have administrators formulate a committee that reports the financial status to the Board monthly so we are never surprised.

What skills do you have that you could bring to the community? 
I believe in public service and a commitment to our community. During Board meetings, there should be no politics; members should put aside partisanship and focus only on the good of the town and the children. We have a duty to the students, teachers and staff, and I will continue to work in the same non-partisan way as I have in the past, always listening yet never forgetting that we come from varying parties, but in the end our goal is always the same: The best interest of Southington.

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