PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Page Valley News will be publishing profiles of seven local candidates in three contested races in this fall’s general election from Aug. 11 through Sept. 1. These Q&As will be published around midday on Mondays and Thursdays.
In September, PVN will be broadcasting pre-recorded candidate forums among the candidates in these three contested races through our YouTube channel. Click on the link here or the YouTube icon in the upper right on our Home page to subscribe to our channel ahead of time.
Ana Maria Mendez
- Age: 70
- Education: DOD Germany HS; A.S. New York Regents NAVY Campus, NAS Roosevelt Rds.
- Work: Isabela P.R. Education Department, Teacher English, Arithmetic from K-12 and Adult English GED Students; Navy, non-appropriate funds civilian employment; SEIU International Union Organizer; FEMA Housing Inspector; USPS employee, Virginia offices served — Criders, Bergton, Fulks Run, Broadway, Harrisonburg, Linville/Edom, Lacey Springs, Elkton, Mt. Jackson, Culpepper, Mt. Crawford, Charlottesville, Luray, Stanley, and Shenandoah.
- Elected office: None (five attempts).
- Appointments: Presidential Appointment, Selected Service System; City of Kissimmee, Fla., School Board Task Force.
- Family: Spouse, Bruce Ritchie; mom, Juanita Rivera; children, Brenda Lee Klose Adelaide, Australia (two grand kids), and Carlos Linares Aburndale, Florida (five grand kids).
- Previous Domiciles: Puerto Rico, New York, New Jersey, California, North Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, Europe, Australia (Thank you Uncle Sam).
• Why are you running for public office?
I come from a family of past Puerto Rican leaders of whom I have learned about throughout my youth. I was taught that we serve the people, it’s not their place to revere us. From Attorney Generals, Senators to Town Mayor, I believe in service to the people. I found it odd that in the mainland, politicians want to be revered or worshipped. Still the case today. I will fight for my neighbors [in] my community. I listen closely, act with integrity, and never forget who I am there to represent, especially those often left out.
• What makes you the best candidate for School Board?
Not just my experience, it’s how I use it to serve others. I bring a unique combination of first-hand knowledge, public service, work in classrooms, and initiatives led that improved lives. What sets me apart isn’t just what I have done, it’s who I fight for, and my unwavering commitment to getting the job done right!
• What is the most pressing issue facing Page County Public Schools and how would you address it?
I understand what our schools are facing, because I have been there. I know what teachers need, what students deserve, and what families are fighting for. I believe that strong schools come from strong leadership. I am committed to listening to faculty, parents and students and building consensus, always putting the future leaders of this country first, our students. This isn’t just another “stepping stone” for me to be elected, this is personal. Budget shortfall, needed classrooms, retention of staff. Defunding education? I am not running for a title, I am running to make sure every child has the opportunity to thrive, and every educator has the tools and respect they deserve.
• What is the best thing about Page County Public Schools and how would you maintain or improve it?
Not only do we have great faculty, but we have great leaders in our schools. The student body. Not enough attention is brought to the forefront in this county. Retention of staff, nurturing and preparing milestones for those who will be shared and afforded the same opportunities to students now, our future leaders. Of course, we need improvement, every measure of life can always benefit from improvement. Obviously, education is KEY. In example, MY congratulations to Tanner Weaver, you make Page County proud. And so many others.
• Briefly describe a decision you have made in a leadership role and tell why you made that decision.
I ran for School Board in Osceola County, Florida, and I was appointed to a School Board Assessment Task Force. I also worked for the U.S. Navy as a civilian — and in every role I have held in my past, any decision was held with unwavering integrity, sincerity and commitment.
The decision I am most concerned with lurking like an unwanted presence, was as a member of the [Selected Service System]. I am not okay with the U.S. implementing a Draft where we would need to send our youth — the same ones I want to represent — to fight against Iran, Russia or China… but even with this danger, I would have to make the right decision.
You may think of youth leagues, going hunting, a family gathering, a special event, and my mind is concerned with serious issues most people are not likely concerned with. Serious decisions in an improvised unwanted role may be something I would have to deal with regardless.
Early voting starts Friday, Sept. 19
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For election information visit the Page County Voter Registrar.
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