NAME: Seth Jeremy Bloom
YOUR CAMPAIGN WEB ADDRESS: http://www.electbloom.com
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR PUBLICATION:
Address: 700 Camp Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
Phone: 504-599-9997
Fax: 504-595-3208
Email: sjb@electbloom.com
PARTY AFFILIATION: Republican
PROFESSION: Attorney, Small Businessman and Entrepreneur
PRESENT EMPLOYER/POSITION Self-Employed Attorney - I own and operate a criminal defense and civil litigation practice.
HIGHEST LEVEL OF EDUCATION (include graduation date):
Juris Doctor, Loyola University New Orleans College of Law 2003
APPLICABLE TRAINING: By running a successful small business, I possess the experience, integrity and capability to turn the OPSB around. My business has afforded me the opportunity to interact with a wide range of the citizens that make up our community and I understand the unique and pressing need for quality public education.
CIVIC EXPERIENCE: I have never held a public office. However, I have always looked for an opportunity where I could serve the public good. I am an Orleans Parish Civil Sheriff Reserve Deputy and was recognized as an outstanding community businessperson by the March of Dimes Spotlight on Success. I am a member of the American Bar Association, Louisiana Bar Association, New Orleans Federal Bar Association, New Orleans Bar Association, Louisiana Association for Justice, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and serve on New Orleans Federal Bar Association Young Lawyers Board. I am admitted to practice in the Eastern District of Louisiana and the Fifth Circuit Court of Federal Appeals.
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE AND POLITICAL ORGANIZATION MEMBERSHIPS:
I have worked to support other local campaigns, though I am not currently affiliated with any local political organizations. I have not held public office.
1. What experience have you had reviewing and /or approving large organizational budgets?
I run a successful law practice and litigate cases with complicated business problems and claims that are worth millions of dollars. My experience with Katrina litigation has required me to review an enormous quantity of financial data and repair estimates and I've convinced insurance companies and FEMA to fulfill their obligations. I have a unique business knowledge that gives me the ability to understand and improve the OPSB budget. The OPSB is in severe debt with huge operating costs. The OPSB must practice fiscal responsibility to overcome this situation. As a result, the OPSB needs a confident negotiator who can foster cooperation and resolution with FEMA.
2. How have you shown your support of public education in New Orleans in the past?
I'm a dutiful taxpayer and voted for the recent millage renewals for our schools, but I've not been extensively involved in our education system. However, I've taken a serious interest in and developed a passion for effecting change in our public schools. My mother, a public school teacher, taught me the critical importance of education and all of the students in New Orleans deserve quality schools. The next generation of New Orleanians will carry the rebuilding effort forward and we must give them the path to success.
3. What is your position on adequate funding for charter schools that would include costs of adequate special education services and renovation and/or construction of permanent facilities?
I think the charter school system is an innovative system that carries with it the possibility of success. We must ensure that these charters schools have the funding they need, while meeting concrete goals to show that they are serving their student's needs.
4. What position will you take with the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) and the Louisiana Legislature on the unification of the New Orleans Parish School Board and the New Orleans Recovery School District?
I believe our local community best understands the needs of our students. However, right now the OPSB isn't equipped to reincorporate all RSD schools. Nevertheless, it's imperative the State slowly returns all public schools in New Orleans to the OPSB. The bifurcation of the school system presents organizational and functional problems best met by unification. Moreover, the unified board must remain, by in large, an elected one. The citizens should have the right to ensure the accountability and responsibility of school board members. That said, the addition of some appointed positions and incorporation of the RSD could be beneficial and should be considered.
5. What concrete, measurable goals will you propose to your fellow board members for the coming school year?
Community service requirements for students, faculty and staff
Settle negotiations with FEMA and begin fiscal responsibility
Partner with the Inspector General to ensure integrity
Ensure all contracts are fair, ethical and financially responsible
Improve the teacher drop out rate to maintain experienced educators
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