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Personal Injury AttorneyYou Deserve with Help from William Gonzalez
William Gonzalez-Black

The Personal Injury Attorney in Township of Washington, NJ, You Can Trust

Did you know that as a state, New Jersey has the 3rd most personal injury cases per capita? In fact, personal injury cases occurred at a rate of 30.34 per 100,000 capita, which is 218% higher than the national average of 9.53%. Perhaps even more alarming, personal injury cases account for 31% of New Jersey's entire caseload - 166% higher than the U.S. average, which lies at 11.65%. One look at those stats, and it's clear that thousands of men and women in New Jersey suffer from the unfortunate negligence of others.

The truth is, when an accident happens out of nowhere, even the most prepared New Jersey native can become a victim. Imagine driving home after a tough day at work, looking forward to relaxing, but suddenly, your life takes an unexpected turn due to someone else's negligence. Coping with the aftermath of personal injury accidents is a daunting task involving long-lasting pain, concerns about work, and worries about your loved ones.

Unfortunately, victims often fall prey to lowball settlement offers and provide official statements to insurance companies without a personal injury attorney in Township of Washington, NJ. Once you accept a settlement offer or make an official statement, it becomes challenging to correct the situation. That's where William Gonzalez Law Group comes in - to protect your rights and fight on your behalf for the compensation you deserve.

Service Areas

Personal Injury Attorney Township Of Washington, NJ

The William Gonzalez Law Difference

William N. Gonzalez was Born in 1961 in the Bronx. He moved to Puerto Rico in 1973, where he attended Middle School, High School, and freshman year at the Catholic University of Ponce, Puerto Rico. Ultimately, he transferred to John Jay College of Criminal Justice C.U.N.Y., earning a B.A. degree in 1984.

After completing that achievement, he attended Seton Hall School of Law from 1987 through 1990, earning a J.D. and admission into the New Jersey State Bar. Shortly after, he began working for various law firms until2002, when he became a solo practitioner in the Township of West New York.

Since that time, he has dedicated his practice to serving the community with honesty, integrity, and hard work. His practice was founded with the main purpose of helping those who face crisis and are in need of a personal injury lawyer in Township of Washington, NJ, who sticks by their side.

Mr. Gonzalez focuses on a range of personal injury cases, including but not limited to.

  • Auto Accidents
  • Truck Accidents
  • Car Accidents
  • Motorcycle Accidents
  • Slip-and-Fall Accidents
  • Workers' Compensation Cases
  • DUI Cases
  • Municipal Court Cases

If you're looking for a fearless attorney to fully represent you and to fight the good fight on your behalf, look no further than the William Gonzalez Law Group. Now that you're up-to-date on William Gonzalez's background and accomplishments, let's dig a little deeper into the nuances of personal injury law and the areas of law in which he focuses.

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in New Jersey

While there are many different types of personal injury cases in New Jersey, some are more common than others - especially those that involve motor vehicles and driving under the influence. Some of the most common types of personal injury cases that William Gonzalez helps clients overcome include.

Car-Accidents

Did you know that driver error is the leading cause of car accidents in New Jersey? The truth is that negligent drivers don't pay attention. They also don't adhere to traffic laws or use the right safety precautions. They often cause serious injuries by.

  • Driving Too Fast
  • Talking or Texting While Driving
  • Driving Under the Influence
  • Making Improper Lane Changes
  • Running Stop Signs and Red Lights
  • Rear-Ending Other Drivers

If you have been injured in a car accident that was caused by someone else's negligence, it is important to have a personal injury attorney in Township of Washington, NJ, whom you can rely on. Your lawyer will help protect your rights and fight for the maximum compensation possible according to local laws. Your car accident attorney will also collaborate with specialists such as investigators and accident reconstruction experts to determine the cause of your injury and establish who is responsible for any damages.

 William Gonzalez Law Township Of Washington, NJ

There are more than eleven million trucks that operate daily across the United States, with drivers who work long hours and carry sensitive materials. In 2016, there were over 470,000 large truck and semi accidents, with human error accounting for 90% of those accidents. Truck accidents can cause injuries in several ways, such as if a truck carrying hazardous materials explodes or spills its contents, causing damage to surrounding drivers and property. Commercial trucks can also jackknife or lose control of their steering wheel, which can result in injuries to the driver or others involved in the accident.

Due to the massive size of semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles, accidents involving these vehicles often result in catastrophic injuries. If you have been injured due to a negligent truck driver who was speeding, distracted, impaired, or whose vehicle was poorly maintained, it's time to hire a trucks accident lawyer. Doing so quickly after your accident will help protect your rights against insurers and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

 Auto Accidents Township Of Washington, NJ

If you ride a motorcycle in New Jersey, you are at a higher risk of dying in an accident compared to other drivers. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents are on the rise. The good news? William Gonzalez is highly skilled when it comes to representing motorcycle accident clients and the injuries they sustain, including.

  • Injury from negligent drivers who are reckless, distracted, or are involved in blind-spot wrecks
  • Injury due to serious road defects such as unsafe intersections, potholes, and more

If you were recently involved in a motorcycle accident because of another party's negligence, you can count on William Gonzalez as your advocate. It all starts with an initial consultation with a motorcycle injury attorney who truly understands New Jersey injury law.

 Truck Accidents Township Of Washington, NJ

If you have been injured while working, it can be a painful, confusing, and emotional experience. It can also be financially devastating for you and your family. Therefore, it is important to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and seek the guidance of a qualified workers' compensation lawyer in New Jersey. The William Gonzalez Law Group has been successfully assisting injured workers for years. Mr. Gonzalez's goal is to get the full compensation you need to cover your medical bills and take care of your family while you recover. If you've suffered an injury while on the job that resulted in lost wages or ongoing pain and suffering, it's time to fight for financial compensation.

 Car Accidents Township Of Washington, NJ

Injuries resulting from trips, slips, and falls can be severe and may include fractures, brain trauma, neck, and back injuries, among others. Recovering from a serious fall can take months, and the victim may experience lifelong health issues and incur substantial medical bills.

However, in New Jersey, property owners have a legal obligation to maintain their property in a safe manner. If someone gets injured on their premises or property due to their negligence, the owner can be held liable. The victim has the right to file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for the cost of medical treatment, lost income, and pain and suffering caused by the injuries.

Some of the most common contributors to slip-and-fall accidents in New Jersey include.

  • Poor Lighting
  • Narrow Stairs
  • Wet Floors
  • Missing Handrails
  • Uneven Flooring
  • Defective Sidewalks

 Motorcycle Accidents Township Of Washington, NJ

If you or someone you know has been a victim of a drunk driving accident, a personal injury lawyer in Township of Washington, NJ, can provide assistance. Despite decades-long efforts by civic organizations to curb drunk driving, it remains a problem throughout the United States, including in New Jersey, which has strict DUI laws and enforcement.

William Gonzalez believes that prosecuting drunk driving accidents not only helps clients recover compensation for their injuries but also serves as a warning to others who may consider driving under the influence.

What are Personal Injuries in New Jersey?

When an accident, incident, or illness causes you physical injury or emotional pain and suffering, it is referred to as personal injury. For example, suppose you are involved in a car accident and experience a traumatic brain injury. In that case, you have the right to seek compensation for the expenses related to treating and recovering from your physical injuries. You're also entitled to financial compensation for the emotional distress you may have suffered as a result of the injury.

There are three general terms you should be familiar with as it relates to personal injury law in New Jersey:

  • Pain and Suffering
  • Bodily Harm
  • Emotional Distress

Pain and Suffering in New Jersey

Experiencing pain and suffering is not always limited to physical injuries. It can also affect one's emotional well-being, which may require the help of a mental health professional to properly document. Consulting with a mental health professional can help determine the extent of any potential psychological issues that may have arisen from your incident.

To provide accurate documentation of your emotional pain and suffering, it is important to record how your daily activities have been impacted and how you may no longer be able to participate in activities that you once enjoyed. This might include difficulties in communication or the inability to enjoy outings that were once pleasurable.

Bodily Harm in New Jersey

When someone experiences physical injury as a result of an accident, such as a car accident, they may sue for compensation for the harm done to their body. This compensation can help cover the costs of medical bills, surgeries, physical therapy, home care equipment, or any other expenses needed to aid in their recovery from the injury.

Emotional Distress in New Jersey

Emotional distress can be difficult to prove, especially when it involves defamation of character or threats to one's physical safety. It's important to understand, however, that emotional distress is valid. You have the right to seek compensation for any fear or trauma you have experienced and should not hesitate to fight for what you deserve.

If you have suffered a serious injury due to an accident, it's time to protect yourself and your family with the help of a personal injury attorney in Township of Washington, NJ. Unlike your lawyer, the insurance companies involved in your personal injury case are not on your side and are known for presenting offers that don't fairly compensate you for your losses.

How Negligence Affects Your Personal Injury Case in New Jersey

In New Jersey, determining who is legally responsible for an accident usually involves assessing the negligence of the person at fault. Proving negligence or negligent acts as the cause of serious injuries and damages can be one of the most challenging aspects of a personal injury case. While some accidents are just that - accidents - in other cases, such as drunk driving car accidents, it is clear that the act of criminal negligence caused the accident, and the person responsible should be held liable for the damages.

According to New Jersey law, there are four elements that must be covered when trying to prove negligence in personal injury cases. Those elements include the following.

Personal Injury Attorney Township Of Washington, NJ

In New Jersey, determining who is legally responsible for an accident usually involves assessing the negligence of the person at fault. Proving negligence or negligent acts as the cause of serious injuries and damages can be one of the most challenging aspects of a personal injury case. While some accidents are just that - accidents - in other cases, such as drunk driving car accidents, it is clear that the act of criminal negligence caused the accident, and the person responsible should be held liable for the damages.

Legal Duty

According to legal duty, the defendant has a responsibility to ensure the safety of the victim and prevent harm. In New Jersey, drivers have a legal obligation to operate their vehicles safely in regard to other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. Businesses are legally obliged to maintain their premises in a safe manner, ensuring there are no hazards such as ice, snow, or slippery floors.

Breach of Duty

To prove that the defendant is responsible for an accident, it must be shown that they behaved in a way that they knew could cause harm to others. Additionally, it must be demonstrated that a reasonable person in the same situation would have acted differently. For instance, it is common knowledge that driving a car, truck, or motorcycle under the influence can lead to an accident.

Causation

One of the biggest reasons to hire a personal injury lawyer in Township of Washington, NJ, is so they can prove that your injuries are a direct result of the other party's breach of duty. This means that you need to demonstrate that your injuries occurred due to the defendant's actions. To do so, it is recommended that you seek medical attention from a physician who can document your injuries and confirm that they were caused or worsened by the defendant's negligence. It is crucial to document your injuries with a doctor, as it can be difficult to obtain compensation for injuries that were not properly documented.

Damages

When filing a claim, you must show proof of loss, which may include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering compensation.

William Gonzalez Law Pro Tip

If you've been injured due to someone else's negligence, you should act fast to file a claim and hire a lawyer. In New Jersey, you only have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit or claim. If you fail to file a claim within the time frame set by the statute of limitations, you will lose your opportunity to do so. In most cases, if you attempt to file a claim after the two-year deadline, the defendant will file a motion to dismiss. There are very few exceptions where a personal injury claim may be filed beyond the two-year mark.

A Personal Injury Attorney in Township of Washington, NJ, You Can Count On

The William Gonzalez Law Group specializes in helping you get back on track after a setback. With decades of experience in personal injury law, Mr. Gonzalez can assist you in cases such as car crashes, truck accidents, slip and fall incidents, motorcycle accidents, DUI accidents, workers' compensation cases, and more.

When you are unable to work, have mounting bills and medical expenses, and your quality of life is affected, you need a strong and reliable advocate on your side, and William Gonzalez is the man to call for help. Whether you need assistance with a complex personal injury case or need trustworthy, easy-to-understand legal advice, contact the William Gonzalez Law Group today.

 William Gonzalez Law Township Of Washington, NJ

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Latest News in Township of Washington, NJ

Election 2023: Laura Wengel For Washington Township School Board

Patch is asking candidates to share their views on issues in Long Valley. Here are candidate Laura Wengel's answers:Vianella Burns, Patch StaffLONG VALLEY, NJ — Election Day is nearing, and Long Valley voters will soon head to the polls to cast their votes for three seats on the local school board.Patch sent questionnaires to all candidates, seeking their responses. Here is the response from candidate Laura Wenge...

Patch is asking candidates to share their views on issues in Long Valley. Here are candidate Laura Wengel's answers:

Vianella Burns, Patch Staff

LONG VALLEY, NJ — Election Day is nearing, and Long Valley voters will soon head to the polls to cast their votes for three seats on the local school board.

Patch sent questionnaires to all candidates, seeking their responses. Here is the response from candidate Laura Wengel.

Editor's Note: Patch emailed all candidates at the email addresses listed for their campaigns in the clerk's office. The responses will be revealed between now and the general election on November 7. These comments will be published with just minor stylistic changes. Candidates who wish to participate but did not receive an invitation should email vianella.burns@patch.com.

Name: Laura Wengel

Find out what's happening in Long Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Age: 57

Town of residence: Washington Township

Family: I live with my husband. Our daughter went through the Washington Twp. and West Morris school systems.

Education: BA English – Hobart and William Smith Colleges; MA English Education – Seton Hall University; Special Education Certification – Rutgers University

Occupation: Teacher

Previous or current elected appointed office: None

Why are you seeking to run for school board?

I am running for a position on the Washington Township School Board because I am a strong advocate of quality public education where students are free to engage in meaningful discussion to enhance their critical thinking skills on all levels.

My family and I made our home in Long Valley in 2007 because we were impressed by the school system and the unique community bonds we shared with our neighbors.

My daughter is a product of the Washington Township Schools and a graduate of West Morris Central Regional High School. I firmly believe that she would not be a successful college graduate without the balanced academic rigor she received at WMC. I am also a proud public school graduate, where I learned to question my assumptions and think critically about my world.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in English from Hobart and William Smith Colleges, a master’s degree in English education from Seton Hall University, and a special education certificate from Rutgers University.

For the past 23 years, I have worked in both public and private education, teaching English and special education. The diversity and level of empathy I have encountered while teaching at public schools in New Jersey have given me a unique insight into the state of public education and how best to collaborate toward a common goal.

As board members, I am hoping that my running mates and I can successfully create a consensus on what our children need and make mindful, balanced decisions regarding their education.

What, according to you, is the biggest issue facing the school district currently? How do you plan to tackle it?

The amount of politics that has made its way into local school boards and schools has essentially hamstrung any substantive discussion regarding the education of our children. There also seems to be a lack of understanding in general about how public schools run. I hope to demystify this.

What special qualifications do you bring to help meet the challenge?

Since I am a teacher, I am uniquely qualified to provide accurate insight into what is actually happening in our classrooms and schools.

Election 2023: Marisa Baker For Washington Township School Board

Patch is asking candidates to share their views on issues in Long Valley. Here are candidate Marisa Baker's answers: Vianella Burns, Patch StaffLONG VALLEY, NJ — Election Day is nearing, and Long Valley voters will soon head to the polls to cast their votes for three seats on the local school board.Patch sent questionnaires to all candidates, seeking their responses. Here is the response from candidate Marisa Bak...

Patch is asking candidates to share their views on issues in Long Valley. Here are candidate Marisa Baker's answers:

Vianella Burns, Patch Staff

LONG VALLEY, NJ — Election Day is nearing, and Long Valley voters will soon head to the polls to cast their votes for three seats on the local school board.

Patch sent questionnaires to all candidates, seeking their responses. Here is the response from candidate Marisa Baker.

Editor's Note: Patch emailed all candidates at the email addresses listed for their campaigns in the clerk's office. The responses will be revealed between now and the general election on November 7. These comments will be published with just minor stylistic changes. Candidates who wish to participate but did not receive an invitation should email vianella.burns@patch.com.

Name: Marisa Baker

Age: 45

Find out what's happening in Long Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Town of residence: Washington Township (Morris County)

Family: My husband and I have a blended family of 6 boys all under the age of 14.

Education: Yale University, B.A.; Seton Hall Law School, J.D.

Occupation: lawyer- owner of a 4-attorney law firm in Califon, NJ

Why are you seeking to run for school board?

I have become increasingly concerned that our current school board is getting distracted by political and culture war issues while neglecting the actual education of our children. I am running to ensure that our schools continue to provide the same high-quality education for all children.

I am also running to ensure that our school board does not make the same mistakes seen in some other local communities where close to $100,000 of already limited school funding is being used to pay for completely avoidable litigation costs simply because school boards fail to follow existing laws and regulations, which should be addressed at the state level.

What according to you is the biggest issue facing the school district currently? How do you plan to tackle it?

I am concerned about our children's overall educational readiness when compared to neighboring communities. For example, only 64 percent of our current elementary school students are performing at or above proficient levels in both reading and math. There are also reports that our middle school graduates are less prepared than other sending districts when they reach high school.

To tackle the problem, we first need to find the root cause. I believe that our school board needs to make it a priority to determine the origin of these falling test scores. Based on those findings, I believe we need to resolve the issue at its source, but I also believe that we must be open-minded in considering solutions and should consider policies or programs that have proven successful in other school districts for this purpose.

What special qualifications do you bring to help meet the challenge?

As a lawyer, I believe I am uniquely qualified to help guide the school board to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. It is the failure of other local school boards to ensure their own compliance with existing laws or regulations that have resulted in expensive and unnecessary litigation.

With a specialization in high-conflict divorce and custody matters, I also bring years of experience finding common ground between people with completely opposing interests. I will bring this transferable skill to the school board where I hope to help bridge the divide between many competing interests for the benefit of all of our children.

What else would you like to share about yourself or your campaign?

Another motivation for me to run for school board is that I also want to ensure that the very vocal voices and opinions of a few individuals are not forced upon the majority of children and families in our community.

I strongly believe that every taxpayer should have their concerns taken seriously by the school board, no matter the issue, and that every parent should be involved in their child's education. I also believe that part of the job of any school board member is to be accessible and willing to listen to any and all concerns from the community.

However, the school board also has a responsibility to ensure that all interests are considered and that results truly represent the majority.

Election 2023: John Oldmixon For Washington Township School Board

Patch is asking candidates to share their views on issues in Long Valley. Here are candidate John R. Oldmixon's answers: Vianella Burns, Patch StaffLONG VALLEY, NJ — Election Day is nearing, and Long Valley voters will soon head to the polls to cast their votes for three seats on the local school board.Patch sent questionnaires to all candidates, seeking their responses. Here is the response from candidate John R...

Patch is asking candidates to share their views on issues in Long Valley. Here are candidate John R. Oldmixon's answers:

Vianella Burns, Patch Staff

LONG VALLEY, NJ — Election Day is nearing, and Long Valley voters will soon head to the polls to cast their votes for three seats on the local school board.

Patch sent questionnaires to all candidates, seeking their responses. Here is the response from candidate John R. Oldmixon.

Editor's Note: Patch emailed all candidates at the email addresses listed for their campaigns in the clerk's office. The responses will be revealed between now and the general election on Nov. 7. These comments will be published with just minor stylistic changes. Candidates who wish to participate but did not receive an invitation should email vianella.burns@patch.com.

Name: John R. Oldmixon

Age: 35

Find out what's happening in Long Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Town of residence: Long Valley

Family: Happily married to my high school sweetheart, Emily. We are now blessed with three beautiful children.

Education: Flocktown-Kossmann, LVMS, WMC. BA in Business Finance from Centenary University.

Occupation: Private Credit Associate with MetLife Investment Management

Why are you seeking to run for school board?

Our school district and teachers are incredible, but I have concerns about what is happening at the state level. We can’t be a rubber stamp for Trenton. I am 100% for parental rights, no matter the circumstances. We always need to encourage the teacher-student-parent role. I believe in keeping politics out of school and maintaining fiscal responsibility. Given my background and deep understanding of our school issues, I believe I am the perfect fit.

What, according to you, is the biggest issue facing the school district currently? How do you plan to tackle it?

From an education standpoint, I am concerned about our test scores as it relates to student progress. For example, our middle school test score ranking is quite well, but our progress compared to neighboring districts is trending below average. I think it is important to focus on the fundamentals of education and our core classes.

We should be engaged with the teachers about what is working well, and what isn’t. This conversation should also expand to other higher-ranking schools in our area and keep an open dialogue on what has been successful for them.

From a fiscal standpoint, we have a current year budget of ~$46.4mm we have to maintain. Meanwhile, our state aid has been progressively cut in the last six years by over 50 percent.

Before thinking about cuts, my running mates and I want to find additional revenue streams for our district and be conservative on our bottom line while protecting our great teachers financially. We will keep the budget under the two percent increase cap and maintain our promise of fiscal responsibility.

What special qualifications do you bring to help meet the challenge?

I have been attending almost every board of education meeting for the past 3+ years, often speaking during public comment. I know how it operates and the issues our district faces. As a private credit investment analyst, I can leverage my financial modeling background to help keep us fiscally responsible.

Lastly, I know what it is like to walk the halls of these schools as a student and now as a father. Long Valley is a place my wife and I have called home for 34 years and I will always do what is right for the student, teacher, parent, and taxpayer.

What else would you like to share about yourself or your campaign?

Jennifer Ryan, Isabel Vieira, and I are running on the “Excellence In Education” ticket. Please visit our website at www.WTBOE23.com to learn a lot more about our campaign. Vote 4-5-6 on November 7th!

Election 2023: Cynthia McConnell For Washington Township School Board

Patch is asking candidates to share their views on issues in Long Valley. Here are candidate Cynthia McConnell's answers: Vianella Burns, Patch StaffLONG VALLEY, NJ — Election Day is nearing, and Long Valley voters will soon head to the polls to cast their votes for three seats on the local school board.Patch sent questionnaires to all candidates, seeking their responses. Here is the response from candidate Cynth...

Patch is asking candidates to share their views on issues in Long Valley. Here are candidate Cynthia McConnell's answers:

Vianella Burns, Patch Staff

LONG VALLEY, NJ — Election Day is nearing, and Long Valley voters will soon head to the polls to cast their votes for three seats on the local school board.

Patch sent questionnaires to all candidates, seeking their responses. Here is the response from candidate Cynthia McConnell.

Editor's Note: Patch emailed all candidates at the email addresses listed for their campaigns in the clerk's office. The responses will be revealed between now and the general election on Nov. 7. These comments will be published with just minor stylistic changes. Candidates who wish to participate but did not receive an invitation should email vianella.burns@patch.com.

Name: Cynthia McConnell

Age: 41

Find out what's happening in Long Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Town of residence: My husband and I both grew up in Chester and had a bunch of friends from Long Valley as kids. When we got married, we knew we wanted to settle down in Long Valley.

Family: My husband, Matt McConnell and I have two kids, Jessica and Brian McConnell, along with a dog and cats.

Education: I got my BS in Accounting Systems from Virginia Tech and my masters in IT Project Management from George Washington University.

Occupation: I'm an IT project manager and software designer. I take the details from our business partners and help them understand their needs so we can create websites to gather insurance applications easily from our customers (insurance agents and direct consumers). I then work with multiple teams of developers to break down the work and align everyone's efforts. I track the completion of the multiple teams and raise risks or dependencies as we identify them, and then find solutions to limit the risk or fully remove it.

Why are you seeking to run for school board?

I'm running for K-8 BoE in Washington Township because I want to make sure the board is focused on the education of our kids and raising our town's test scores while keeping our budget balanced. I've been seeing some on the board and running against myself who are more interested in trying to require teachers to tell parents if they find out a child mentions being LGBTQ.

This is not what our teachers need to be focusing on, and if passed, this can result in litigation for our town that will cause major financial repercussions for our budgets. It could also impact our property values if our town is seen as less than welcoming to marginalized groups. I want to make sure all our kids feel comfortable and safe in our schools and can focus on learning at school.

What according to you is the biggest issue facing the school district currently? How do you plan to tackle it?

The biggest challenge I see in our district is the need to focus on raising our student test scores rather than the noise happening in our BOE meetings around LGBTQ students. We know our test scores are dropping and while test scores are dropping in most places, that doesn't allow us to be complacent about it.

To me, it was obvious based on the number of questions we received at the BOE candidate public forum, held on October 10th. More people were focused on how many genders we believed in vs how we believed we could help get our test scores up and provide for the needs of our teachers and students. I want our BOE and teachers to work with other BOEs and teachers to understand what is working for them and where we can make some adjustments to help our students succeed.

What special qualifications do you bring to help meet the challenge?

As a project manager, I am used to asking questions, digging into the details and trying to identify the specifics of any issues. I'm very good at rephrasing things to get a point across to my coworkers, which can help everyone have a better understanding of the problem. These personality traits will be immensely helpful when we are working to break down various policies and determine the best way forward for our district.

What else would you like to share about yourself or your campaign?

I hope that everyone in this town takes the time to watch the question-and-answer session that was recorded last night and posted online. I believe it gives everyone a good sense of the two separate tickets running for the BOE, and what their supporters stand for. I'm hoping this town is ready and will vote for the school board to get back to the basics of making sure our kids get a quality education and that we are supporting our teachers and the needs of our administration within our budgets.

Election 2023: Isabel Vieira For Washington Township School Board

Patch is asking candidates to share their views on issues in Long Valley. Here are candidate Isabel Vieira's answers: Vianella Burns, Patch StaffLONG VALLEY, NJ — Election Day is nearing, and Long Valley voters will soon head to the polls to cast their votes for three seats on the local school board.Patch sent questionnaires to all candidates, seeking their responses. Here is the response from candidate Isabel Vi...

Patch is asking candidates to share their views on issues in Long Valley. Here are candidate Isabel Vieira's answers:

Vianella Burns, Patch Staff

LONG VALLEY, NJ — Election Day is nearing, and Long Valley voters will soon head to the polls to cast their votes for three seats on the local school board.

Patch sent questionnaires to all candidates, seeking their responses. Here is the response from candidate Isabel Vieira.

Editor's Note: Patch emailed all candidates at the email addresses listed for their campaigns in the clerk's office. The responses will be revealed between now and the general election on Nov. 7. These comments will be published with just minor stylistic changes. Candidates who wish to participate but did not receive an invitation should email vianella.burns@patch.com.

Name: Isabel Vieira

Age: 54

Find out what's happening in Long Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Town of residence: Long Valley

Family: My husband and I have lived in Long Valley for over 20 years and have three children.

Education: I attended the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in Manhattan. I graduated with a major in international trade and marketing and a minor in buying and merchandising.

Occupation: I am a residential and commercial mortgage banker/lender. I have been in the mortgage financing industry for 30 years.

Previous or current elected appointed office: None.

Why are you seeking to run for the school board?

I am running for the Washington Township K-8 Board of Education because, as a parent, I am a firm believer that a teacher, educator, administrator or any employee of school district keeping anything from a parent (especially 5 - 13 year olds) is wrong. Nothing good ever comes of keeping parents in the dark - about anything. Parents and teachers should always work together and this collaboration will always inevitably be what is in the child's best interest.

I also want to work to ensure that our district's test scores and ranking go back to the higher numbers of prior years. Having a great school system is not only what parents want, but is the foundation of a desirable town. It ensures property values are maintained and what families seek among their top reasons when looking to move.

Being fiscally sound is also what has driven me to run for school board. Having a balanced budget amid the state's cuts is crucial to the performance of our school system and should be a concern for every taxpayer in town.

What, according to you, is the biggest issue facing the school district currently? How do you plan to tackle it?

The biggest issue is the test scores and how they've decreased over the last few years when compared to other districs. As I proposed in the Q&A session on Oct.10th, I want to explore ways to get those scores back up along with our district's rankings, without any material increase to our bottom line. For example, collaboration with Chester and Mendham school districts to discuss their successes and establish common curriculum by 8th grade, especially in ELA and math as Washington Township students in K-8 will eventually attend the same high school district. Having an alignment between school districts will help prepare our students for the next level and ensure they are not behind academically.

What special qualifications do you bring to help meet the challenge?

Working with an extremely diverse socio-economic client base for over 30 years, I am always thinking outside the box getting their loans to closing. Problem solving is part of my job, on all levels and aspects of their financing.

What else would you like to share about yourself or your campaign?

I would like to assure ALL voters that a vote for me, John Oldmixon and Jen Ryan is a vote protecting your parental rights - especially in K-8 grades where children are 5-13 years old. We did not seek public donations and our campaign is self-funded. No one tells us how to campaign, what to say, how to say it, what issues to discuss, designs our signs, etc.

Over the past few months we have been engaged with local parents and teachers to discuss their concerns and what is working well. Please visit our website at www.WTBOE23.com for more information about our campaign and remember to vote Oldmixon, Vieira, and Ryan on November 7th!

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