Candidate Survey: Fitzgerald Mofor for Montgomery County Board of Education, At-Large
TheDuckpin.com Candidate Survey
Name *
Fitzgerald Mofor
Age *
28
Office Sought *
Board of Education
County *
Montgomery
District, if applicable *
at-large
Political Party *
Independent
Education *
masters of law - Washington University in St. Louis School of Law
Career/Occupation *
Paralegal/Community Advocate
Political Experience *
Campaign Manager, Community Liaison - MD Senator (D-14)
Public Twitter/X Page
@FitzgeraldMofor
Public Facebook Page
Public Instagram Account
Public TikTok Account
N/A
YouTube Page
@FitzgeraldMofor
Other Public Social Media Accounts *
N/A
Website *
https://donorbox.org/friend-and-family-of-fitzgerald-mofor-2
Why are you running for office? *
I am running for office to fundamentally reform the MCPS educational apparatus. We need to institute safe guards and best practices for translucency. Implementing an oversight and accountability committee will tremendously rebuild public confidence in our pedagogical system. Additionally, we have to confront the achievement gap and proliferate evidence-based policy measures such as compulsory extended learning to expedite educational recovery in numeracy. Only 31% of children in 3rd–8th grade meet proficiency requirements in math. That is erroneous. Lastly, we need to get back to the centrist bipartisan consensus by making wage parity for para-educators, vocational learning, apprenticeship/CTE programs, college readiness, and educational competency a priority in lieu of making abstract political theory a priority.
Who do you consider your political role model, and why? *
It will be a close tie between John Fitzgerald Kennedy and Thomas Sankara. Both were spry, young, and transformative leaders who succumbed to martyrdom to ultimately institute massive reforms in their respective societies. JFK assumed office at the height of the Cold War, instituted diplomacy, which is no longer a practice in the state department's hawkish foreign policy approach in today's political landscape, and ultimately averted nuclear war. Moreover, before the assassination, JFK was the architect of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. A landmark piece of legislation that affirmed the constitutional rights of African Americans. My parents also adored JFK so much that they decided to name me after him. Thomas Sankara assumed office and deposed relics of neocolonialism by changing the nation's name from Upper Volta to Burkina Faso (land of the upright/honest people). His pan-Africanist reforms weren't just rhetorical. He banned female genital mutilation, appointed women to his cabinet, slashed illiteracy in a nation that was 90% illiterate, clawed back the pageantry of politics by making the Renault 5 the uniform government-issued vehicle, and curtailed infant morality with advancements in health care infrastructure. Sankara also succumbed to martyrdom. It was the price he paid for being a vociferous fighter for African emancipation and liberation. I am not adherent to Marxism or Socialism, but I can find nuance in ideological sentiments that differ from mine and have a profound respect for politicians who make uprightness a focal point in their agenda. Both have tremendous impacts on my political journey.
What is your favorite book about politics and policy, and why? *
Another close tie between "The Prince" by Niccolo Machiavelli and "Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In by" Roger Fisher and William Ury. The Prince has often times been maligned as a guideline for political manipulation and its inherent nihilistic philosophy. While the maligning of The Prince by book reviewers has some credence, I have a different approach. The book comprehensively details the strategies that will be instituted by political actors. It is acutely imperative to study your opponents and the strategies that will be implemented by your political adversaries. "Getting to Yes" has a much more congenial yet insightful approach. Negotiation and making concessions are fundamental practices of adequate governance and a vital practice in our representative democracy. Although the book doesn't fundamentally focus on policymaking, I believe it is an indispensable book for all individuals seeking elected office
What will be your top priority in office? *
Closing the achievement gap, studies show that education is a perfunctory tool that can promulgate socioeconomic upward mobility. Solving our education issue amongst disenfranchised and marginalized communities will ultimately provide a new tax base for streams of revenue in the coffers of the government, reduce crime, and proliferate economic self-sustainability. This pernicious issue can be solved with research-based policy initiatives that are proven to work, such as extended or personalized learning, rigorous courses, apprenticeships packaged in vocational learning, and the full implementation of a Montessori paradigm in primary school learning. Closing the achievement gap pushed me into running for office; it is my ultimate priority. Hypothetically speaking, if I were to win and the status quo in education remains, I should be deposed of my seat once reelection returns. I am running for office to proliferate change, not to jumpstart a political career.
What is the biggest issue facing your area? *
1.) Transparency from local government. 2.) Police staffing, or lack thereof. 3.) The achievement gap in education. 4.) Political polarization 5.) Affordable housing/Crime/Homelessness/Mental Health and Opioid Addiction.
What are the three biggest issues facing Maryland? *
I am not the governor of Maryland, nor do I chair any committees in the legislature. I believe it would be rich and Monday morning quarterbacking if I began to pontificate on budgetary deficits, housing affordability, health care infrastructure, and energy policy. I believe our legislators in Annapolis are very competent. For now, I am strongly focused on improving our educational system in Montgomery County.
What is your position on life issues? (abortion, assisted suicide) *
I am only focused on issues that are germane to education.
What is your position on taxes and spending? *
Property taxes are constantly hiked. Rhetorically speaking, our officials often promise that the revenue from these new taxes will be appropriated to education. Often times, we find that isn't necessarily the case. If new property taxes are to be imposed, they must go directly to the pedagogical system, not different parts of government.
What is your position on gun rights? *
I am only focused on issues that are germane to education.
What is your position on marijuana? *
I am only focused on issues that are germane to education.
What is your position on transgender issues?
I am only focused on issues that are germane to education.
What is your position on land use, growth, and development? *
Proliferating substantive infrastructural growth and development in education should be a priority when it comes to land use, growth, and development. I commend county officials for passing an operating budget that includes the development of new schools and renovations of obsolete school buildings. The Damascus area is in dire need of renovations and new development when it comes to infrastructural growth in education. I am sure our competent county officials will make that a priority moving forward.
What is your position on crime and public safety? *
Public safety and education are inextricably linked. Robust education access proliferates economic viability and significantly reduces crime. It’s why we need compulsory extended learning to expedite educational recovery and mitigate crime involvement.
What is your position on county tax caps? *
I am only focused on issues that are germane to education.
What is your position on education? *
A robust educational system is a vital function of a civil society and, more importantly, individual emancipation. “Education is the key to unlocking a golden door of freedom.” George Washington Carver. Without education, the perpetual cycle of destitution, governmental dependency, crime, and economic disenfranchisement is imminent.
What is your position on parental involvement in schools?
Studies have shown that, schools with strong parental involvement have higher percentages of literacy, completion, and numeracy. Incentivizing community and parental involvement are the most cost-effective policy initiative for public schools. Amongst teachers, community leaders and parents, there must be uniformity regarding the purpose of public school.
Do you support a ban on biological males from playing girls or women's sports?
No answer
Do you support a ban on political flags (BLM, LBGTQ, Trump, etc) flags public schools
No answer
Was Joe Biden legitimately elected President of the United States in the November 2020 Election? *
Yes
Do you pledge to accept the results of your election? *
Yes