We are going to preface all of our candidate spotlights with this statement;
This post, this page, and any other distribution channels are in no way affiliated with or paid by any candidate or candidates committee.
Candidates were given equal access to voluntarily contribute information for consideration for our candidate spotlight pieces.
Finally, we feel strongly that too much focus is placed on the party and not the person. For this reason, we are not listing the party for which the candidate is registered or running. We want to end the bias of party preference voting. Get to know the person and forget the party lines.
That said, this candidate spotlight will focus on; Monica Hargenrater. Monica is running for a 4-year term as a Crawford Central School Director.
Monica resides in Cochranton, PA with her husband and two children, who attend Cochranton schools. Monica is a business owner and has a background in early childhood education. We were unable to find a LinkedIn profile or a resume on her candidate page. Monica did provide utilize our form to provide us with the following information regarding her professional background;
While attending school at Cochranton Jr./Sr. High school, Monica held two jobs. One job was at the local ice cream shop and the other at the town's grocery store. While in school, Monica was able to attend the childcare program at the Crawford County Vo-tech Center. After receiving enough time in this program, her senior year she was able to begin to work in a childcare facility. Monica states she has worked at a total of 4 childcare facilities. The change in place of employment was due to company transfers or opportunities to work closer to home. While working full-time, Monica also attended college online to obtain her Associate's Degree in Elementary Education. Monica worked in a childcare facility until her youngest child was born.
Monica spent a total of 10 years in the childcare field, which allowed her to hone her skills in curriculum development, acceptable disciplinary actions, teaching experience, and classroom etiquette.
Currently, Monica is an office manager for her parent's apartment rental company. She and her husband have also started their own apartment rental business called 10 Point Rentals, as well as, a handyman business called 10 Point Handyman. Monica feels her current professional roles have allowed her to further her communication skills, as she speaks with multiple individuals daily regarding various topics. These roles also entail excellent time management skills, attention to detail, thorough understanding of the subject matter at hand, knowing when to consult someone else to give the appropriate answer, prioritizing tasks and work orders based on the level of importance, and clear forms of written and verbal communication to ensure understanding for the customer or tenant.
Prior to her current marriage, Monica was a single mother. She attributes this to her art of balancing budgets, cost-saving abilities, and hard work ethic to ensure her past debts were paid and her family had a roof over their head and food on the table.
In her free time, Monica and her family like to be outdoors. She especially enjoys hunting, fishing, and hiking. Monica also enjoys participating in random acts of kindness, which she feels can brighten the day of those around her. Sometimes it's the little acts of kindness and the pay-it-forward movements that keep someone going on after a tough day. Monica feels that whatever it means to that person to be a recipient of a random gesture, is far greater than any recognition that one could receive. She encourages others to also participate in random acts of kindness to brighten their day and the day of those around them.
When asked why electors should choose her, Monica states she feels she is a good listener. Some may regard her as being "quiet", but in actuality, she is listening and observing. Monica also is aware of the challenges that are plaguing the current school board, and the challenges she would potentially face, as she consistently attends the school board meetings. Through hard work, dedication, and professional skill development, she feels she is strongly able to serve the school district in the capacity of school director. Her commitment to doing the right thing for the district stems from having two children within the school district, and an interest in them having the best possible education and resources. In turn, this will lead her to make wise decisions for the betterment of all students within the district, not just her own.
Some things Monica says she would like to see changed would be to get rid of standardized testing. While she recognizes this isn't within her power, she feels too often the focus is more on the test result than the true student development. Monica also would like to see more parent involvement at the board meetings. As a board member, it is imperative to do the right thing for the students and teachers and to act to the best of your ability to always seek ways to enhance the school experience. With parent feedback, the board would be able to determine areas of focus and potentially direct resources to better resolve any areas of concern. Monica also feels the budget could benefit from more community involvement, as well as a more thorough review by the school board members.
Now it's time for our favorite part, the nitty gritty on the candidate;
On Monica's record, we found that in October of 2021, she was charged with the Use of Artificial/Natural Bait, and the Failure to Present Positive ID on the Land of Another. The day she pleaded guilty and paid her first fine payment, Monica made the following post on her candidate Facebook page;
There is nothing more to report on Monica's record. We did verify that all payments were made to satisfy the fine she incurred, and the total of the $385 in fines and fees has been paid in full as of January 13, 2022.
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