05/11/2025
The last issue I talked about during the meet the candidates night was “closing the skills gap” I’m committed to addressing a critical issue facing both our nation and our community: the growing disconnect between education, work, and opportunity. America has slowly drifted from valuing the dignity of skilled labor. Here in Mahopac, we see the same trends that are reshaping our country.
For decades, trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeships have been dismissed as “alternatives” to a 4 year college degree. This mindset has devalued the skilled trades—careers that built our communities and keep them running. The result? A national skills gap with over 7.6 million jobs unfilled, many requiring no degree. In Mahopac, our students deserve better guidance to explore all paths to success, not just the corner office.
High schools, including ours, have phased out vocational programs, leaving students unprepared for viable, well-paying careers in the trades. If elected, I’ll advocate for a Mahopac education system that redefines a “good job” and prepares students for the real world. I want to bring back vocational training, promote trade schools, and celebrate hard work alongside smart work. Our kids deserve to know that a career in the skilled trades is not a consolation prize—it’s a path to pride, prosperity, and purpose.
FYI if you are interested I got much of my information from https://mikeroweworks.org
This page offers scholarships to hardworking students. If you or your kids think this may be a viable route, I’d definitely check it out!!!
America is profoundly disconnected. We’re working to change that.