Politics & Government

Meet East Penn School Board Candidate Chris Donatelli

Chris Donatelli is one of eight candidates running for East Penn School Board in the May 21 primary election.

Age:    
49

Family:
My wife of 20 years, Norma

Daughter Ashley, Son-in-law Jason & Granddaughter Amira J

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

Son Kyle and Daughter-in-law Lyndsey

And the last to graduate from Emmaus HS, 2013, Stephen!

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

Political party affiliation:
I have been a registered Republican since I was 18.

Tell us about your educational background:
K-6; Stroudsburg Area School District

7-12, Notre Dame HS, East Stroudsburg, PA

BS Mechanical Engineering Technology, 1985, Gannon University, Erie, PA.

Tell us about your professional/business background:
I have been performing the duties of engineer and technical sales person in the filtration Industry for the past 20 years. I am currently employed by Precision Filtration Products, Pennsburg, PA since October, 2008.

Why are you running for East Penn School Board?
I have a sincere disdain for acrimony in politics; it is not productive. As an alternate delegate at the 2012 RNC, I saw events that were uninspiring. I want to see positive change and sincerely believe the best way to do so is by not only being involved in the community, but by getting the community involved. I feel the attitude of the current school board is stifling and does not accept the ideals of the community. I would like to improve the atmosphere at school board meetings.

What qualifies you to serve on East Penn School Board?
I have had three children in the school district since 1994. I have seen change; some good, some not so good. I see the need for more common-sense decision making on the board and this is one of my strong points. Also, there are private company business practices that I have employed over the years that would be an improvement to current business-as-usual practices and a benefit to the school district if adopted.

What do you see as the East Penn School Board’s primary role and responsibilities?
The boards role is to be a liaison between the community and the school district superintendant and to advise on district policy and direction.

Tell us about three major challenges facing East Penn School Board and how you would address them. (Please be as specific as possible):
1)     Budget constraints; We are in the toughest economic time since the Great Depression. People are economically challenged and their situations should be considered along with the welfare of our children.

2)     Promote contact with our state and local elected officials for the benefit of the school district and the education or our students.

3)     Put the “Public” back into the public school system

How much are you spending to run? How is your campaign being funded?
The total amount of money spent on our campaign has not yet been finalized.  All of our contributions are from private individuals.  We have not accepted contributions from any political groups or outside PACs.

What, if any, endorsements have you received?
Our team made up of Wanda Mercado-Arroyo, Garrett Rhoads and myself have received the endorsement from our local Republican committee.

Do you use social media? If so, please provide links to your Facebook and Twitter.
I use Facebook to keep in contact with friends and family, only


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Lower Macungie