October 20, 2003

 

Victoria M. Pearson

By JILL ANDERSON


Victoria M. Pearson

Victoria Pearson stands as the only candidate running for School Committee who won't have any children entering Newburyport Public Schools.

Pearson, a lifelong Newburyport resident, raised one son, now 29, through Newburyport schools. But she remained active long after her son graduated.

Pearson said there was nothing the current School Committee did to push her to run for the seat, but her recent retirement from full-time work now gives her the time to devote to the job.

"My interest really peaked when I was on the long-term elementary building committee," Pearson said. "I don't intend to reinvent the wheel. I don't have an agenda."

But some of the things Pearson would like to do if elected include looking at "every penny" of the budget to make sure money is being used in the "most effective way."

Pearson said she will also want to look at the maintenance of the elementary schools and middle school.

"I do believe we need a new elementary school," Pearson said.

Although Pearson said she thinks it will be impossible to get a new elementary school in the next two years, she feels it may take even 10 years. "It's nearly impossible to ask taxpayers to do much more," Pearson said.

She also wants to see the high school building project finished.

"The city really dropped the ball on this project," Pearson said. "They need to put someone in charge and get it finished. Then, let the city solicitor do his work."

When it comes to Pearson making her votes on the committee, she said she'll put her views aside.

"My vote won't be personal," Pearson said. "It will reflect what the voters want to be done. I'm big on taking responsibility for actions ... if everyone was accountable then it would be a much better world."

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(This article replicated online with permission of the Newburyport Daily News, an Eagle Tribune Newspaper.)
 
 
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