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Asbury Park’s Cable Television Advisory Committee will host the first of their candidates’ forums this evening.

Individuals who seek election in the Nov. 4 board of education race will go head-to-head in the debate-style election forum at 7 p.m. in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Harold Daley Post #133, located at 701 Lake Ave. The League of Women Voters, Ocean Township chapter, will moderate.

The debate is sponsored by the Asbury Park Education Association.

Six candidates are vying for three full terms. The six candidates have formed two full tickets. The A-Team for Council is comprised of incumbent Felicia Simmons, former board member Arva M. Council and Stephen “Steve” Williams. Running together on the “Moving Forward” ticket are incumbent board member and former board president Angela Ahbez-Anderson with Carol Jones and Charles Smentkowski, Sr.

Anyone who is unable to attend the forums will be able to view a televised recording of the forums beginning Oct. 27 on Cablevision channels 77  and 116, or on Verizon channels 28 and 30.

Bios of each candidate provided by their campaigns appear below.

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Felicia Simmons

Felicia D. Simmons was born at Long Branch Medical Center in September of 1979 to a strong parent who believed that hard work and values will bring you success. She attended Neptune primary schools and is a graduate of the Asbury Park High School class of 1998. She is currently studying social work at Rutgers /Brookdale Communiversity. Felicia was brought up as youth missionary by the Project Hope Mission founder Alexis Harris, whose dream was to raise up leaders. She has been a life-long activist here in Monmouth County and through-out the East Coast and the Caribbean. Felicia is the co-parent of a wonderful 11-year old son, Zachariah D. Simmons-Bryant, who attends the Asbury Park Middle School. She believes it takes two adults and a community to properly rear a child. Ms. Simmons is sometimes referred to as one of the busiest women in Monmouth County, secretary of the Asbury Park National Action Network, member of the Asbury Park Community Action Network (C.A.N.), member of an Evangelistic church here in the city of Asbury Park. Ms. Simmons is known for her passionate views and has been compelled to take a more public role within Monmouth County. She has a true love for her city, its history, and the community of all colors and shapes. This city, as a whole, can thrive through education, arts, and music. Felicia Simmons believes that being educated is a lifelong process.

Arva Michele Council

Arva Council is a 34-year old Asbury Park resident.  She was born and raised in the city of Asbury Park, and she continues to raise her 3-year old son, Amar’e in town.  Arva graduated from Asbury High School in 1998.  She has been working with children with/without disabilities since 2001.  Arva is a member of Good Hope Baptist Church Asbury Park, New Jersey and also is an active member of the Asbury Park Chapter of the National Action Network.  Arva was appointed to the Asbury Park Board of Education in October 2013, and she continues to take a strong stance on the importance of educating our youth.  She is the president and representative of the parent engagement network at her son’s educational facility, Acelero Learning Center. Arva continues to be very active in her community by working with community groups including Charity Kings and Sportz Farm.

Stephen “Steve” Williams

Stephen “Steve” Williams, , a product of Asbury Park, is a graduate of the Asbury Park School District. Steve hosts both his undergrad and graduate degrees from Delaware State University in Sports Management and Sports Administration. He also has 6 credits towards his Ed.D. Steve is a tenacious life coach and example for the youth here in Asbury Park. He has a never ending love for his city and people in it. Steve knows he could set the bar high and give the youth of Asbury Park a standard to reach and sustain.

 

Angela Ahbez-Anderson

Angela Ahbez-Anderson has lived in the City for 18 1⁄2 years, is the Democratic Committee Leader for District 5 and, more recently, is engaging our young women in the art of public speaking and building their self-esteem by creating The Eloquent Charismatic Orator. Angela is presently a Board of Education Member repeatedly speaking out against the lack of focus on needed education reform and solid evidence based decisions that the present Board majority continuously demonstrates.

 

 

Carol Jones

Carol Jones was unsuccessful as a write in candidate last year, but is back again to win this time! Carol has been a resident of the City since 1984. She is a certified school nurse who spent 14 years caring for our children at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School before retiring from the Asbury Park School District two years ago. Carol is presently on the Asbury Park Zoning Board serving in her 7th.

 

 

Charles Smentkowski

Charles Smentkowski is a retired Detective Lieutenant from the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office. Prior to the MCPO, Charles also was an Asbury Park Police Officer and a Monmouth County Corrections Officer. Charles has been a City resident since 1987. He too, is not a stranger to our School District where three of his sons graduated High School building the foundation for their successful careers.

 

[A-Team candidate photos provided by A-Team for Council. Photo of Smentkowski was taken from his Facebook page.]

 

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