Candidate questionnaire: James Watkins

NAME: James Watkins

AGE: 43

PLACE OF BIRTH: Sikeston, MO

SPOUSE, CHILDREN'S NAMES:

Married to Robin Watkins

Daughter - Ashley Watkins (15)

Daughter - Amber Watkins (13)

Son - Connor Watkins (8)

EDUCATION:

Alumni of Oran R-III School District K-12

Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center - Paramedic Certification

St. Louis County Fire Academey - Professional Fire Fighter Certification

Columbia College - Associates of Science in Fire Service Administration

Columbia College - Bachelors of Science in Business Adminstration

OCCUPATION:

Leadman/Fire Fighter/Paramedic

EMPLOYER:

Fenton Fire Protection District, St. Louis County Missouri

BUSINESSES OWNED, ALL OR PART:

N/A

PUBLIC OFFICES HELD OR SOUGHT; GIVE DATES:

1998-2010 Officers position with the Oran Fire Dept/Protection District including Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief, and Chief.

2005-2009 Scott County 911 Advisory Board.

WHAT'S THE BIGGEST NEED YOU HOPE TO ADDRESS IF ELECTED?

The needs that are being demanded by the community of the Oran R-III School District are ones of transparency with the workings of the district and a lack of trust that has festered and grown over the years. It is my intent to make the districts workings more transparent than any government entity in the State of Missouri. This will be accomplished through the use of the internet, open meetings where the public is strongly encouraged to participate, and an open relationship with the community.

Regaining the trust of the community will be the most time consuming and difficult need to be addressed. This will be accomplished over time by providing an environment that the community feels welcome in. Community input will be sought at all formal and informal avenues of communication. Lastly, all input will be treated with respect and feedback will be provided to those providing the input.

WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE?

One important qualification is the fact that I am a parent of children who will be attending the Oran School District over the next ten years. This places me in a position that some of our current board members do not and will not have in the years to come.

Over the past nineteen years I have been involved in multiple government entities. This along with an educational background in administration has allowed me to gain experience in all aspects of business, from budgeting, compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, and dealing with personnel.

Lastly, as a member of the community who understands how a government entity receives its powers it will be my goal to put the community back in charge of the school district. Establishing a trusted relationship with the community will ensure the district is addressing the immediate and future needs of the community.