Patch Candidate Profile: Joshua Orlinsky, Amity School Board

ORANGE, CT — As the 2023 municipal elections get closer in Orange, there are plenty of races with candidates who are eager to serve in elected office.

Orange Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will publish candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Joshua Orlinsky, 44, is running for a seat on the Amity School District Board of Education in Orange as a Democratic candidate.

Education.

BS in Accounting: The College of New Jersey, Minors in History and Criminal Justice. MS in Social Studies Education, Syracuse University. MA Educational Leadership, Montclair State University

What is your occupation?

SS Department Chair and Teacher. 21 years of teaching. 6 years total as a Department Chair

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

Wife, Dr. Melanie Sion. Sons, Abraham Orlinsky (5) and Gabriel Orlinsky (4)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

Member of the Human Relations Committee, Freehold NJ for 1 year (appointed)

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running for Amity BOE because I believe in high standards, accountability, collaboration and community. As a teacher, coach, volunteer and organizer, I bring a wealth of experience to the table and I am excited to get the chance to serve my community. My family moved to Orange because of the quality of the school systems here and we are looking forward to helping Amity continue to thrive for years to come.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is __, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Misinformation. I intend to be clear, transparent and visible about what Amity is doing, and doing everything I can to dispel some of the misconceptions that currently exist regarding what is being done in the district.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I believe in public education, and have spent my entire adult life as an educator. Over two decades of experience across 4 states and school districts gives me a perspective that most people never get. As someone with both a Social Studies AND Business background, I bring a diverse and meaningful mix of skills.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

I'm not someone who points fingers, and I don't think the blame game is helpful at all. The most important thing for members of our Board of Education to do is to continue to hold high standards for our educators, and to provide meaningful structure for the district.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

The major issues that we face include misinformation regarding many of the district policies, along with issues over DEI. Teacher retention has also become something on the radar as well.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As someone that has been a department chair and educator in a number of districts across NY, NJ, Mass and CT, I have extensive experience which I can draw upon.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

My old lacrosse coach always said "Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn't work hard."

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I truly believe that, as neighbors, we need to work together. We all want what is best for our kids. Villainizing the opposition doesn't help. Although we may disagree, working together makes us stronger.