Spotlighting another stand-out candidate today, Erika Salgado running for Board of Education in Belmar, Monmouth County. Erika stands out to me for her drive to serve her community while also balancing her own business and family. Erika’s personal background also touches my heart and I commend her for her personal and professional successes.
Many of us have felt the call to step up during these tumultuous times; Erika is answering that call without hesitation.
Kristen’s pick: Erika Salgado, Belmar (Monmouth County) Board of Education
Kristen: Who Are You?
Erika: I am a wife and a mother to a wonderful young boy, a small business owner, and a licensed cosmetologist for over 20 years.
I grew up in the most ethnically diverse city in the United States: Jersey City. Growing up there taught me the people-skills that I have today. I am forever grateful for that experience and wouldn't change it for anything. I was raised by my grandmother who was 72 years old when she became our legal guardian. She took on the responsibility of two 5 year olds and a 7 year old at that age because of the untimely death of my mother.
As you can imagine growing up up in that environment was different from most. My grandmother instilled work ethic, people skills, compassion and most important a toughness. She was the strongest person that I have ever met. Being raised in this environment has given me the tools and skills I need to raise my child as a well rounded individual who possesses all of the same traits.
Kristen: Why are you running?
Erika: I am running for the Belmar Board of Education because I feel that what our children have had to deal with over the last 18 months cannot continue. We are at a critical time in our district where radical ideas are being pushed into the curriculum of our Elementary Schools without most parents or the community even being aware.
I would act as a strong advocate for the children of our districts because I love this country and believe that children are our treasure and the future of this country . Children have rights and it is our duty to protect them. If I am elected I want to develop a relationship of trust, understanding and cooperation between our school leadership and the community.
Kristen: What is your stance on parental choice for medical freedom in schools?
Erika: I believe that parents along with their Child's doctor should make the appropriate decisions on what is best for each child individually, because medical decisions should not be a one-size fits all approach, and no government agency should have the power to take that right away from us.
Kristen: What is your favorite amendment?
Erika: My favorite amendment would have to be the 1st Amendment. I believe that it is the most important because freedom of religion allows people to believe and practice whatever religion they want. Freedom of speech and press allows people to voice their opinions publicly and to publish them without the government stopping them.
Kristen: Best pitch on why and how we can support your campaign?
Erika: You should support my campaign because I will do my best to advocate for all the children in the district. I won't stop fighting for them it is not in my nature to ever give up. I am in this for all of the children so they will have a bright future and look back at this time in history and know that their parents stood up for them when the government tried to take their rights and freedoms away. Our kids only get one chance at childhood and it must be protected. If elected I will sit on that board and fight for our children every step of the way.
You can support my campaign by helping me spread my message that our children always come first!
Thank you,
Erika Salgado
Thank you to Erika Salgado for offering your service to your community. Belmar, here is a candidate to watch!
Freedom Speaking LLC and Shielding Liberty LLC have partnered with the Child Advocate Coalition LLC to highlight candidates for office all across NJ, from local Board of Education candidates through the gubernatorial candidates. Views expressed by the candidates may or may not represent the views of the entities referenced above, however the entities are proud to provide a platform for free speech. Featured candidates are invited to submit responses to our interview questions, link their candidate and fundraising sites, and showcase their chosen photographs.