Name: Geri C. Kinton

Age: 49

Office: Beaufort County Board of Education, District 5

Number of years living in the area you seek to represent: 8-plus years

Family: Husband Colin; two daughters, Maggie, 10 and Samantha, 8

Education: Bachelor's degree from the University of Florida; master's degree from the University of North Carolina

Current occupation/employer: Office manager, BMH/Coastal CareMD

Employment, military and volunteer history: 20-plus years in marketing and administration, predominately in nonprofits; board member, Riverview Charter School; bell choir and children's worship, First Presbyterian Church; classroom aide and Alphabet Junction, Lady's Island Elementary

Please list all public offices to which you've been elected, when and where: none

Please list any unsuccessful candidacies for public office and when: write-in candidate for Beaufort County School Board, District 8, 2010

Other prior political and government experience: none

Key endorsements you've received: none

Why should people vote for you?

I am a mother of two current Beaufort County School District students (second and fifth grades) and thus have a perspective that is currently missing on the school board. I have recent personal experience opening a school and serving on its board of directors (Riverview Charter School). I believe you should serve the entire county as a school board representative, and that requires an active interest and understanding in all districts, not just the district that elects you. I will ask tough questions required for informed decision making.

What are the three most important issues you would address if elected? How?

I believe the school board should govern by committees that include community members. Committees should be charged with researching topics, hearing recommendations from administration, challenging administration recommendations when appropriate and making final recommendations to the full school board. Board committees will provide more opportunities for parents, citizens and stakeholders to become engaged, informed and involved in the process of educating our children.

Have you ever been convicted of a crime (felony), been disciplined by a professional licensing board or organization or had an ethics violation filed against you? If so, please give the details.

No

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy, been delinquent on your federal, state or local taxes? If so, please give the details.

No

Are there any personal details about yourself that voters would be interested in knowing?

Open-minded: I am always interested in learning all points of view on a topic.

Devil's advocate: I naturally gravitate to serving in this role.

Independent decision-maker: I will research topics myself, ask relevant questions, vote what's best for the whole.

Consensus-builder: I'm often told my demeanor and genuineness allows people to engage without becoming defensive. I'm able to rationally discuss matters without alienating those with opposing viewpoints.