ALLENTOWN — Resident Edward Werner is running for the sole open Allentown seat on the Upper Freehold Regional Board of Education.

Current Board of Education Vice President Bill Borkowski, who has served on the board for the past three years, decided not to run for re-election this year. The annual school board election will take place April 21.

Borkowski said he chose not to run this year because his children's needs are more important to him at this time.

"I have two young daughters who are growing up at an amazing rate," he said. "Just like every other child, they require more help after school from dad."

Borkowski said he believes in public service and would consider running again. He considers his time and effort on the board well spent.

"The new middle school is currently under budget and within schedule," he said. "Test scores are moving in an upward direction. The administration, faculty and support staff respect and appreciate what our community values —integrity and caring."

Borkowski said he has known Werner for over a decade.

"He is well-read, articulate and clear thinking," Borkowski said. "I believe Ed brings a great complement of skills to the Board of Education that will move our district in a continuing positive direction."

Werner, 48, has resided in Allentown since 2000 and is the father of four children. His eldest son was murdered in 1997. A teenager with a history of psychiatric problems strangled the 11-year-old in Jackson Township. Werner's other children, Kelly, 20, Thomas, 17, and Laura, 14, currently live in Jackson Township with their mother.

An attorney, Werner has been active in various public issues involving crime victims' rights and Megan's Law. In 1999, he ran for Assembly in District 30. He formerly hosted a weekly political talk show on WOBM and most recently served as deputy attorney general in the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice.

"My duties included counsel to the Office of Victim/Witness Advocacy and researching various issues regarding Megan's Law," Werner said. "I was nominated by Gov. Codey for the position of chairperson of the New Jersey Victims of Crime Compensation Board in the fall of 2005. I was confirmed with the advice and consent of the New Jersey Senate on Dec. 27, 2005."

Werner's employment as deputy attorney general was terminated in July 2008 and he is currently in the process of suing the State of New Jersey and Attorney General Anne Milgram, alleging that the events surrounding his dismissal violated the whistleblower law and caused defamation.

Werner said he decided to run for the Board of Education because he is commit- ted to the prosperity and well-being of Allentown.

"The mission of educating children while being careful stewards of resources is as important as any public service," he said. "If elected I will work diligently to make sure the students get a fine education and the taxpayers will get careful stewardship of the budget."

He said his experience as an attorney, activist and government official have provided him with a wealth of knowledge in government operations and helped him develop verbal and written communication skills.

When asked what he likes about the school district, Werner said, "It is part of Allentown."

He said he has an open mind about the Board of Education.

"I have no ill feelings about the board or the school district," he said. "I have read materials from the most recent board meetings and the website. I have also discussed the board with Bill Borkowski."

According to Werner, the paramount issues that the Board of Education currently faces are constructing the new middle school and maintaining a high level of student achievement.

"According to the correspondence I have read, it appears [the school construction] is on schedule and under budget," he said. "I will monitor the progress of the building in order to ensure it is erected well and under budget. I will also review the curriculum for any possible improvements."

As the downturned economy takes its affect on many walks of life, Werner said the Board of Education must endeavor to look for cost savings wherever possible, while being ever mindful of the needs of the students.

"The most obvious challenge facing the district will be the financial resources needed to staff the new middle school," he said.

The candidate said the school district's many strengths are reflected in recent test scores.

"Examples of this success include 95 percent of high school students going on to further their education, a rise in Advanced Placement tests (from 164 last year to 226 this year), high school SAT and ACT scores at an all-time high and well above state and national averages, and excellent performance in language arts as measured by both NJASK3 and NJASK4," Werner said.

Werner said he sees opportunities for improvement in reading and writing, noting that the percentage of students scoring at the Advanced Placement level in grades 3- 7 is below the state average.

"We also need to consider enhancing the support of special needs students," he said.

When asked about his thoughts regarding New Jersey's push to regionalize more school districts, Werner said, "Regionalization has been a topic of discussion in New Jersey for many years. Those who advocate regionalization of services always point to potential cost savings through economies of scale and elimination of duplicative positions. I will actively participate in the current study to determine if these potential cost savings are realistic and if they can be achieved without in any way sacrificing the quality of education."

Werner thanked the people of Allentown for the opportunity to serve on the Board of Education.

"If elected I will do my best," he said.