To the Editor:
I wanted to highlight a name that you will see on the upcoming ballot for the May 11th election. Although all this information can be found on his website https://www.tamburroforcouncil.com/, I wanted to personalize it for you and share some things you may not know. For me, as a longtime executive leader in the nonprofit realm, I can spot strong leadership when I see it. Chris has what it takes to keep his promise and drive unity, prosperity, accountability, and transparency. With his diverse set of experiences and natural skill sets as a humble servant-leader, I encourage you to vote line 3A for Chris.
Chris has made an impact on the lives of his students in profound ways. The influence he has on them is initially seen through their love of learning from him within the classroom, but it plays out later in life as they make adult decisions in their career aspirations, their thought process within a conversation and listening to understand. Chris teaches that there are two sides to every scenario, and you need to meet people where they are to gain any agreeable headway. This proves true in his history, law and government classrooms, his current events and global issues classrooms and in everyday life.
To run for Township Council, of course he needs more than being a HS teacher. Chris has more. When you talk with Chris, you will quickly learn his humble style is to figure out a way to work with everyone. Early on I asked who he was running against. His response was, “I’m not running AGAINST anyone, I’m running FOR Council!” So, on May 11th, we need to decide on three of the five candidates. It is your decision, but I simply wanted to introduce you to Chris!
Beyond excelling as a beloved teacher where he has left an impact on the lives of his students over the past 13+ years, both students and their parents admire his respectful demeanor. He uses this same deep-rooted style of respect in all his interactions, whether within the Verona Rescue Squad as Assistant Captain and Assistant Chief or as President of the Verona Education Association. These leadership positions have positioned Chris to be engaged within the community in ways broader than what one might think.
- Regarding his leadership role within the Verona Rescue Squad, he is focused on developing the organization’s special operations group and to coordinate member education. He serves as a member of their Board of Trustees, helping the organization to restructure its long-term capital planning, budgeting, and investment policies.
- Chris has been re-elected three times to serve as president of the Verona Education Association. This favorable acknowledgement of his leadership ability is because he has worked to ensure that the schools in Verona provide the best environments for their students and staff.
- Once appointed to the role of deputy emergency management coordinator in the office of emergency management (OEM), he assisted with the planning and responses to major incidents in Verona. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chris served on the OEM communications team which developed messaging and updates to township residents.
- Additionally, Chris has served as a consultant to the New Jersey Education Association. In this state role, he represents local affiliates in contract negotiations and labor/employment matters. He also assists organizations with budgeting, corporate compliance, bylaw revision, member training, strategic communications, public records requests, and constituent services.
Dr. Tamburro holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from The College of New Jersey, a master’s degree in teaching from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and a Doctor of Letters in History and Fine Art/Media Studies from Drew University.
Jo-Ann Short
Verona, NJ
