Interview by Fred Hernandez

“The new school board needs a member with a clear vision, business background and leadership ability.” With that statement Mr. Joseph McCarthy announced his keen interest in serving on the next school board. Born in New York, the product of public schools and state college, he learned at the age of 13, as a Boy Scout; and 16, as an Eagle Scout, the important lessons that have benefited him throughout his life: to serve God, family, and country. From his father, a New York City police officer and fireman, he learned the ethos of service to others which is deeply ingrained in his belief system. After college he landed a job on Wall Street but not as a money man or stockbroker. He worked for FINRA, originally the National Association of Securities Dealers, as a financial services regulator committed to protecting investors. All financial firms and entities dealing with the public must be registered members of FINRA, an organization under the oversight of the Securities and Exchange Commission. A firm believer that with hard work one can accomplish anything they set their mind to, Joseph worked for the same company for twenty-six years rising to the position of Senior Vice President and Regional Director.
After twenty-one years in Colorado, ten years of which he has lived in Custer County, Joseph works at the Custer County Sheriff’s Office as an Evidence Technician. Aside from a recess when he left the Sheriff’s Office to help his ailing father, he has history at the Sheriff’s Office since the time of then Sheriff Jobe, until now under current Sheriff Smith.
Bringing to the table extensive experience in management, Joseph has a keen interest in assisting the school district achieve its mission “to prepare students for life beyond graduation.” He wants the young ones to learn how to think on their own and not be taught what to think. One of his objectives is to have the school board take a close look at the curriculum of every grade. Needless to say, he is not in favor of CRT. With his business acumen he is already looking ahead at the one critical issue the board will face, namely the 3rd tranche of the Federal Stimulus Funding which ends in less than a year. This is of paramount importance because the school will be hard pressed to replace this large funding source.
With his experience and expertise Joseph would make a good addition to the school board. In his own words, read his letter to the editor in our September 22nd issue or go to  to our website post of letters from candidates here.