Brian Schkeeper

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Brian Schkeeper completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Schkeeper's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-234053-2024-04-30\" id=\"heading-bio-234053-2024-04-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-234053-2024-04-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-234053-2024-04-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-234053-2024-04-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-234053-2024-04-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI learned early on the importance of community and compassion for others. After early tragedy, we relied on support from friends and family, who offered assistance with various needs. Teachers had a profound impact on me by offering encouragement and support, shaping my values and career path. These early experiences formed me as the teacher and person I am now.\r\n<p>Someone that can’t sit quietly while people are struggling or hurting. Someone that sees inequality and feels compelled to help. Someone that understands that many struggle for reasons beyond and outside of their own influence and responsibility. \r\n</p><p>I’m running for Congress because I have lived with and alongside the struggles many Americans are facing. I believe that Washington needs representatives that bring a diverse background to meet the challenges America and the world face. \r\nI've supported high schoolers grieving the loss of loved ones, empathized with foster children during difficult transitions, and consoled students facing familial pressure to abandon their passions. I've participated in the protective role of unions in securing fair wages and safeguarding workers. Crucially, I've learned that solutions arise from collaboration, not isolation.\r\n</p>\nThe threats and attacks on Women’s Rights, Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, and Education are real…and for me they are personal.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-234053-2024-04-30\" id=\"heading-key-message-234053-2024-04-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-234053-2024-04-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-234053-2024-04-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-234053-2024-04-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-234053-2024-04-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Women have the right to make decisions about their own bodies. Full Stop. I am going to pass legislation that codifies Roe protections for all NJ women and women across the country. The choice of an abortion is between women and their doctors - not the government. Men, specifically Republican men, who wish to take us back to the 1800’s before women could vote sure as hell have no say in this decision either. I will work tirelessly to make this a reality for all women.</li><li>I will work to expand and strengthen healthcare access and affordability. \r\nWhen our oldest was two years old, we watched what looked like an allergic reaction go from puffy eyes to swollen limbs and body. Because of the ACA, he was able to get the care he needed when he was diagnosed with a kidney disease and we didn’t have to make medical decisions based on our bank balance. When our foster children need medical care, we are lucky to be established patients, but many struggle to find doctors that will accept Medicaid insurance.</li><li>As a recipient of survivor benefits when my father took his own life, I know the importance of Social Security. Threats to cut Social Security are a non-starter. Our seniors shouldn’t have to choose between their medications and food or housing stability. Working to ensure the stability of programs that millions of seniors paid into is crucial.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-234053-2024-04-30\" id=\"heading1-234053-2024-04-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-234053-2024-04-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-234053-2024-04-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-234053-2024-04-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-234053-2024-04-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tStudents and teachers are dealing with an education system that has been consistently undermined and under-supported for decades. Continuing the work of supporting teachers and students by: increasing classroom expenses tax deduction, raising teacher pay to better solve teacher attrition, and incentivizing college and career training with 0% interest student loans alongside increased scrutiny for skyrocketing higher education costs is just the beginning.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-234053-2024-04-30\" id=\"heading2-234053-2024-04-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-234053-2024-04-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-234053-2024-04-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-234053-2024-04-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-234053-2024-04-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe ability to find commonalities, work collaboratively, and build working relationships are essential for legislative work. Compromise is not a dirty word.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-234053-2024-04-30\" id=\"heading3-234053-2024-04-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-234053-2024-04-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-234053-2024-04-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-234053-2024-04-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-234053-2024-04-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI have unique personal experiences with many of the issues that are of concern to voters: Social Security, Education, Heathcare, and Affordability. Bringing these personal experiences to legislative work is essential in finding solutions to the problems.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-234053-2024-04-30\" id=\"heading4-234053-2024-04-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-234053-2024-04-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-234053-2024-04-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-234053-2024-04-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-234053-2024-04-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAny elected official must be consistent in communicating with constituents. Hearing their concerns in order to best represent the needs of the district and explaining how and why decisions are made. In this current political climate, another important responsibility is to remain civil, especially in disagreement. As a teacher, I am practiced at being even-keeled when things get heated.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-234053-2024-04-30\" id=\"heading5-234053-2024-04-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-234053-2024-04-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-234053-2024-04-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-234053-2024-04-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-234053-2024-04-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI worked at TCBY for a couple of years. My favorite flavors were White Chocolate Mousse and Butter Pecan.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-234053-2024-04-30\" id=\"heading6-234053-2024-04-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-234053-2024-04-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-234053-2024-04-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-234053-2024-04-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-234053-2024-04-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAndy Kim is a role model for what a representative can be. He is kind, calm, and a consistent communicator. I would be honored to follow in his footsteps while working for the constituents of NJ 3rd.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-234053-2024-04-30\" id=\"heading7-234053-2024-04-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-234053-2024-04-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-234053-2024-04-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-234053-2024-04-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-234053-2024-04-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tCompromise is not a dirty word. Democracy requires compromise.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nBrian Schkeeper completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Schkeeper's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. I learned early on the importance of community and compassion for others. After early tragedy, we relied on support from friends and family, who offered assistance with various needs. Teachers had a profound impact on me by offering encouragement and support, shaping my values and career path. These early experiences formed me as the teacher and person I am now. Someone that can’t sit quietly while people are struggling or hurting. Someone that sees inequality and feels compelled to help. Someone that understands that many struggle for reasons beyond and outside of their own influence and responsibility. I’m running for Congress because I have lived with and alongside the struggles many Americans are facing. I believe that Washington needs representatives that bring a diverse background to meet the challenges America and the world face. \r\nI've supported high schoolers grieving the loss of loved ones, empathized with foster children during difficult transitions, and consoled students facing familial pressure to abandon their passions. I've participated in the protective role of unions in securing fair wages and safeguarding workers. Crucially, I've learned that solutions arise from collaboration, not isolation. The threats and attacks on Women’s Rights, Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, and Education are real…and for me they are personal. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? Women have the right to make decisions about their own bodies. Full Stop. I am going to pass legislation that codifies Roe protections for all NJ women and women across the country. The choice of an abortion is between women and their doctors - not the government. Men, specifically Republican men, who wish to take us back to the 1800’s before women could vote sure as hell have no say in this decision either. I will work tirelessly to make this a reality for all women. I will work to expand and strengthen healthcare access and affordability. \r\nWhen our oldest was two years old, we watched what looked like an allergic reaction go from puffy eyes to swollen limbs and body. Because of the ACA, he was able to get the care he needed when he was diagnosed with a kidney disease and we didn’t have to make medical decisions based on our bank balance. When our foster children need medical care, we are lucky to be established patients, but many struggle to find doctors that will accept Medicaid insurance. As a recipient of survivor benefits when my father took his own life, I know the importance of Social Security. Threats to cut Social Security are a non-starter. Our seniors shouldn’t have to choose between their medications and food or housing stability. Working to ensure the stability of programs that millions of seniors paid into is crucial. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Students and teachers are dealing with an education system that has been consistently undermined and under-supported for decades. Continuing the work of supporting teachers and students by: increasing classroom expenses tax deduction, raising teacher pay to better solve teacher attrition, and incentivizing college and career training with 0% interest student loans alongside increased scrutiny for skyrocketing higher education costs is just the beginning. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? The ability to find commonalities, work collaboratively, and build working relationships are essential for legislative work. Compromise is not a dirty word. What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? I have unique personal experiences with many of the issues that are of concern to voters: Social Security, Education, Heathcare, and Affordability. Bringing these personal experiences to legislative work is essential in finding solutions to the problems. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? Any elected official must be consistent in communicating with constituents. Hearing their concerns in order to best represent the needs of the district and explaining how and why decisions are made. In this current political climate, another important responsibility is to remain civil, especially in disagreement. As a teacher, I am practiced at being even-keeled when things get heated. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? I worked at TCBY for a couple of years. My favorite flavors were White Chocolate Mousse and Butter Pecan. Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after? Andy Kim is a role model for what a representative can be. He is kind, calm, and a consistent communicator. I would be honored to follow in his footsteps while working for the constituents of NJ 3rd. Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? Compromise is not a dirty word. Democracy requires compromise.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}]