Janice M. Persico
Political Party: Democrat
Running for: Town Council
Education: B.A. Psychology, Concentration in Children & Youth
Work experience: Former Director of Stepaway Preschool in Monroe; stepped down to be a stay-at-home parent in 2019.
Political experience:
Community experience: Past roles as president and treasurer for the Stepney PTO. Currently involved in the new Monroe Pride organization.
Family: I have been married for over 22 years to Dr. Justin Persico; we have three children (ages 18, 15 and 12), two at Masuk, one at Stem.
What makes you a great candidate for Town Council?
Monroe, a town nestled close to bustling cities yet exuding a unique charm and tranquility, is a place where families thrive and communities flourish. It is a town that attracted me over 11 years ago when I sought the ideal place to raise my children. I am deeply committed to preserving Monroe’s distinctive character, and my personal values revolve around family, community, and communication.
Family-Centered Values
The greatest blessing in my life has been raising my three children alongside my husband, Dr. Justin Persico. Our two teenagers attend Masuk High School, and our youngest is in middle school at Stem. Like all parents, we seek a safe haven to raise our children, a place that offers them top-notch education and an environment where they can thrive. This aspiration brought us to Monroe, and it is why I am dedicated to supporting our schools and teachers. As a town councilwoman, I aim to actively contribute to this goal.
Professional Experience
I have a diverse background that equips me for this role. My previous position as the director of Stepaway Preschool in Monroe required me to manage a small business, including budgeting and staffing. Collaborating with Stepney Baptist Church, I fostered a nurturing and educational environment for early childhood children, demonstrating my commitment to education and community. While I stepped down from this role in 2019 to prioritize my family’s needs when my two older children were diagnosed on the autism spectrum, this experience has fortified my resolve to make Monroe an even better place for all families.
Community Engagement
My passion for community involvement has led me to leadership positions within the Stepney Elementary PTO. Additionally, I am actively involved in organizing a Monroe Pride group and raising the pride flag, reflecting my commitment to inclusivity and diversity within our community. At a recent pride flag raising event, I emphasized the importance of being a good leader who can see the bigger picture, widen the frame, and ensure that every voice is heard. This perspective guides my approach to leadership.
Inclusivity and Kindness
I firmly believe that Monroe deserves trustworthy leaders who value communication and kindness. We are all part of the same community, and our differences only make us stronger when we work together for Monroe’s future. I am eager to give back to my community, collaborate effectively with others, and help Monroe achieve its goals while addressing the needs of our town.
Monroe is not just a town; it’s a vibrant community with unique attributes that make it special. My commitment to preserving its small-town charm, promoting education, and fostering inclusivity aligns with the values of our community. I will be honored to represent Monroe on the town council, and I pledge to work tirelessly to ensure that our town remains a wonderful place for all its residents. Together, we can continue to build a Monroe that we are all proud to call home.
