Mike Matlat Hopes for Change

Mike Matlat wants to see change in the Sachem Central School District, so he's running for the board of education.

A lifelong resident of the district, Matlat, 42, is a 1986 graduate of Sachem High School and resides in Farmingville with his family.

"I'm not coming in with an agenda," he said.

He made it clear that the rumors swirling around the district regarding youth leagues had no bearing on his decision to run for the board.

"It's far from the truth," he said.

If anything, his main gripe is that the board's representatives mainly hail from the North side of the district and he'd like to see that altered. Matlat said he has concerns over the current make up of the board, which he said currently has eight representatives residing on the North side and only one representative residing on the East side.

"My goal is to improve the entire Sachem Central School District North and East," he said. "I am not sure anyone even realized there was such a disparity of the board seats until now. The residents I speak to on both sides agree the board seats should be shared equally or as close to equal as we can get with an odd number of seats. This large district is comprised of many towns with varied demographics and a shared representation from all is what the taxpayers and children deserve."

He also would like to see Sachem be feared again on the athletic fields and take a stand as more of a prominent academic institution.

"I'm a competitive person and I want to see an upgrade across the board," he said.

He is concerned about the construction issues at Sachem High School East and supports the current budget increase of 1.94 percent for the 2010-2011 school year.

Currently, he is the managing director of DJM Reality and has handled multi-million dollar real estate transactions. He is a member of the Turnaround Management Association – a former president – and volunteers as a Deacon at the United Church of Christ of Farmingville.

Matlat is the first person in his family to graduate from college. After his days at Sachem playing football, wrestling and lacrosse, he went to Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida for a bachelor's in business administration. He also has a master's in education from Dowling College.

Married to his wife Terri for over 10 years, the couple has three children. In his spare time he likes to fish and take care of the chickens in his backyard.

Matlat said he holds no grudges for those who vote for Anthony Falco, his opponent in the election on May 18.

"If my best friend voted for my opponent, that's fine with me," he said. "It doesn't mean they're not my friend anymore. I respect their opinion."

He also respects his opponent.

"I'd like to thank Mr. Falco for his many years of service and should he lose I wish him well," he said. "After 25 years we need some fresh ideas and a new set of eyes looking at things, but if I lose I'll be the first person to shake his hand."

Check Sachem Patch for self-written bio pieces from the candidates next week, as well as a voter's guide for the election. To read about Anthony Falco, Sal Tripi or Terri Ahearn, click the links.