Suggested Use of Candidate Pages & Project Disclaimer
Note: There are a few ways to use this page. It mixes objective source material with light analysis and first-hand reporting so voters can choose their depth.
How to get the most out of this candidate page
- Start with the Quick Summary. Click the Quick Summary button underneath the websites section. It gives you the fast take: what we know from sources + brief analysis from a “data collector / local reporter” point of view.
- Scan the objective sources. If you want more data, jump into the source material we’ve collected:
- Official campaign website (if available)
- Social media pages and posts (if available)
- Interviews (video/audio) and transcripts (if available)
- Check the agenda & positions. Look for the candidate’s stated agenda and issue stances. We try to group them plainly so you can compare across candidates quickly.
- Read the Transparency/Accessibility rating. For a deeper look at how transparent the candidate has been (web presence, interviews, follow-ups, meet n greets) and how communicative they've been in response to outreach, see the rating and its short explanation. This helps you understand what’s easy to find and who is easy to contact.
- Use the page as a multi-layered hub. If you 'just want the facts', stick to the source documents. If you want opinions about transparency, accessibility, and communication, check the transparency meter. If you want coverage somewhere in between, like interviews that range from introductory to moderately pressing, watch the interviews. Choose your own adventure.
Where we add context or opinion, it’s to help busy voters make sense of gaps in local information. Not everyone has time to be a volunteer politico.
J.R. Carman
Videos
2025 New Jersey Constitutional Republicans Interview With J.R. Carman
📋 Click here for full interview summary 📋
Hopewell school board member J.R. Carman (host of the New Jersey Constitutional Republican Radio Hour) sits down with Steven Solof of InformTheVoteNJ.com to connect constitutional foundations with local civic practice. We dig into why the U.S. is a democratically elected constitutional federal republic (not pure democracy), how populism and reaction politics erode trust, why character and transparency matter in local candidates, and how civics education (including local civics) underpins an informed electorate. We also touch term limits vs. educated voters, the Millville petition kerfuffle, and classic insights from Madison, Hamilton, Jefferson, and Adams.
⏳ Click to view timestamps, topics, and takeaways ⏳
Interview Summary – J.R. Carman
This table highlights the key topics covered in the interview, summarizing major takeaways per section.
| Timestamp | Topic | Key Takeaways |
|---|---|---|
| 0:00 | Intro & Framing | Carman opens the show and frames the discussion. |
| 0:55 | InformTheVoteNJ Origin | Solof explains the project’s origin: closing local information gaps so voters can make adult-level decisions efficiently. |
| 3:00 | Shared Mission | Both aim to educate the public on government structure and civic responsibility. |
| 4:30 | Republic ≠ Pure Democracy | “We the People” established a Constitution that constrains majority rule; representatives must operate within it. |
| 7:00 | Populism & Majority Tyranny | Populism = emotional, reactionary governance; leads to “their way or the highway.” |
| 7:45 | Article Framing | Precision in terms matters; character of officials is central to governmental health. |
| 10:00 | Why Enumerate Rights | Bill of Rights protects minorities even where protections were implied; guardrail against majority overreach. |
| 11:20 | Representatives, Not “Leaders” | Local vetting matters. Millville petition confusion shows how low trust + clerical errors fuel conspiracy thinking; Carman saw similar issues. |
| 14:15 | Character Over Sales | Culture rewards sales pitches; both parties excuse lapses if “our side” benefits. Transparency helps pierce the marketing. |
| 20:15 | Public Trust & Tribalism | Once you seek public office, you serve the public trust. Demagoguery reframes policy as tribal warfare. |
| 20:15–27:00 | The Civics Gap | STEM crowded out civics/history; vacuum filled by ideological texts without foundational context—students need balanced civics early. |
| 27:00 | What’s Taught Now | Hopewell Crest: civics at every grade level; other districts vary. Beware broad-brushing and sound-bite oversimplification. |
| 29:00 | Term Limits vs. Education | Term limits are often a convenience play; better solution is an educated electorate that demands virtue/competence. |
| 37:00 | Human Nature & Virtue | Founders anticipated human depravity; Adams/Lincoln stress morality, law, and “political religion” (reverence for law). |
| 42:00 | Core Takeaways | Character defines public service; Constitution relies on moral officials; modern politics often falls short; NJ Constitution implies duty to educate citizens. |
| 46:20 | Caller Segment | Caller questions spark brief history/parties discussion and checks/balances context. |
| 52:15 | Final Thoughts | Minimal vetting baseline: publish a platform, do interviews, be accessible—if you can’t clear that bar, how will you serve in office? |
2025 InformTheVoteNJ Interview With J.R. Carman
📋 Click here for full interview summary 📋
A 50-minute, issues-focused conversation with incumbent school board member J.R. Carman about governance, parent involvement, security (“defense in depth”), academic individuality vs. one-size-fits-all standards, and fiscal planning for space needs at Hopewell Crest. The interview also traces Carman’s civic philosophy (history, theology, constitutionalism) and emphasizes keeping parents central while schools supplement learning.
⏳ Click to view timestamps, topics, and takeaways ⏳
Interview Summary – J.R. Carman
This table highlights the key topics covered in the interview, summarizing major takeaways per section.
| Timestamp | Topic | Key Takeaways |
|---|---|---|
| 5:20 | How U.S. Government Works | Defines a “democratically elected, constitutional, federal republic.” Applies that governance framework to school policy and board duties. |
| 6:40 | Purpose of the Project | Praises voter-info work; notes collapse of local newspapers. Values centralized, accessible election info. |
| 8:45 | Polarization | Critiques “Red Team vs. Blue Team” mindset. Pushes issue-based conversations over party reflexes. |
| 10:30 | Background & Preparation | Master’s in U.S. history/government; Bible/theology studies; B.S. in network & cyber security. Basis for emphasis on civics, history, and security. |
| 12:00 | Bible & Early American Education | Country's early reliance on Bible; mothers as primary educators. Parent-first model with schools as supplemental. |
| 16:00 | Right & Wrong | Morality starts at home; worries about modern moral relativism. Wants clear ethical grounding for students. |
| 18:30 | Role of Parents vs. Schools | Parents have strongest stake; involvement should never end. Continuous parent partnership alongside schools. |
| 20:45 | Renaissance Program (Philosophy) | As curriculum chair, aligns students, staff, and parents. Culture shift toward engagement and parent partnership. |
| 23:45 | School as Supplement | School supplements education, it does not replace parents. Guides curriculum and communications. |
| 25:00 | Renaissance Program (Practices) | Promoting attendance, attitude, honoring learning, teacher support. “It’s honorable to learn”—positive culture building. |
| 27:15 | Security: “Defense in Depth” | Vigilance, cameras/IT upkeep, locked doors, situational awareness; collaboration with State Police. Security is a prerequisite for learning; he is never complacent with maintaining a safe learning environment. |
| 34:00 | Who Runs for School Board | From write-ins to competitive races; warns against “change everything now.” attitude. Emphasizes learning curve of new school board members. Deliberation is needed, representing constituents is the idea—not “fighting.” |
| 37:45 | Read the NJ Constitution | Officeholders should know the state constitution. Clarifies legitimacy/limits of local educational governance. |
| 38:45 | Academic Growth & Individuality | Balance state standards with local needs; wary of overly focusing on group perspective (Dewey); should nurture individual talents first. Supports individualized pathways already in use at Hopewell Crest. |
| 47:00 | Standards & Testing | Blend state/local standards; single tests don’t define ability. Prefers holistic, student-level evaluation with better benchmarking. |
| 49:30 | Board–Admin Relationship | Respect/trust for superintendent, curriculum director, and staff. Stable governance culture; avoids adversarial dynamics. |
| 50:15 | Fiscal Stewardship & Space | Fiscally conservative board; space shortage requires expansion; transparent about tax impacts. Growth planning driven by student needs and clear public explanations. |
| 53:00 | Closing | Things are going well; seeks re-election to continue progress. Experience + continuity while tackling capacity challenges. |
Events
- Campaign Events
- No public campaign events submitted.
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Agenda
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Safety & Defense-in-Depth
Reiterates a “protect and serve” ethos. Describes an already implemented defense-in-depth program at Hopewell Crest: campus-wide camera coverage monitored by administration, doors kept locked, staff and student situational awareness, and coordination with the New Jersey State Police. Emphasizes never getting complacent and continually looking for incremental improvements (e.g., better lighting, additional cameras, vigilance training).
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Academic Growth & Individuality
Stresses developing the individual student (not one-size-fits-all). Says Hopewell Crest already empowers students with individualized support and benchmarking; wants learners to succeed independently and then contribute to the group. Notes that state standards exist, but local context matters and should shape implementation.
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Positive Culture & “Renaissance” Initiative
Supports a culture shift—“It’s honorable to learn.” Backs the Renaissance program led by Superintendent Megan Lamerson and Curriculum Director Jennifer Lutteke (with Vice Principal Mr. Spicer), which promotes attendance, positive attitudes, student/teacher collaboration, and visible respect for educators.
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Parent Partnership & Primacy
Asserts parents are the primary educators and the school is a supplement, not a substitute. Wants families actively reinforcing classroom learning at home and participating in curriculum conversations. Encourages practical, everyday learning (nature, astronomy moments, etc.) to deepen curiosity and skills.
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Support for Educators & Staff
Calls for a cooperative, non-adversarial relationship between the board and administration/teachers. Intends to equip staff with time, tools, and clarity (e.g., a curriculum leader focused on academics while discipline/admin are handled separately) so teachers can teach and students can learn.
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Fiscal Stewardship & Facilities
Says taxes are already too high, but space is constrained now (library converted to classrooms, offices being shared) and enrollment growth is anticipated. Supports transparent planning for necessary expansion, clearly explaining any tax impacts and alternatives in public meetings.
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Civic Education & Foundations
Highlights robust civics and social studies exposure beginning in early grades at Hopewell Crest. Frames school board service within constitutional principles and representative government; encourages candidates and officials to read and understand the New Jersey Constitution.
Issues
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Specific Issue Positions (Updated)
As of September 10, 2025, on-air statements clarify:
- Safety: Defense-in-depth is active (cameras, locked doors, vigilance, law-enforcement coordination). Continuous improvement is a priority; complacency is unacceptable.
- Curriculum: Combines state standards with local needs; emphasizes individualized learning and early/ongoing civics and social studies. Curriculum director focuses on academics while other admin handle discipline.
- Culture (“Renaissance”): Attendance, positive attitudes, and honoring educators; message to students: “It’s honorable to learn.”
- Parent Role: Parents are primary educators; school supplements. Seeks stronger home–school alignment and more routine parent involvement.
- Testing & Evaluation: State tests are one metric; recognizes good students may have bad test days. Advocates richer benchmarking and teacher/admin judgment.
- Facilities & Taxes: Acknowledges immediate space constraints and probable demographic growth; supports transparent public vetting of expansion and financing.
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Requests for Clarification (Suggested)
To improve transparency and comparability going forward:
- Safety: Publish a parent-facing overview of security layers (what can be shared), training cadence, and continuous-improvement checklist.
- Curriculum: Share examples of individualized pathways, early-grade civics scope/sequence, and “Renaissance” culture metrics (attendance, behavior, engagement).
- Assessment: Outline the balanced scorecard beyond state tests (benchmarks, classroom artifacts, growth measures).
- Facilities: Provide a space needs assessment, enrollment projections, preliminary cost ranges, and timelines with community Q&A milestones.
- Board Votes: Offer brief rationales for notable recent votes to help residents track priorities and tradeoffs.
Background and Experience
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Board Service (Incumbent)
Current Hopewell Crest Board of Education member seeking a second term. Serves as Curriculum Committee Chair. Describes a collaborative relationship with Superintendent Megan Lamerson, Curriculum Director Jennifer Lutteke, and Vice Principal Mr. Spicer.
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Education & Perspective
Master’s in U.S. History & Government; bachelor’s in Network & Cybersecurity. Longtime student of history, theology, and the Bible. Says security background informs his emphasis on campus safety; civic and historical studies inform his governance philosophy.
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Governance Approach
Frames the United States as a “democratically elected, constitutional, federal republic” and urges officials to study the New Jersey Constitution. Emphasizes listening, learning institutional context, and representing constituents over performative “fighting.”
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Community & Communication
Host of the New Jersey Constitutional Republican Radio Hour (WVLT), where he discusses civic education and governance with community guests, including InformTheVoteNJ.
Source Material
On-Air Statements (Sept 9, 2025 WVLT Interview)
Highlights summarized: Defense-in-depth already operating at Hopewell Crest (cameras, locked doors, vigilance, State Police coordination); “Renaissance” culture emphasizes attendance, positive learning attitudes, and honoring educators; parents are the primary educators and school is a supplement; individualized learning within state standards; facilities space is tight now with growth expected—supports transparent planning for expansion and any tax impacts.
Source Material
Social Media Statement (Original)
My Hopewell & Shiloh TWP. Neighbors,
My sincere thanks to all my fellow neighbors who signed my petition to be placed on the ballot for Election Day—Tuesday, November 4th, 2025, in having the honor to serve a 2nd term on the Hopewell Crest Board of Education. To be elected by your neighbors to serve on the Board of Education necessitates the duty to protect and serve.
To first assure the physical protection of our Students, Educators, Administrators, and all School Personnel. A Defense in Depth Strategy including robust protective measures and situational awareness are essential elements in protecting everyone at Hopewell Crest School.
Protecting our students intellectually and in their individuality enabling them to reach greater academic achievement in the important formative years of Preschool, and Kindergarten through 8th grade at Hopewell Crest.
Serving our students in providing a positive social climate in which to inspire their learning and serving their success with incorporating brand new curriculum initiatives ensuring improved intellectual accomplishments.
Serving our parents who are the primary educators of the children working with them to help accentuate the particular and unique characteristics every child is given. Serving our parents in every capacity they require to better educate their children for no substitute can provide the most important lessons a child will learn from their parents.
Serving our educators, administrators. and all school personnel in giving them the support and tools by which they perform their essential duties and responsibilities in educating, encouraging, and protecting our students.
Protecting and Serving the interest of all Hopewell and Shiloh residents including those neighbors who may not have children or grandchildren attending Hopewell Crest by sound, conservative, and responsible fiscal oversight of budgets that must be paid for by taxpayer dollars. Each Board Member has the fiduciary responsibility of managing all financial matters fairly and responsibly.
My duty as an elective representative to the Hopewell Crest School Board is first to protect and serve.
Sincerely,
J.R. Carman