Patrick Mara
Patrick Mara is a former elected member of the District of Columbia Board of Education. Early years Mara is originally from Rhode Island. He earned a Bachelor of Science in political science and environmental science at Marist College. While at Marist, Mara was student body president Mara later served as President of the Marist College Alumni Executive Board and the Alumni Representative to the Marist College Board of Trustees. He graduated with a Master of Business Administration in entrepreneurship from Babson College. Political career Mara was a staffer for Senator John H. Chafee, working on environmental issues. In 2008, Mara defeated incumbent Carol Schwartz in the Republican primary for an at-large seat on the Council of the District of Columbia. The Washington Blade endorsed Mara, noting his support for same-sex marriage and other stands in support of civil rights. The Washington Post endorsed Mara in the Republican primary and in the General Election. Democrat Kwame R. Brown and independent Michael A. Brown won the general election. In 2010, Mara won the Ward One seat on the District of Columbia State Board of Education with 53 percent of the vote. The Washington Post endorsed Mara in the election. In 2011, Mara