James Bertsch grew up in Sayville and continues to live there with his children and wife. James grew up on the Great South Bay, working for the Sayville Ferry Service, and his children sail at Wet Pants. James studied philosophy and history at St. John’s University in Minnesota before serving children in the Archdiocese of Chicago as a volunteer. James studied American history, culture and literature at Colorado State University. There, he also taught composition before teaching English and Social Studies in Long Island high schools. For the 17 years, James has served as building administrator in the Connetquot and Patchogue-Medford Schools and now in the Special Education division of Nassau BOCES. James earned his doctorate in Education from St. John’s, N.Y. James’ goal as an activist is to bring the civility and inquiring nature of the classroom to the public sphere. James is one of the founding members of the Greater Sayville Civic Association. He also works on teams to support local charitable causes and writes periodically for the Suffolk County News. Joining with others to create environments that encourage citizens to take a more active role in civic, political and community life continues to direct his efforts.