NAPT News & Views — Peter Mannella on how he would change the world

To shed some light on the personalities that make up the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) board of directors, the association has launched a series of board member profiles. Here, we hear from Peter Mannella, NAPT Region 1 director and executive director of the New York Association for Pupil Transportation.

If you could take back one sentence you’ve ever spoken, what would it be?

PETER MANNELLA: “I quit.”

If you had to choose a first name other than your own, what would it be?
Mark.

If you ruled the world, what’s the first thing you would change, and why?
I would ensure that everyone is able to read, because reading opens up the world to all and empowers people to learn and to help themselves.

If you had a superpower, what would it be? And what would you do with it?
Healing — I would want to heal people, especially kids, who hurt inside and are afraid.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, which ones would you choose?
Thinking, passionate, humorous.

If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Wow — that’s a hard one. The Beatles’ Abbey Road comes to mind; I can still sing/recite every lyric. But Harvest by Neil Young is also close.

If you could have created any one work of great art by another artist, what would it be?
I love the Rouen Cathedral by Claude Monet. I would love to be able to say I painted it. I also love The Thinker, the sculpture by Auguste Rodin.

If you were to pick what is inscribed on your gravestone, what would it be?
“But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep” — from Robert Frost’s “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.”