 |
| Teachers are proud to stand with Angelides, say Larry Allen, Patrick Riggs and Dave Orphal at the Eureka news conference (top) and George Young in Chico (below). |
Gubernatorial candidate Phil Angelides is the best choice to protect and strengthen California’s public schools, said teachers in Butte and Humboldt counties at the first of several news conferences held around the state in mid-September to get the word out.
“Phil Angelides has stood with teachers and our profession for many years,” said George Young, president of the Chico Unified Teachers Association (CUTA). “Now teachers are proud to stand with him.”
He pointed out that Angelides “has demonstrated a firm commitment to protecting Proposition 98,” the state’s minimum funding law for public education. In contrast, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger tried to weaken Prop. 98 in his special election attacks on schools and teachers last year. “We really don’t know what this governor will do next.”
“Local teachers are volunteering to help elect Angelides because we trust what he says about helping our schools,” said Kevin Moretti, a CUTA member. “We know where he stands.”
“We know he won’t turn around and do what the governor did last year — waste millions of dollars on a special election to attack teachers and school funding,” said teacher Patrick Riggs at the Eureka news conference.
“The governor took billions of dollars from our schools and broke his promise to pay it back,” said Larry Allen, who represents Humboldt County teachers on the CTA Board of Directors. “It took two years and a lawsuit by CTA to get that money repaid to our schools.”
Teachers are supporting Angelides “because he will keep his promises,” said Janell Smith, copresident of the Oroville Elementary Teachers Association. “We can trust his commitment to public education.”
“Angelides believes what teachers and parents believe — that an investment in our students is an investment in the future of California,” said Dave Orphal, president of the Eureka Teachers Association.
Angelides is “committed to working with teachers to make sure education reforms not only look good on paper, but also work in the classroom,” added Moretti at the Chico news conference. He wants to double the number of counselors in high schools and make college more affordable and available.
 |
| At a backyard town hall meeting in Burbank, CTA Board member Bonnie Shatun shared the stage with Phil Angelides. Before he entertained questions, she explained how important it is for California to elect a governor who cares about education. |
“His Teachers for Our Future plan addresses ways we can recruit and retain more teachers,” said Wick Humble in Chico. “It would roll back the governor’s college fee increases on teacher training, restore funding for teacher support and professional development, and expand support for beginning teachers.”
“When the governor unsuccessfully attacked our secure retirement last year, Phil Angelides said no. He understands the needs of working families, and how important a reliable pension is for our teachers,” said Stacie Martin, president of the Teachers Association of Paradise. “Adequate salaries and a secure retirement are priorities for him.”
Angelides “respects the mission of the teaching profession,” said Ann Cullen, president of the Humboldt County Schools Teachers Association.
“Phil Angelides believes in teachers and our profession,” added Humble. “He has my respect for that, and he has my vote.”
