Dear Editor:
It is very important that we, the Jersey City registered voters come out and vote for the Jersey City teachers’ union endorsed “Education Matters” team John Reichart (1D), Vidya Gangdin (3D) and Marilyn Roman (4D) on Tuesday, November 3rd.
The JCEA teachers union has been consistent in evaluating and endorsing candidates for previous Board of Education elections unlike teams of fake reformers who are no shows in this election. Their members are vital stakeholders and care for our children every day.
Since Mayor Fulop is also endorsing the “Education Matters” team, it is fair to question the intentions of the endorsement. As someone personally who pushed for around 10 months along with Citizen’s Campaign and CivicJC to close the pay to play loopholes at school board meetings, I must say that it is a welcome sign from the Mayor to support the right team. The fact that our own very experienced respected educator and ex-politician, Marilyn Roman has accepted Mayor Fulop’s endorsement. That should make us all very comfortable!
Since the teachers union endorsed a new comer John Reichart, who also happens to work for a local developer, I have not heard of any specific deal between the teachers’ union and the Mayor. I met three times with Mr Reichart and discussed issues with him along with a few community members. He has given his word that he would not rubber stamp for anyone and I believe him because, he is a father whose children go to public school, ex-transit police officer and former union delegate. His local real estate knowledge will be very useful to accommodate new students (around 7000) in the forthcoming years.
A few issues like broadcasting public meetings, resolving the teachers and custodial workers contracts, getting rid of Source for Teachers, lowering central office expenses, etc. were resolved. PARCC testing, enough school supplies including books, better facilities, quality food, better procurement processes, new schools to accommodate growing population etc. still need to be resolved.
We are entering a very important phase of getting back local control of our public schools. We are concerned about increasing school taxes while abatement hand-outs have increased recently and those abated properties do not pay school taxes.
We need mature board members who have earned our respect, exercised great character in public and social circles, proved again and again a record of making good decisions. These are important characteristics to consider to hold public office and I believe the Education Matters candidates have it.
Certain photo-op politicians and the other candidate have asked people to bullet vote and only vote for one person. Don’t allow your democratic right to be suppressed. Reject that request and consider nothing but, Truth and vote for three candidates.
Trust Our Teachers who teach our children every day 1+3=4 and please vote 1D, 3D and 4D on Tuesday, November 3rd!
Riaz Wahid