[Mpls] School board candidate questionnaire (SEIU)

[Michael Atherton]

Paul Rohlfing wrote:
 
> I would like to personally single out Peggy Flanagan for her strong 
> statements of support for workers' rights to organize. This 
> commitment to  protecting workers' rights is sorely needed on the 
> school board. 

I believe that voters need to decide what is more important
to them: education quality or the benefits of union workers.  
Although the two are not mutually exclusive they have not
historically been pursued in parallel. 

As an example I'll cite a NYT's article, "Kerry Wants $30 
Billion For Teachers."
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/07/politics/campaign/07KERR.html

"  His [Kerry's] proposal Thursday on teacher pay, too, went
against the grain of liberal orthodoxy, as a partisan,
teacher-heavy crowd showed in its reaction.
   'I believe we need to offer teachers more pay,' he began,
interrupted by applause.
   He continued: 'More training, more career choices, and more
options for education.  And we must ask more in return.  That's
the bargain.' And there was silence."

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I agree with Kerry, we must ask for more in return.

Michael Atherton
Prospect Park