According to Jenna Fisher at Newton Patch, the Newton Teachers Association has endorsed Scott Lennon for mayor. From the article:
Teacher’s Union President Mike Zilles explained that Lennon’s stands on state-wide issues were an important part of endorsing him, pointing to Lennon’s opposition to the ballot initiative to raise the cap on charters, and his support of the upcoming “fair share” amendment to raise state income taxes on millionaires to support public education and the $15 per hour minimum wage.
“He will be a partner to working people because his deepest convictions tell him this is the right thing to do,” Zilles said.
Zilles also said he felt Lennon would be a regular presence in the schools, “listening to educators so that he can support them in their work with children and empower them to be partners in decision-making.”
This strikes me as a big deal but it also seems early in the process. I wonder how many average voters (read: not your typical Village 14 political wonk) are paying attention.
On another note, I’m happy to see Jenna giving new life to Newton Patch.
Great News ! First the Newton Fireman Union and now the Newton Teachers Union endorse Scott Lennon.
This is huge!
Very well deserved!! This speaks VOLUMES!
I agree that it’s a big endorsement. But I’m always surprised when a group endorses early in the process. Nominations haven’t closed yet, which means we don’t even know for certain who the final candidates will be. Now with the teachers, I realize they likely needed to endorse before the end of the school year and its members disperse. But I still find it somewhat surprising.
The Newton teachers endorsement has always seemed shady to me. When I ran I was promised that they would post answers to a questionnaire we all filled out so that people can make their own mind up, none was forthcoming. (Maybe the patch can find the questionnaire that the candidates filled out, my guess is they won’t share). While I respect Zilles, I don’t respect their endorsement. I think it’s predetermined. Someone might still come out for Mayor and he/she wont have an opportunity for their endorsement. Again, this election seems predetermined.
Maybe Village 14 can send a questionnaire to each candidate (and future candidate and post the answers).
Greg – Just an FYI about the timing of the process. Typically, the endorsement process takes place in the fall, much closer to the general election. However, the Preliminary Election is on September 12th this year, just 8 days after Labor Day. That necessitated pushing the process up before the end of this school year.
At this point in time, there are no known Prelims for school committee seats.