Endorsed by the Chesapeake Education Association
On Friday, I was pleased to receive the endorsement of the Chesapeake Education Association (CEA)
The CEA cited my long-standing support of Chesapeake public schools and interest in education issues as a basis for their endorsment.
I really appreciate the CEA’s confidence in me. I spend many hours studying issues and budgets so I know the questions to ask and can make the very best decisions possible. I have advocated managed growth since first coming to the City Council, in order to try to help the schools be less crowded. And, I’ve also proposed that developers donate cash proffers needed to help pay for classrooms for the students resulting from the new construction.
I am always reminding our council members of the schools’ needs and trying to find ways to creatively support the schools, like the lock box for capital construction. Companies want to locate in Chesapeake in part for the school’s excellent reputation. Those same companies generate revenue to help pay for the operation of our first class educational system.
The CEA knows that I am uniquely qualified to deal with education issues, I taught school before attending law school at the College of William and Mary. Served on the Chesapeake School Board in 1996, prior to two terms on city council in 2000 and 2004. In the 2005-06 school year I taught 3rd grade at a Title I public school, G.A. Treakle in the Deep Creek section of Chesapeake. And, during the 2006-07 and 2007-08 school years I did SOL Remediation part-time at Treakle Elementary school, completing that task in March.
I am proud of my experience in education and will continue to work hard on education issues while on city council. I’m grateful to the CEA for their support.