Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/17719
¡Sí Se Puede! ¿Por Qué No? B Y C T A P R E S I D E N T D A V I D A . S A N C H E Z one of us. Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about H my early years in high school and college, when I witnessed firsthand the power of advocating for an issue to bring about positive change. During that time, I dis- covered how the voting public has the power to inform lawmakers about the ac- tual impact their decisions have on real people. I remember the times my father traveled from Santa Maria to Sacramento to advocate on behalf of migrant students. He was so passionate about the impor- tance of offering all kids access to great public schools. I didn’t realize back then that one day I, too, would be advocating on behalf of a cause I felt dearly about: supporting students and CTA members. I am now very proud to carry on that family tradition. All his life my father believed, as I do today, that like-minded people gath- ered together around a common cause are an extremely powerful force. Well, this year we have the power and force behind our vote to begin to turn the tide in favor of public education, in favor of our students and educators. The top priority will be ensuring that Jerry Brown wins the race for governor of California. Brown has for many years been on the side of public education. During his time in office, the K-12 budget increased from $2.1 billion in 1974-75 to almost $8.2 billion in 1982-83. During those same years, budgets for the University of Califor- nia and California State University more than doubled. Brown is a candidate who is keenly aware that California’s future growth and prosperity depend on a world-class, quality public education system. His long record in public service demonstrates that he will fight to properly fund our schools — whereas his opponent, Meg Whitman, ¿Por Qué No? ere we are in the final stretch lead- ing up to the election — an ex- tremely important event for every plans to immediately cut $15 billion from the state budget, which could mean anoth- er crippling $7 billion cut from California’s already ailing schools and colleges. Brown has proved that he believes in giv- ing workers the respect they deserve. He signed the Rodda Act in 1975, California’s first collective bargaining bill, marking the first time that teachers were allowed to be full partners in educating children and in the lo- cal governing process. Brown understands that teachers need to be a part of the conver- sation about education reform. He believes that the best reform takes place when there is collaboration among educators, parents and administrators to meet the needs of students in neighborhood public schools. Also of great importance in this election is voting for Proposition 24, the Tax Fairness Act, a CTA initiative that will repeal special tax breaks that were given to big corporations with no guarantee that they would create or save a single job in California. Passing Prop. 24 pre- vents $1.3 billion in budget cuts to schools and public safety, and saves thousands of much- needed jobs. We need to make sure that large corporations begin paying their fair share and contributing to the welfare of our state as much as they profit from its wealth and resources. Being the eighth-largest economy in the world should mean that California gives its students a world-class education. Passing Prop. 24 sets the stage for CTA’s plan to change California’s unfair tax structure. We’ve seen what enormous damage reck- less political leaders can do. Now is the time to vote for leaders who will put the needs of the state first. The magnitude of this situa- tion cannot be overstated. Get out and vote in this election. Get your neighbors, family and friends out to vote. Spread the word: This election is the start of rebuilding Cali- fornia and rebuilding public education. EDITOR IN CHIEF Dave Earl Carpenter STAFF WRITER Sherry Posnick-Goodwin CTA WEB EDITOR Karyn Ferrera Donhoff CTA WEB EDITOR Tiffany Hasker EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Craig Hamilton CTA ELECTED OFFICERS PRESIDENT David A. Sanchez VICE PRESIDENT Dean E. Vogel SECRETARY-TREASURER Gail M. Mendes BOARD OF DIRECTORS Larry Allen, E. Toby Boyd, Donald L. Bridge, Tyrone V. Cabell, Mikki Cichocki, Elana Davidson, Don Dawson, Dana Dillon, David Goldberg, Jim Groth, Eric C. Heins, Marty G. Meeden, George Melendez, Theresa Montaño, Mary Rose Ortega, Cynthia Peña, Jim Rogers, Bonnie Shatun, Marc Sternberger, Michael Stone, Curtis Washington EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Carolyn Doggett ASSOCIATE EXEC. DIRECTOR Rebecca Zoglman COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Jonathan Goldman CONTRIBUTORS Scott Buschman, Dave Crosland, Len Feldman, Dina Martin, Mike Myslinski, Kamran Nasser, Frank Wells EDITORIAL INFORMATION California Educator is published for the information and edification of its members. The editorial philoso- phy is governed by the policies of CTA. Articles and advertising reflect that philosophy. Letters to the editor may be sent to editor@cta.org. Publication of advertising in the California Educa- tor does not indicate CTA approval of the product or of the companies that purchase advertising. Advertising rate card and information is available from WebSolutions, Media Division, 5666 Spruce Harbor Court, Las Vegas, NV 89122 (702) 838-3434; FAX (702) 838-3355 CTA/NEA membership dues for the fiscal year, Sept. 1-Aug. 31, are $805, including a $20 voluntary contribution. Up to $26.30 of CTA annual dues is designated for CTA/ABC political activ ities to support state and local candidates and/or initiatives and is not deductible for income tax purposes. Subscription to the California Educator is $10/year, available only to persons or institutions not eligible for CTA/NEA membership. California Educator (ISSN 1091-6148) is published monthly except January, July and August for $6.17 per year (included in dues) by: CALIFORNIA TEACHERS ASSOCIATION 1705 Murchison Dr., Burlingame, CA 94010-4583 (650) 697-1400; FAX (650) 552-5002 editor@cta.org, www.cta.org Postmaster: Send change of address to California Educator, P.O. Box 4178, Burlingame, CA 94011-4178. Periodicals Postage Paid at Burlingame, CA, and additional mailing offices. ¡Sí Se Puede! [Yes we can! Why not?], words inspired by César Chávez, encourage us to remember that, together, we can achieve great things. 4 California Educator | OCTOBER 2010 SPECIAL ELECTION ISSUE