Contact: Nat Bender, nbender [@] aftnj.org, 908-377-0393
Education workers union backs pols with strong labor and education credentials
EDISON…The American Federation of Teachers New Jersey (AFTNJ) state federation endorsed 16 candidates for Federal and local races Monday. The union’s political mobilization committee reviewed voting records and questionnaires in making their decisions, according to chair Kay Schechter, an administrative assistant at Rutgers. “We believe these candidates are the best choices for Senate, Congress and local office and will work to educate our members so they can make informed votes,” she said.
AFTNJ President Donna M. Chiera stressed the importance of electing legislators who understand and support public education as national policy debates swirl on funding issues, high stakes testing and tenure. “Elections have consequences for years and generations to come,” said Chiera, retired after more than 30 years teaching elementary special education. “We need to work to elect legislators to promise to build and support public institutions such as community schools.”
The union federation’s political director Seth Anderson-Oberman is developing comparison materials on the candidate and working with more than 50 local member unions to encourage active participation in the November election. “Teachers typically vote in high numbers, but we would like to get more volunteers reaching out to union households particularly in competitive districts,” he said.
The endorsements include four AFTNJ members, two of whom are incumbents running for reelection as municipal mayors one incumbant freeholder and one board of education candidate.
AFTNJ Endorsements
Senate: Cory Booker
CD1: Don Norcross
CD2: Frank LoBiondo
CD3: Aimee Belgard
CD5: Roy Cho
CD6: Frank Pallone
CD7: Janice Kovach
CD8: Albio Sires
CD9: Bill Pascrell
CD10: Donald Payne Jr.
CD11: Mark Dunec
CD12: Bonnie Watson-Coleman
AFT Local Races:
Keith Kazmark Mayor Woodland Park
Domenick Stampone Mayor Haledon
Len Luciano – Essex Freeholder
Mike Heller – Bloomfield Bd of Education
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The American Federation of Teachers New Jersey is a federation of more than 50 local education workers unions representing 30,000 members. AFTNJ is the largest higher education union in the state as well as representing education workers in school districts and independent, charter and religious schools.