Vermont-NEA News

Vermont-NEA Backs Minter for Governor

Board of state’s largest union says Minter offers best hope for state’s children

 

MONTPELIER – Sue Minter will be a governor who will deliver a better future for Vermont’s students, schools, and communities, according to the board of the state’s largest union.

“Whether it’s her steadfast support of our local public schools, her commitment to enact more family-friendly programs, or her pledge to build a vibrant economy for all Vermonters, Sue Minter will be a governor to move our state forward,” said Martha Allen, a K-12 librarian from Canaan who serves as Vermont-NEA president. “We are proud to stand with Sue as she embarks on making this great state even better.”

Vermont-NEA’s board made its decision to back Minter after Minter completed a several-step recommendation process and delivered a strong debate performance. Both major party candidates for governor were asked to complete a questionnaire; both were invited to an interview with the board; and both participated in a live, professionally moderated debate on Aug. 22. While both candidates appeared in the debate and completed questionnaires, only Minter participated in the interview with the board.

“I am honored to have the support of the state’s largest union,” said Minter. “A core mission of my administration will be to support Vermont’s best-in-the-nation education system to ensure that the next generation of Vermonters has the best possible chance to succeed. That is why I will work to expand early childhood education and keep my Vermont Promise to provide two years of tuition-free education at Community College of Vermont and Vermont Technical College. As governor, I look forward to working with our teachers and education support professionals to ensure that every Vermonter has a bright future.”

According to Allen, Minter’s advocacy on behalf of children, schools, and working families stands out. She also said Minter’s support of paid family leave, a higher minimum wage, making sure Vermonters have access to affordable health care, teachers’ right to strike, and of unions is crucial to the state’s economic future.

“We are certain that Sue’s vision for Vermont is one that brings great promise,” Allen said. “We look forward to many years of working together on behalf of the state we all love. Sue’s leadership will prompt all of us to do the work we need to do in ensuring that Vermont remains the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Earlier, the board recommended other state-wide candidates: David Zuckerman for lieutenant governor; Beth Pearce for treasurer; TJ Donovan for attorney general; Doug Hoffer for auditor; and Jim Condos for secretary of state.

Vermont-NEA is the state’s largest union, with members in virtually every town in Vermont. The union’s 12,000 members spend their days working with and for Vermont’s children, ensuring that they have the best schools to prepare them for happy, productive lives.

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Darren Allen Aug 31 2016
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