Democrats for Education Reform Michigan Endorses Candidates for State Representative
Five running for State Representative Make the Grade
Michigan’s only Democratic education reform political action committee has announced endorsements in the August 7, 2012 primary election, focusing on five Democrats who strongly support education reform efforts.
At the head of the class is Maureen Stapleton who is seeking a second term in the newly configured 6th District (Detroit). Maureen has shown that she understands what must be done to address one of the most critical issues facing her constituency: making sure we do a better job of educating our children, our future. And, she has shown that she has the courage to place the interests of children and her constituency above other political interests.
John Olumba is seeking a second term in the newly configured 3rd District (Detroit,Hamtramck). Olumba is an outspoken advocate for his district and, as an educator, he understands what needs to get done to close the ever-widening educational achievement gap between students in his district and their suburban peers.
He has demonstrated his “out of the box” approach to education by introducing legislation that allows for the creation of a residential academy that will serve students eligible for the federal free and reduced lunch program. We like his unflinching support of quality educational options for parents and caregivers without regard to who provides them.
In the 8th District (Detroit), DFER Michigan supports a fresh, new energetic voice for change: Sherry Gay-Dagnogo. An education advocate and community organizer, Gay-Dagnogo has worked very closely with congressional, state and city leadership to foster the move of transforming education in the City of Detroit. Sherry has worked hard to understand educational issues and how they impact the community. She has worked hard to connect with the people in her district, to be educated and to educate the community regarding solutions to chronic problems in our educational system. We are impressed by her broad understanding of the issues and the extent to which she goes to fully understand the problems and potential solutions.
Carol Banksis making her second run for the 4th District (Detroit) in a crowded field that includes newcomer Adam Hollier. While we like Adam’s fresh approach to education issues influenced by his work as a staff member for Senators Buzz Thomas and Bert Johnson, we believe Carol Banks is a seasoned political veteran who can “hit the ground running” and provide needed leadership on education issues within the Detroit Caucus.
Finally, we like Ted O’Dell in the 68th District (Lansing). Ted’s background in labor relations, his experience as a legislative aide in the senate and the house, and his experience as an elected official has prepared him to effectively represent the 68th District. In addition, O’Dell has served as Treasurer for DFER Michigan since its inception, so he understands and supports our issues.
These legislative candidates are all in contested primary elections, and each of them has proven themselves to be focused on closing the achievement gap and helping all kids learn, regardless of which school they are in. They have earned our support and deserve to be elected.
As part of its political work, DFER Michigan endorses and provides financial support to candidates who subscribe to the organization’s mission and objectives for systemic education reform. We need your support to continue our work.
Please send a contribution to Michigan Democrats for Education Reform – PAC, P.O. Box 4147, Southfield, MI 48037. (We cannot accept corporate contributions) If you prefer to contribute directly to one or more of these candidates, please indicate on your check comment line: MDFER Endorsed.