See video below of Thursday's night rally and Panel for Educational Policy meeting at Brooklyn Tech before the mass walkout. More information about the protests and the way the Panel rubber stamped the school closings and charter takeovers at NY1.
The Mayor responded on Friday with comments about how the vocal opposition of parents, teachers, students, and elected officials was "embarassing" and "undemocratic." See my response at the Brooklyn Eagle, Gabe Pressman's column, and the Wall Street Journal.
It is the height of arrogance for Bloomberg to criticize us for being undemocratic when he has treated our schools as his personal fiefdom, to do as he likes without any attention to our priorities, or the damage he is doing to our children.
And what is really embarrassing is the usual spectacle of the Panel for Educational Policy, in which he insists that all of his appointees vote lockstep according to his will, month after month, no matter how destructive and wasteful the proposals are. Their unthinking and unbending behavior is shameful; and rivals the worst excesses of the old Party Congress meetings under the Soviet Union.
In the video below, see students from the closing Metropolitan Corporate Academy singing "the DOE don't care about us"; remarks from Michael Mulgrew of the UFT, State Sen. Tony Avella of Queens, who called for a revolution to take back our schools, and City Council Member Jumaane Williams.
Showing posts with label Tony Avella. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tony Avella. Show all posts
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
TONY WINS!!!!!! We Beat Padavan - Others Take Heart!
They said it couldn't be done.
Frank Padavan, 38 year Senate veteran and one of the principal authors of mayoral control and the principal Senate sponsor of the 2009 legislation extending it, was handily defeated by Tony Avella yesterday. Tony made education a major issue in his campaign and received the backing of the UFT. He has called for the dismissal of Chancellor Joel Klein and for a regime that would give greater voices to parents and teachers.
Tony Avella's path is one to be emulated. With the City Council as a proving ground and with term limits there, we will have the opportunity to support proven candidates, known in their communities, available for election to the state legislature. Those who behave like Bloomberg puppets, and other miscreants, can hopefully be retired.
As the Bloomberg era comes to an end there will likely be a chance in the next few years to rewrite the education law as it applies to NYC.
Melvyn Meer
Frank Padavan, 38 year Senate veteran and one of the principal authors of mayoral control and the principal Senate sponsor of the 2009 legislation extending it, was handily defeated by Tony Avella yesterday. Tony made education a major issue in his campaign and received the backing of the UFT. He has called for the dismissal of Chancellor Joel Klein and for a regime that would give greater voices to parents and teachers.
Tony Avella's path is one to be emulated. With the City Council as a proving ground and with term limits there, we will have the opportunity to support proven candidates, known in their communities, available for election to the state legislature. Those who behave like Bloomberg puppets, and other miscreants, can hopefully be retired.
As the Bloomberg era comes to an end there will likely be a chance in the next few years to rewrite the education law as it applies to NYC.
Melvyn Meer
Saturday, October 30, 2010
NYC Kids PAC endorsement of Tony Avella for State Senate
For Immediate Release: October 29, 2010
Contact: Shino Tanikawa: (917) 770-8438
Mel Meer: (718) 428-3659
Today, NYC Kids PAC endorsed Tony Avella for election as State Senator for District 11, Northeast Queens. NYC Kids PAC was formed by public school parents in 2009 to support candidates who work for the issues that matter to parents and their kids, including smaller classes; less reliance on test prep and standardized testing; more provision of art, music, science and physical education; greater parental input into decision-making at the school, district and citywide levels; and full transparency and accountability to ensure that resources are invested in these priorities.
As Shino Tanikawa of the Parent Commission on School Governance and NYC Kids PAC says, “Throughout his career, Tony Avella has stood up for our kids, so now we are standing up for him. He has been a strong supporter of reducing class size, equipping our schools with the latest technology, and providing our kids with new and uncrowded facilities. He has opposed the insertion of charter schools into public school buildings, which merely makes overcrowding worse. As Councilmember, he voted against Chancellor Joel Klein’s capital plan for school construction because it was inadequate to alleviate the extreme overcrowding in Queens , as well as citywide. He is against 'teaching to the test' and for providing a rich and varied curriculum to our kids. And as State Senator, he will work to ensure that our schools do not suffer even worse budget cuts in these tough economic times.”
Gary Babad of the NYC Public School Parent blog and resident of NE Queens says, “Tony Avella warrants the support of parents, teachers, and anyone else who values public education. He has been a fierce critic of Chancellor Klein’s and Mayor Bloomberg’s dictatorial control. He has called for the firing of the Chancellor, the hiring of a real educator for the position, and for the re-establishment of true parent involvement in the schools. Tony is sincere in his support for parents and children, with a keen grasp of the issues; beyond that, he is that rare creature, an honest politician who takes the time to listen. I urge everyone in Senate District 11 to get out and vote for Tony Avella on November 2. He will be a true friend in Albany .”
Mel Meer, school parent in Bayside and founding chair of Community Board 11's Education Committee: “ Community School District 26 in NE Queens used to be a shining example of excellence; it exists now in name only. Parents having a problem at their local schools now have to grovel in downtown Manhattan to get relief. And our local high schools, including Bayside, Francis Lewis and Cardozo are bursting at the seams. Yet when it came time to vote to change the system to restore the voices of parents and teachers, Senator Padavan sponsored the legislation that did little more than continue the present system unaltered. He has also consistently voted with the Republicans for funding formulas favoring the suburbs. Clearly it's time for a change.”
As one of the characters in Frank Capra’s classic film “State of the Union ” said: “You’ve got an honest man. You don’t know how lucky you are.” That man is Tony Avella. At every moment in the City Council he has delivered integrity and honesty. He has voted for his constituents even as he resisted enormous pressures to "go along". He has not accepted a lulu for his committee chairmanship and he has delivered real positive change for our neighborhoods. He will be a great state senator.
###
Friday, October 29, 2010
Everybody Loves Tony Avella - GET OUT THE VOTE
Even the UFT which is not supporting the lousy incumbent for a change. The tributes are pouring in for Tony. And the NY Times too.
When he ran for mayor many of us fighting the ed deformers really got to know and like Tony for his stands. When GEM came out to support the PS 123 community in Harlem against the Evil Moskowitz HSA invasion, Tony was there at 8am. Boy if he had been the Democratic candidate instead of Bill Thompson, who was apparently half in Bloomberg's pocket we might have had some real fun.
NY TIMES ENDORSEMENT and KIDS PAC Endorsements of Avella.
For Immediate Release: October 29, 2010
--
Shino Tanikawa
Parent Commission
NYC Kids PAC
Apparently this is their only endorsement for State Senate in New York City. Of course they don't mention Padavan's support for mayoral control or Avella's opposition to much of what the Mayor is doing. Nevertheless Times support is useful in this relatively upscale district.
Melvyn Meer
If there is any doubt, consider this grim fact: some of the Legislature’s worst enablers — starting with the Assembly speaker, Sheldon Silver — have no opponent on the ballot. Other members of Albany’s hall of shame — Senators John Sampson, Malcolm Smith, Rubén Díaz Sr. and Carl Kruger — barely have challengers.
The only good news is that there are a few competitive races and a few candidates committed to changing the system who are worth electing. Here is our list:
STATE SENATE DISTRICT 11 IN QUEENS Tony Avella, a former city councilman and an independent-minded Democrat, is challenging Frank Padavan, a Republican who has served in the State Senate for almost 40 years.
Mr. Avella supports women’s rights and promises to champion ethics reform. He is particularly interested in ending gerrymandering, citing his district as a poster child for the way electoral borders are drawn to ensure incumbents keep getting elected. Although Mr. Padavan has fought admirably against casinos and human trafficking, he has also fought against women’s reproductive rights, same-sex marriage and immigration reform.
We support Tony Avella, the Democrat, in District 11.
When he ran for mayor many of us fighting the ed deformers really got to know and like Tony for his stands. When GEM came out to support the PS 123 community in Harlem against the Evil Moskowitz HSA invasion, Tony was there at 8am. Boy if he had been the Democratic candidate instead of Bill Thompson, who was apparently half in Bloomberg's pocket we might have had some real fun.
Now Tony is running for NY State Senate- WOW! INTEGRITY in that body – if he wins.
Gary Babab posted this on the NYCEdParent Blog:
Gary Babab posted this on the NYCEdParent Blog:
Tony Avella for State Senate
I usually write parody for the NYC Parent Blog, but this is not parody. I usually don’t make political endorsements on the blog, but this is a political endorsement. Why? Because so much hangs in the balance in NY State Senate District 11 (Northeast Queens), and Tony Avella warrants the support of parents, teachers, and anyone else who values public education in NY State.Tony’s positions on education are long standing and unequivocal. He has been a fierce critic of Chancellor Klein’s and Mayor Bloomberg’s dictatorial control. He has called for the firing of the Chancellor, the hiring of a real educator for the position, and for the re-establishment true parent involvement in the schools.Tony’s opponent, incumbent Senator Frank Padavan, was instrumental in the renewal of Mayoral control. And lest anyone wonder about Padavan’s relationship with the Mayor and Chancellor, during a hotly contested 2008 race, the DOE renamed the Glen Oaks school campus for Mr. Padavan – jumping the gun by a good number of years, judging by the Senator’s apparent good health, given that one is supposed to be deceased to have a school named after him.I have dealt with Tony Avella, through my work, since he was elected to the City Council in 2001. I have had a number of conversations with him over the years about education, and have found him to be consistent and sincere in his support for parents and children, with a keen grasp of the issues.But beyond that, I have found him to be that rare creature, an honest politician. One example: He declined to serve on the advisory board of the program I direct – not because there was anything wrong with doing so (other politicians serve on such boards), but because, since he obtained discretionary Council funding for the program, he wanted to avoid even the slightest hint of conflict of interest.Tony is also that rare politician who actually takes the time to listen, and would never run out from our events after just a speech and a few minutes of shaking hands. I’ll never forget our annual barbecue, or our program’s gala anniversary dinner last year, when he and his wife hung out, schmoozing, enjoying the company and the entertainment, and comfortably fitting in like the members of the community that they are. I urge everyone in Senate District 11 to get out and vote for Tony Avella on November 2. He will be a true friend in Albany.
And this came in from Magnificent Mona Davids:
Subject: Tony Avella for Senate GOTVHi there,I'm writing because I need your help in getting parents, teachers and students to help out with Tony Avella's Get Out The Vote campaign. You all know the teachers, PTA folks and community/education activists in Queens.We really NEED Tony Avella to win and if we can get folks to volunteer with canvassing, we can do it. It'd be great to have him in the State Senate.I know many of you know he's a great supporter of public education. He stood up against mayoral control, he speaks out against the ed deform movement and supported term limits.He will be our greatest supporter and ally in the State Senate. The 11th Senate District covers Bellerose, Bayside, Little Neck, Douglaston, Jamaica Estates, New Hyde Park, Floral Park, Whitestone, College Point and Hollis.Surely, there must be schools on DoE's hit list from those neighborhoods.Thank you.Mona
The person to contact to volunteer is Zoe Waltross, her email is zwaltrous@gmail.com
GOTV Schedule for Volunteer ActivitiesFriday, October 29th, 20107 am - 9 am Visibility at Trains & Subways5 pm - 9 pm Door-to-door canvassing5 pm - 7:30 pm Visibility @ Trains and Commercial StripsSaturday, October 30th, 201011 am - GOTV Rally @ Avella HQ (38-50 Bell Blvd, Suite C)11 am - 2 pm Visibility12 noon - 5 pm Door-to-door canvassing2pm - 6pm Visibility3:30 pm - 5pm Community Walk in Jamaica - Location: Meet at Hillside Ave & 179th Street5 pm - 6:30 pm South Asians for Avella GOTV Rally - Location: 257-10 Union Tpke 3rd BellroseSunday, October 31st, 201010 am - 2pm Visibility1 pm - 4 pm Door-to-door canvassing2pm - 6pm VisibilityMonday, November 1st, 20107 am - 9 am Visibility @ Trains & Subways5 pm - 9 pm Visibility @ Trains and Commercial StripsTuesday, November 2nd, 2010 - Election Day5:30 am - 8:30am AM Visibility10 am - 3 pm Midday Visibility2:30 pm - 8:30 pm Door-to-door canvass8:30 pm - 9:30 pm Poll closing operation
NY TIMES ENDORSEMENT and KIDS PAC Endorsements of Avella.
Contact: Shino Tanikawa: (917) 770-8438
Mel Meer: (718) 428-3659
Mel Meer: (718) 428-3659
Today, NYC Kids PAC endorsed Tony Avella for election as State Senator for District 11, Northeast Queens. NYC Kids PAC was formed by public school parents in 2009 to support candidates who work for the issues that matter to parents and their kids, including smaller classes; less reliance on test prep and standardized testing; more provision of art, music, science and physical education; greater parental input into decision-making at the school, district and citywide levels; and full transparency and accountability to ensure that resources are invested in these priorities.
As Shino Tanikawa of the Parent Commission on School Governance and NYC Kids PAC says, “Throughout his career, Tony Avella has stood up for our kids, so now we are standing up for him. He has been a strong supporter of reducing class size, equipping our schools with the latest technology, and providing our kids with new and uncrowded facilities. He has opposed the insertion of charter schools into public school buildings, which merely makes overcrowding worse. As Councilmember, he voted against Chancellor Joel Klein’s capital plan for school construction because it was inadequate to alleviate the extreme overcrowding in Queens , as well as citywide. He is against 'teaching to the test' and for providing a rich and varied curriculum to our kids. And as State Senator, he will work to ensure that our schools do not suffer even worse budget cuts in these tough economic times.”
Gary Babad of the NYC Public School Parent blog and resident of NE Queens says, “Tony Avella warrants the support of parents, teachers, and anyone else who values public education. He has been a fierce critic of Chancellor Klein’s and Mayor Bloomberg’s dictatorial control. He has called for the firing of the Chancellor, the hiring of a real educator for the position, and for the re-establishment of true parent involvement in the schools. Tony is sincere in his support for parents and children, with a keen grasp of the issues; beyond that, he is that rare creature, an honest politician who takes the time to listen. I urge everyone in Senate District 11 to get out and vote for Tony Avella on November 2. He will be a true friend in Albany .”
Mel Meer, school parent in Bayside and founding chair of Community Board 11's Education Committee: “ Community School District 26 in NE Queens used to be a shining example of excellence; it exists now in name only. Parents having a problem at their local schools now have to grovel in downtown Manhattan to get relief. And our local high schools, including Bayside, Francis Lewis and Cardozo are bursting at the seams. Yet when it came time to vote to change the system to restore the voices of parents and teachers, Senator Padavan sponsored the legislation that did little more than continue the present system unaltered. He has also consistently voted with the Republicans for funding formulas favoring the suburbs. Clearly it's time for a change.”
As one of the characters in Frank Capra’s classic film “State of the Union ” said: “You’ve got an honest man. You don’t know how lucky you are.” That man is Tony Avella. At every moment in the City Council he has delivered integrity and honesty. He has voted for his constituents even as he resisted enormous pressures to "go along". He has not accepted a lulu for his committee chairmanship and he has delivered real positive change for our neighborhoods. He will be a great state senator.
As one of the characters in Frank Capra’s classic film “State of the Union ” said: “You’ve got an honest man. You don’t know how lucky you are.” That man is Tony Avella. At every moment in the City Council he has delivered integrity and honesty. He has voted for his constituents even as he resisted enormous pressures to "go along". He has not accepted a lulu for his committee chairmanship and he has delivered real positive change for our neighborhoods. He will be a great state senator.
###
--
Shino Tanikawa
Parent Commission
NYC Kids PAC
Apparently this is their only endorsement for State Senate in New York City. Of course they don't mention Padavan's support for mayoral control or Avella's opposition to much of what the Mayor is doing. Nevertheless Times support is useful in this relatively upscale district.
Melvyn Meer
October 28, 2010
A Few Good Albany Candidates
Albany needs sweeping change. Gerrymandering and anything-goes campaign finance “rules” guarantee that most of the hacks will be back next year, working to ensure nothing ever changes.If there is any doubt, consider this grim fact: some of the Legislature’s worst enablers — starting with the Assembly speaker, Sheldon Silver — have no opponent on the ballot. Other members of Albany’s hall of shame — Senators John Sampson, Malcolm Smith, Rubén Díaz Sr. and Carl Kruger — barely have challengers.
The only good news is that there are a few competitive races and a few candidates committed to changing the system who are worth electing. Here is our list:
STATE SENATE DISTRICT 11 IN QUEENS Tony Avella, a former city councilman and an independent-minded Democrat, is challenging Frank Padavan, a Republican who has served in the State Senate for almost 40 years.
Mr. Avella supports women’s rights and promises to champion ethics reform. He is particularly interested in ending gerrymandering, citing his district as a poster child for the way electoral borders are drawn to ensure incumbents keep getting elected. Although Mr. Padavan has fought admirably against casinos and human trafficking, he has also fought against women’s reproductive rights, same-sex marriage and immigration reform.
We support Tony Avella, the Democrat, in District 11.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Tony Avella on charter schools, Joel Klein, and teaching to the test
At the Working Families Party debate: July 2, 2009
On charter schools:I am absolutely not a fan of charter schools and I never have been. The whole reason they came about was because the regular public schools were failing...Why not fix the schools that are failing."
" It would be my pleasure to say to Joel Klein, you are fired! And don't let the door hit you on the way out. And the new board is a disgrace....Why are we not listening to teachers and principals and parents? We have to stop teaching to the test."
On charter schools:I am absolutely not a fan of charter schools and I never have been. The whole reason they came about was because the regular public schools were failing...Why not fix the schools that are failing."
"
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