Dear Colleagues,
Usually before elections there is a President’s recommendation on voting. I am happy to give opinions on a few races, but know that our local has not endorsed anyone or any issue in the November election.
Issue 1: YES. Having a process to make voting districts more compact makes a lot of sense. If passed, this issue does not resolve all gerrymandering problems, but it helps. The issue has widespread support, including the Ohio Federation of Teachers.
Issue 2 and 3: NEUTRAL. Ban monopolies? Allow limited marijuana production?
Issue 8: YES. Arts and Culture replacement levy. Of course, I usually vote for new taxes.
Issue 53: YES. The city of Cleveland Heights needs money. The state has been starving municipalities as well as school district. We have excellent services here and the city has not asked for new money in close to 40 years.
Cleveland Heights City Council: 6 people running for 3 slots. The Northshore Federation has endorsed two candidates.
Kahlil Seren – was appointed last year to finish Janine Boyd’s term. He has been excellent on council, is well spoken, understands policy and its implication. He is also married to Nylajean McDaniel’s daughter and has a step-son at the high school.
Carol Roe – Seems very qualified. Most important to me is that she is also has Councilman Jeff Coryell running her campaign. Jeff is a great friend to labor and all the right ideals (in my humble opinion) and I trust his choice.
There has been a lot of controversy over candidate Julie Love. Link here for a letter in the Heights Observer that explains about Ms. Love and her opinions as seen in her blog “Red Neck Mom In The Hood.” Need I say more.
University Heights City Council: 3 people running for 4 spots. What do you think is going to be the outcome there?
Cleveland Heights – University Heights Board of Education: There are 3 people running for 2 spots. Between the Heights Coalition for Public Education forum and meeting with candidates with our CHTU officers I have concluded that all three candidates seem capable of doing the thankless job (of being our bosses). I have worked closely with Katura Simmons on PTA and other venues and trust her. I have had positive experiences with Jim Posch through levy campaigns and lots of community stuff. I was approached by Jim and he received the endorsement of the Northshore Federation of Labor. I have only met Beverly Wright once. She impressed me as someone who is knowledgeable and cares, especially about pre-k education. I have had no other contact with her beyond that one meeting.
Other races:
Rox El First Grade Teacher Liz McKinley is running for school board in Nordonia Hills. If you live in that district please vote for Liz.
Other Northshore endorsements: Link here for a complete list.
Want to get more involved?
If you are able, the North Shore Federation of Labor will be meeting this Saturday at 10:00 AM at the SEIU 1199 Hall on 1771 E 30th St. Enter the parking lot on the east side of E.30th St where we will post a sign and go around to the parking lot behind the big building. The group will target a few different communities to go door to door to push endorsed candidates. They want teams to knock on union household doors, hand literature, but are not expecting anyone to engage in a conversation. Show up or call to commit 216-881-7200.
In Union,
Ari Klein
CHTU President