The Issue: The United Federation of Teachers’ public endorsement of Bill Thompson for mayor of NYC.
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Yes, the United Federation of Teachers wants something for making Bill Thompson a winner (“The Union Label,” Editorial, June 20)
We want a mayor who respects the thousands of hard-working educators. One who wants a school system run by educators and not business people, and who respects parents’ opinions regarding school closings and relocations.
One who wants teachers and others to be given a fair contract that is negotiated in good faith and adhered to by the people who sign it. We want a mayor who doesn’t want schools to be undermined and then deemed “failing.”
Historically, public education has been a great equalizer, where everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity or economic class, could excel and prosper. Under Mayor Bloomberg, it has become a source of revenue for cronies.
Alan Ettman
The Bronx
As a retired teacher and loyal UFT member, I shall not be stampeded into voting for Thompson for mayor.
He seems to have changed his mind regarding stop-and-frisk. Previously, he wanted it modified, but in a recent debate, he was totally against it.
Please be advised that ex-Sen. Al D’Amato is for Thompson, and that Thompson has taken huge sums of money from real-estate interests in this town.
While I certainly disagree with what Mayor Bloomberg has done to the school system, let’s face it — Thompson was an outright failure as Board of Education president.
Ed Greenspan
Brooklyn
New York City’s biggest bully, Michael Mulgrew, has announced that an unlimited amount of union dues will be used to get Thompson elected.
If Thompson was truly the best candidate, would this announcement even be necessary?
New York’s teachers, first in salary and near last in performance, would be much better served by voting for anyone else in the coming election, as would the children of New York City.
Glenn Hopps
Babylon