Ernie Newton, the endorsed Democrat for the Aug. 14 State Senate primary that includes incumbent Ed Gomes and State Rep. Andres Ayala, has issued a statement involving a $3.5 million state loan to the Board of Education that could be forgiven if State Education Commissioner Stefan Pryor chooses administrative leadership. It was Pryor who brought in Paul Vallas to serve as interim schools chief. From the Moses of his peeps:
Newton Applauds Help to Bridgeport Schools but Questions Whether “Strings Attached” are Shortsighted
State Senate Candidate Ernest Newton II applauds the collective efforts to get Bridgeport schools up to par. However, there are many uncertainties and variables that are not clear in the proposed legislation. “I support the State helping Bridgeport schools, but if that comes at the expense of losing the influence of Bridgeporters being part of the process, it’s not a fair deal,” explained Newton. “It’s obviously an unprecedented action and I am concerned that it’s a bit overreaching.”
The proposed legislation would provide the Bridgeport Board of Education with $3.5 million this year to go towards its ongoing deficit. Tied to the funding is the stipulation that the City chooses its next Superintendent or CFO from a group pre-selected by the State Education Commissioner. It is not clear yet whether the current appointed board or the newly elected Board of Education following the upcoming special election would make the decision on accepting the terms.
“I am a proponent that local, community people know best about the qualities they are looking for in leaders. Whether they are appointed or elected, Bridgeporters should have the loudest voice in any major decision facing our City and its education system,” added Newton. “Let’s respect the process of vetting the best possible candidates for ourselves and protecting municipalities’ Home Rule.”
“Being a former legislator, I understand the pressure to help the communities you represent. In this case, it would be unfortunate if the vitality of Bridgeport’s voice was swapped in exchange for a short term budget band-aid,” Newton concluded.
This guy is worried about Bridgeport losing its influence???
Sounds like the state is saying they will pay if we allow them to put their guy or gal on the board or as superintendent. Hell … I’d pay to keep Testa and Timpanelli from stuffing the board with their sycophant morons as usual.
Can anyone explain what Candidate Newton means by “the vitality of Bridgeport’s voice”?
* Is he talking about the Hartford delegation and what they have been able to produce as results towards Bridgeport priorities?
* Is he referencing the citizens who are increasingly using BOE or City Council meetings to express their concerns and dissent on the way those in power are acting? These are not quiet voices and they care about the younger people of the community and their opportunities.
* Does he mean there is a higher standard to pursue in governance relating to Bridgeport and that ceding power to the State is not part of that equation?
Time will tell.
Well as usual JML you make a great case, but you don’t know what Moses is saying or meaning? And you have that in common with him, I don’t think Moses does either.
*** “Strings attached” to school system could be “bittersweet,” however “overreaching” could lead to a “shortsighted unclear unprecedented” budget gap band-aid! Now that’s political oxymoron talk if I’ve ever “heard” and “listened” to, or “seen” and “read,” no? *** HERE WE GO! ***