Local Educator on Ballot for School Board as a Green
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After declaring his candidacy for Rochester City School Board over six weeks ago, local educator, David Atias, turned in 2252 petition signatures to get on the ballot for this November’s election as a Green. Atias, along with over a dozen volunteers, worked through constant bad weather over the six week petitioning period to get over 750 signatures above the amount required to get on the ballot.
(Rochester) After declaring his candidacy for Rochester City School Board over six weeks ago, local educator, David Atias, turned in 2252 petition signatures to get on the ballot for this November’s election as a Green. Atias, along with over a dozen volunteers, worked through constant bad weather over the six week petitioning period to get over 750 signatures above the amount required to get on the ballot.
"If the weather had not been so bad the past month-and-a-half we would have easily collected 3000," said Atias Campaign Manager, Jon McKamey. "We have not just gotten on the ballot, but have made a statement, ‘Thirty years is enough.’" McKamey’s reference is to the fact that the local Democratic Party has had control of the City School Board for over thirty years. Atias recently stepped down as Chair of the Green Party of Monroe County to run for the school board for the second time. He did so when realizing that whomever the Democrats would be running would be unopposed. "I realize that many who run for office say this, but it is time for a change. Being on the school board is a difficult job and I give those who have served before me a lot of credit. But we keep having the same problems over and over. Those who are appointed by the Democratic Party do not have the political courage to do what needs to be done. The thousands of people we have talked to this summer while petitioning agree."
Atias’ focus is on two issues: finances and high-stakes testing. He would like to see a citizen panel formed to make significant contributions to the budgeting process. He would also advocate for the board to be more active in resisting state and federal mandates in making schools test preparation factories.
"On the same day I read about the City School District eliminating seventh and eighth-grade sports I read that a suburban district is actually adding junior high football and more high school teams. This is separate and unequal," says Atias.
Green Party Secretary, Zuzanna Szewczyk adds, "David is calling for some revolutionary changes, but he is smart enough to realize that he will have to gain the trust of the people already on the board to make some of these things happen. He has already shown in his work within the Party and in the community that he is the right person for the job."
The Atias for School Board campaign’s website has already been launched at www.schoolboardforkids.org. Available at the site is his entire platform, campaign literature, video and audio as well as press releases. Position papers will be added through out the campaign. To help with Atias' campaign, please contact Campaign Manager, Jon McKamey at 749-9680 or  jon@industrialsomething.org.
