Rochester School Board Candidate Rejects Democratic Party's Status - Quo Politics

Howard J. Eagle's nominating/acceptance speech at the Monroe County Democratic Party's 2003 Designating Convention

As the best candidate, the most knowledgeable

candidate, and the only professional educator in this

race --- I eagerly accept the nomination for school

board Commissioner. I must say that there are

people in this room who worked to deny me the

opportunity to be considered for the Party's

designation. That is because some are afraid of me.

They are afraid of me because they know that I won't

support the status - quo. They know that once I am

elected, not only will I rock the boat, but I will attempt

with all of my might to turn the boat upside down. A

vote for me is clearly a vote for significant

educational improvement and change. The bottom line

of our campaign is significantly improved academic

achievement --- as measured by competent high

school gradutes. In spite of what you might have

heard from the gate - keepers of the status -quo and

the uninformed --- our campaign is anxious to work

with any individual and/or organization that is

genuinely committed to doing whatever is necessay

and possible to produce fundamental educational

improvement and change. I seek your support based

on my knowledge and understanding of solutions as

it relates to the ongoing crisis within the Rochester

City School District. My knowledge and understanding

is based on 16 years of experience as a classroom

teacher, and over 20 years of experience as a

community activist --- with a proven, consistent record

of advocating and fighting for educational

improvement. This is in addition to my experience as

a Rochester City School District parent. Lastly, I must

tell you that I'm becoming a little tired of people telling

me how much they admire, respect and appreciate

my passion, but not backing up their words with

action.Y ou have a historic opportunity today to back

up your words by designating me as one of four

candidates to be supported by the Democratic Party

for school board Commissioner.