Trenton Elections Rumblings
TEA back Gusciora
After throwing their support behind Alex Bethea, who finished sixth in this month’s election, the Trenton teachers union is backing a new horse.
The Trenton Education Association (TEA) announced Monday that the union is endorsing Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (DMercer/Hunterdon) for the city mayoral runoff election on June 12.
“I am excited and grateful to receive the support of the Trenton Educators Association (TEA) during this mayoral runoff election,” Gusciora said at the union’s headquarters on Chambers Street. “Despite their challenges, the educators are on the front lines of providing a safe learning environment for our students. As mayor, I hope to encourage more public and community partnerships so we can better help our youngsters succeed. We will continue a strong relationship and partnership with the Trenton Education Association.”
Gusciora almost received the TEA endorsement in this month’s election but it went to Bethea after the tiebreaker went to the at-large councilman since he was a former union member.
Janice Williams, co-chair of the Political Action Committee for the TEA, said the association endorsed Gusciora as the run-off candidate for mayor because of his longstanding commitment to city students and teachers.
“We are endorsing Assemblyman Gusciora because he fully understands that the board of education, Superintendent, the Trenton Education Association must be partners in the critical effort to improve the educational experiences and outcomes in the city,” Williams said. “When called upon by the Trenton Education Association to oppose the attack on public education, Reed spoke up and advocated for a more moratorium of charter schools. He fully understands as an educator the consequences of the education reformers’ attempt to destroy public education and the many iniquities that students in urban districts face. Reed Gusciora understands and respects unions and has stood with us as we rallied against privatization of child study teams, speech therapists, occupational therapists and others.”
Ward Gets Rod Nod
North Ward challenger Algernon Ward Jr. picked up an endorsement from at-Large Councilman-elect Santiago Rodriquez. Rodriquez said in a statement he is, “looking forward to working with Ward on City Council. It is clear that the people of Trenton are anxious for a change in our city.” Ward faces incumbent Marge Caldwell-Wilson in the June 12 runoff.