Blue Mass Group

Reality-based commentary on politics.

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There are two weeks to go before the Democratic primary in this special election. In this election we are choosing between real leadership that will move this country forward, or convenience and compromise that have led us nowhere. Over the past few years’ blogs have taken a lead role in the political process and getting progressive Democrats elected. Tomorrow please join me from 9AM on, as I will be holding a live blog on dailykos.com to answer any questions you may have. I look forward to hearing from you tomorrow. 

Thanks,

Jamie

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  1. While you’re here, Jaime, let me ask you a question.

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    You have voted against the charter school moratorium and the local option meals tax.

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    In light of this, what are your positions on:

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    (a) the reauthorization of NCLB

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    (b) the privatization of public education

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    (c) the federal role in funding mandates, inclucing NCLB and IDEA

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    (d) the role of local governance and local accountability for public education.

      • I would rather someone NOT post than post with the expectation they won’t enter a dialog.  At least you’ll talk to me. 😉

          • but the fact remains that there was no response to you until AFTER I suggested they were more concerned with promoting fundraising than answering questions.  But at least you got your answers eventually.

          • …is actually very busy running his campaign?  He came here to promote his blogging session at Dailykos, which was scheduled for the next day.  The time spent at Dkos had to be carved out of his very busy calendar.  Pablo asked his question well after Jamie posted his diary here, and your subsequent replies came in after that.

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            Funny thing, though – while Jamie was doing the live blog at Dkos, he came back here, saw Pablo’s question and gave him a substantive, thoughtful answer, just like the answers he gave in his Dkos diary.  This had nothing to do with you, or your comments, or your cynical, negative attitude, and everything to do with the fact that Jamie is an excellent candidate for Congress. 

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            I think you’re just jealous that you can’t find a Republican anywhere who can match the caliber of Jamie Eldridge…

    • Thank you for your questions.

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      First of all, whenever I have been asked to name any mistakes that I have made as a legislator, the two I mention are my vote against the charter school moratorium, and my vote against closing more corporate tax loopholes. 

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      Charter schools is one issue where I came into the House without a firm opinion, and I have learned in my five years that although charter schools play a role in Massachusetts public education, I believe they are taking away precious funds from regular public schools, where over 95% of Massachusetts children are educated.  I would support a moratorium on charter schools, and do not believe that the federal government should financially support charter schools. 

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      I do support a local option meals tax, and I have been a leader in the House this year in supporting Governor Patrick’s Municipal Partnership Act, and his proposals to close corporate tax loopholes. 

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      To answer your questions:

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      a. I do not support the reauthorization of NCLB, because it penalizes children and teachers in school districts that are labeled “underperforming,” which is now 40% of school districts across the country.  I am opposed to national testing standards, and am deeply concerned with current discussions of barring teachers from their profession if their classrooms do not show continued improvement, as part of the re-authorization of NCLB.

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      b. I am opposed to the privatization of public education, and as a progressive Democrat recognize education as a public good, and will fight to ensure that every child receives a great education.

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      c. I have spoken a lot about how the federal government has systematically walked away from our state and our communities in underfunding educaiton mandates.  Congress must support public schools by honoring the commitment to pay for at least 40% of special education costs, as was intended when IDEA passed in 1978.  It is critical for every American’s well-being to received a great education, so the federal government must play a bigger role in funding public education.

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      d. On accountability, I support state testing of children’s learning, but not the way that MCAS is administered.  The Education Reform Act intended a much broader, teacher-driven vision of testing schoolchildren, and I am encouraged by Governor Patrick’s appointments to the Department of Education to bring a more balanced approach to evaluating the abilities of kids in Massachusetts.

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      Thank you. – Jamie

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