Gist’s Days Seem Numbered
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
In the next few weeks we’ll learn something about our new governor. We’ll learn what’s more important, the education of the children of Rhode Island or the teachers' unions that catapulted him to victory. Chafee was the only gubernatorial candidate who did not endorse Education Commissioner Deborah Gist during last year’s campaign and he has yet to endorse her. On a recent airing of "Newsmakers," Gist stated she’d remain in the post so long as she was wanted—meaning that Chafee has not reached out to her and welcomed her and her ideas into his agenda.
And, in all reality, Gist and Chafee diverge on philosophy, specifically charter schools. While Gist has been a champion of charter schools, Chafee has stated, “The debate is ongoing as to whether they’re [charter schools] working. I’d rather focus on public schools and it diverts that focus.” Chafee has also said he likes how Gist has shaken things up and commended her work on creating an education funding formula.
So why no ringing endorsement?
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTIn my opinion, I believe it is due to the fact Gist will not kowtow to teachers' unions to the detriment of children’s education. We saw that in Central Falls and one has to wonder if a Chafee-backed Education Commissioner would have had the intestinal fortitude to do something so few are willing to do in this state—challenge the unions. I highly doubt it.
And that very well may lead to Gist’s undoing but it will also show Rhode Islanders that Chafee is not interested in keeping someone who was instrumental in (finally) producing an education funding formula, has a mountain load of new ideas, isn’t afraid to ruffle feathers, and actually wants to stay in Rhode Island the next several years and not just use Rhode Island as a pit stop to higher profile positions.
The decision to publicly support Gist should be easy for the governor but with so many union leaders in his ear I believe Chafee will ultimately support union interests over that of Rhode Island’s children.
Hoping you prove me wrong, Governor.
Related Articles
- Roach challenges RINEA’s Walsh
- Something you don’t hear everyday: Roach and the ACLU agree
- Gasoholics: Drowning in an Oil Addiction
- Why the RI GOP Needs Pat Sweeney