THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 24, 1996 TAG: 9603220186
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 13 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: By DENISE WATSON, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 40 lines
The Chesapeake Education Association Political Action Committee has endorsed four of nine School Board candidates for the May 7 election.
Candidates James J. Wheaton, Allen H. Goode Jr., Harry A. Murphy and Thomas L. Mercer Sr. have received the group's nod.
``Some of them stood out because they have personal interests in the schools; they have children in the schools already,'' said Elizabeth Everett, chairperson for the CEA-PAC.
``They were much more knowledgable about the issues, active at some point in visiting the schools. . . Following the budget process. Those were the kinds of things we looked out for.''
All of the nine candidates completed the CEA's 20-question survey and a personal interview, the requirements for receiving the recommendation. The group made endorsements for the four seats which expire on June 30.
An endorsement by the CEA carries weight, Everett said.
The organization can provide volunteers for candidates and might hold a fundraiser next month to help in their campaigns.
Chesapeake Education Association members, which includes more than 1,500 Chesapeake teachers, are encouraged to support those candidates.
``I think that was critical in the last election because voter turnout was so low,'' said Everett, referring to the first school board election in December.
``We got our teachers out to the polls when others didn't turn out.'' MEMO: What key issues do you think School Board candidates should address? We
want to hear from you. Call INFOLINE at 640-5555 and press 7654 to share
your views. A reporter may contact you; your comments also may appear in
upcoming articles about the Chesapeake School Board election. by CNB