Candidate for
Member of the State Assembly; District 59; Democratic Party

I began working at the age of nine and was employed by a variety of small busuinesses, which taught me much about the virtues, struggles, and needs of small businesses. At the same time I come from a family of union members, have long been a member of faculty unions and appreciate the efforts of working people to achieve decent wages. Having seen my parents' struggle to have some security as they grew older, I well appreciate the importance of adequate pensions, the sanctity of Social Security, and the vital importance of single-payer, universal health care. I am also the product of a public school education (K-12), as are my three children and two step-children. I value that immensely. I have also been able to live and teach abroad in England, India, and Norway and lectured in ten other countries. I learned a great deal about many different peoples, about people's fascination with America, and the immigrants' drive to come to the U.S. and make a life here. I have been a college teacher for over 40 years. I have always maintained high standards and the importance of being ethical in my teaching. I plan to carry these experiences and respect for high ethics into my role as Assemblyman.