LENNING is supported by teachers, parents, school board members, community leaders, uniting a broad consensus focusing on what is truly best for kids!

By Diane A. Lenning, Ed.M.

Lenning explains how Non-Partisan positions are most often partisan, how to know if the candidate truly supports your mutual goals for education, and how to tell if a candidate says one agenda and perhaps supports another agenda.

In my experience as serving as a delegate to the largest democratic body in the world, the National Education Association, (about 9,500 delegates from all states) I observed that the state teachers union takes politics and the power of its position very seriously. When Education becomes Politics, the focus of what is best for our "kids" can be lost. I promise to you, as State Superintendent of Public Instruction, I will not use our "kids for politics!"

The end result in California has been that Non-Partisan positions such as school boards and local city council races have been written off as "non-political" when in fact they are. This has afforded the unions the "free-reign" and unmonitored ability to support virtually every race by its choosing as needed in order to gain these power positions throughout the state of California.

Filling a majority of political positions throughout the state of California has given the unions a powerful foothold that will take years of dedication to bring back to a fair balance of power in our state. "I promise I will work for a level playing field, and a 'Truth in Politics Doctrine' that is needed in California."

In my experience running for a college board position, I learned that most often the questions of PACs (political action committees) are not regarding educational issues.

Almost all questions were directed in an obvious slanted and biased support of a liberal agenda and social issues. Because I did not answer these social issues questions to their liking, mostly in regards to taxes, I was not endorsed, not included on teacher union slates, or afforded any of my political union dues contributions to my campaign for a college board race.

There was never a question about my philosophy on education, how I thought education might be improved in California, or what my credentials were to serve as a college board member; in actuality, no relevent questions for the office for which I was running.

The picture has become clear to many in the last few years how the unions have held Californians in a power-hold for many years by the use of union dues to keep their power and control to put forward their social agenda as well. Many teachers are unduly caught in fear of losing much in their profession due to unfair political tactics used by the unions.

Most of the union membership is not aware of the vast network of power the unions hold throughout the nation, that often serve to thwart the practice of Democracy with integrity, by funding many campaigns of liberal candidates in local city council and school board races. (doc. Lenning website supports this conclusion). Those of other parties are most often left to funding their races from personal funds and the few dollars by comparison, that the average person can raise.

Often times the vision of power has compromised better judgment on the part of many union decisions by over-looking very qualified education candidates who may have a different view regarding social issues.

This skews the political structure in a biased position that unfairly represents voters at large. There is much more to understanding this thesis. Hopefully I will be able to post more facts regarding this issue on my campaign website.

Please check my website throughout the campaign and in the coming years as the Education Information Website seeking to inform the public with the truth about current and future "Political/Educational" issues.

How does one know the true views of a candidate?

It is easier than one might think, but takes some time to flush out the answers.

First, candidates can buy slates on any party slate. It is important to look for whether the candidate buys the slate or someone else. Candidates of one party can buy on another party slate. Find out what party the candidate is registered.

If an incumbent, look for past history of voting records, policy statements and how the official followed-through. Look for history of compliance with educational regulations, and administrative style per first-hand knowledge, i.e. school boards. Historically, candidates listed on union slates are Democrats more than 95% of the time. This is confirmed on a statistics chart provided by the National Education Association on my website. (secrets.org)

Secondly, ask pointed questions of candidates in local forums. Make every effort to find out information about each candidate. With the addition of websites to elections, this can afford the voter valuable information.

Please check my website for further updates. Thank you for your time in reading my opinions. I value your opinion, and I appreciate your vote. I would greatly appreciate the vote of every party represented. As Superintendent of Public Instruction, I will work to include participants of various parties.

Many teachers, parents, community leaders, and members of all parties...Republicans, Democrats, Independents, et al,... support my campaign. Please join with us to make a better future for our children and grandchildren.