The second video in our series leading up to the primary on August 24th is now available on the campaign’s YouTube Channel. “Penny’s Plan” describes the challenges that public education in Arizona is facing, and you will hear from Penny what she intends to do about it. There is no substitute for nearly 30 years of teaching and education policy experience, and “Penny’s Plan” makes that clear. You will hear from Congressman Harry Mitchell why Penny is the best choice, as well as educators from around the state. Please share with your friends and family!
Penny’s Plan-The Campaign’s Latest Video!
July 27th, 2010Penny’s Path–NEW Video about Penny
July 21st, 2010We are proud to announce that our newest media project, entitled “Penny’s Path“, has been uploaded to the campaign’s YouTube channel. We hope that you will take the time to view this 3-minute video about where Penny has come from and and her background as a public school teacher, a parent, and a teacher mentor, and how she came to believe that High Standards and High Expectations are the way forward for Arizona’s public schools. We also have two more videos in the works, so stay tuned in the coming weeks!
Radio Advertisements Airing in Tucson
July 15th, 2010
A couple of weeks ago, Penny went down to Tucson and appeared on The John C. Scott Show on KJLL AM1330, “The Jolt”. John liked her so much that he decided then and there she was the right choice for Superintendent of Public Instruction. Penny went back to Tucson a short while later and recorded a commercial that will be airing on KJLL alongside John C. Scott’s personal endorsement of Penny. These commercials began running this week, and will be running once each weekdays during the John C. Scott show from now until the primary! We thank John C. Scott for his support! Take a listen below by clicking on the links. They are also available permanently on our media page.
Clean Elections Complaint Filed Against Jason Williams
July 2nd, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-Kotterman Campaign Supports Clean Elections Complaint Against Jason Williams
PHOENIX(Jul. 2, 2010)– Penny Kotterman, Democratic Candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction, announced her support today for the complaint filed with the Citizens’ Clean Election Commission alleging several violations of the clean elections law by her opponent for the Democratic nomination, political consultant Jason Williams, citing the necessity of protecting transparent campaign finance reporting and the integrity of the clean elections system.
“Mr. Williams has made the issues of transparency and accountability a central theme in his campaign,” Kotterman said. “Transparency starts at the top, and Mr. Williams owes it to the citizens of Arizona to live up to his own rhetoric, starting with the financial dealings of his own campaign. It is vital to the integrity of the clean elections system already under siege that these issues be investigated and cleared up immediately.”
The complaint, filed with the Citizens’ Clean Election Commission Thursday by teacher Janice Robillard of Phoenix, alleges that Williams has failed to report the corporate in-kind contributions of his own political consulting firm, Blue Dynamic, as well as failed to report actual expenses associated with campaign staffing, communications, and other functions, in order to avoid violating established spending limits for candidates who have not yet qualified for clean elections funding.
Kotterman chose to run a traditionally financed campaign, and has complied with all of the numerous reporting requirements of state law because she believes that transparency in campaign finance is important at all levels.
“I believe that campaigns should be conducted on the basis of ideas,” Kotterman said. Candidates should not manipulate their financial reporting in order to gain a competitive advantage. I made a choice and have obeyed the laws that govern that choice. Mr. Williams should do the same.”
Penny Kotterman is a 30-year career teacher, parent, and teacher mentor running for Superintendent of Public Instruction. Her campaign is a movement built on the idea that high standards and high expectations are a must for returning Arizona’s public school system to its rightful place as the state’s primary economic engine and the center of its communities. For more information, visit www.pennykotterman.com.
The complaint, filed with the Citizens’ Clean Election Commission Thursday by teacher Janice Robillard of Phoenix, alleges that Williams has failed to report the corporate in-kind contributions of his own political consulting firm, Blue Dynamic, as well as failed to report actual expenses associated with campaign staffing, communications, and other functions, in order to avoid violating established spending limits for candidates who have not yet qualified for clean elections funding.
Kotterman chose to run a traditionally financed campaign, and has complied with all of the numerous reporting requirements of state law because she believes that transparency in campaign finance is important at all levels.
“I believe that campaigns should be conducted on the basis of ideas,” Kotterman said. Candidates should not manipulate their financial reporting in order to gain a competitive advantage. I made a choice and have obeyed the laws that govern that choice. Mr. Williams should do the same.”
Penny Kotterman is a 30-year career teacher, parent, and teacher mentor running for Superintendent of Public Instruction. Her campaign is a movement built on the idea that high standards and high expectations are a must for returning Arizona’s public school system to its rightful place as the state’s primary economic engine and the center of its communities. For more information, visit www.pennykotterman.com.
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Penny Endorsed over Huppenthal by Chandler Chamber of Commerce
June 24th, 2010The Chandler Chamber of Commerce, the chamber in John Huppenthal’s hometown, has endorsed Penny instead, reporter Edythe Jensen writes in this article in yesterday’s Arizona Republic. Huppenthal was on the Chandler City Council prior to making his first run for the Legislature, and has lived in the city for years. Yet, when it came right down to it, the Chandler Chamber threw their support behind Penny. By taking this action, the Chandler Chamber of Commerce clearly realizes what Penny’s supporters all over the state already know: the Republican formula of underfunding, tax credits, endless testing and little support is what got us to where we are today, and that high standards and high expectations are what will work to reinvigorate education in Arizona and create opporunities to move forward.
Penny Endorsed by Chandler Chamber, Art Hamilton, CWA, AFT, AFSCME
June 24th, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information Contact:
Pam Duty
(602) 549-7040
info@pennykotterman.com
Penny Kotterman Endorsed by Chandler Chamber, former State Rep. Art Hamilton, Communications Workers of America, American Federation of Teachers, and AFSCME AZ
PHOENIX (June 24, 2010)– Penny Kotterman, Democratic candidate for Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction, announced today that she has received the endorsement of The Chandler Chamber of Commerce, Communications Workers of America Local 7000, The American Federation of Teachers, and the AFSCME Arizona PEOPLE Conference in her bid for the state’s top education post.
“I am honored to have the support of Mr. Hamilton, the chamber, my fellow teachers at the federation, and the working families of Arizona’s state employees and the communications workers,” Kotterman said. “These endorsements represent the broad-based nature of our movement for high standards and high expectations in Arizona. Together, we will build a public education system that creates opportunity and serves as the centerpiece of our state’s economic engine.”
The Chandler Chamber chose to endorse Kotterman over the presumptive Republican nominee, State Sen. John Huppenthal (R-Chandler), despite his prior service on the city council and long-time residence in the city. The nod from the chamber despite those deep community ties demonstrates Kotterman’s broad appeal to both the business community and traditional education advocates.
Art Hamilton, founder of the Art Hamilton Group, served in the Arizona House of Representatives for 26 years, 18 of which were spent as the Democratic leader, and he is widely regarded as one of the best and most effective legislators in Arizona’s recent history.
“Penny Kotterman is a great educator with the experience to lead our public schools into the next decade,” Hamilton said. “Penny understands the diverse nature of our state, and shares my view that an outstanding public education is the key that opens the door to opportunity. I am confident that she will work as I have to ensure that Arizona’s public school system serves all of Arizona’s students in an equitable manner, so that each may share in that opportunity.”
The Communications Workers of America represents over 700,000 public and private sector employees nationwide. Local 7000 represents employees in the Cities of Tucson and Nogales, the Arizona State School for the Deaf and Blind, and some employees of the Tucson Unified School District.
The American Federation of Teachers is the second-largest education organization in the country, encompassing 3,000 local associations and more than 1.5 million educators and staff nationwide.
The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees represents the families of government workers nationwide, including the majority of Arizona’s 30,000-plus employees.
These groups join 14 other community organizations representing working families in Arizona in endorsing Penny Kotterman, and Mr. Hamilton joins 19 other current or former elected officials, including U.S. Rep. Harry Mitchell and U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva, and Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon.
Penny Kotterman is a 30-year career teacher, parent, and teacher mentor running for Superintendent of Public Instruction. Her campaign is a movement built on the idea that high standards and high expectations are a must for returning Arizona’s public school system to its rightful place as the state’s primary economic engine and the center of its communities. For more information, visit www.pennykotterman.com.
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Harry Mitchell Endorses Penny
May 17th, 2010This morning, U.S. Rep. Harry Mitchell announced that he is supporting Penny for Superintendent of Public Instruction. We welcome the Congressman’s support as we continue to make high standards and high expectations a reality in Arizona. The full text of the press release is below:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Representative Harry Mitchell Endorses Penny Kotterman for Superintendent of Public Instruction
TEMPE (May 17, 2010) - U.S. Rep. Harry Mitchell (D-Ariz.) today announced his support for Penny Kotterman’s campaign for Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction. Mitchell, elected to serve Arizona’s Fifth District in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2006, represents much of the Northeast Valley, including Tempe, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills and portions of Mesa and Chandler.
For 28 years, Mitchell taught American government and economics at Tempe High School, the same high school he graduated from. He also served as an adjunct professor at his alma mater, Arizona State University. Prior to his election to Congress, Mitchell served as a longtime mayor of Tempe and in the Arizona State Senate representing Tempe, South Scottsdale and Ahwatukee.
“As a former teacher, I know how important and valuable it is to have a classroom teacher lead education efforts in Arizona,” Mitchell said. “Penny is the only candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction with the experience, leadership, and local roots needed to be an effective advocate for our children and grandchildren. While the Arizona legislature continues to propose education cuts to balance their budget, Penny understands that investments in education translate into a more prepared, competitive workforce that can provide for a sustainable economic future critically needed in Arizona. Penny offers a better future for our kids.”
Penny has been working tirelessly across the state to promote her message of high standards and high expectations for all students, teachers, parents, and schools. Mitchell joins other elected officials, former teachers and education advocacy groups in endorsing the Kotterman campaign.
“I am honored to have received Harry’s endorsement,” Kotterman said. “Harry is a true friend to education in Arizona and has admirably represented the values of Arizonans in our nation’s Capitol. I have no doubt his training and experience as a public school teacher have served him well. Patience is certainly a virtue in Congress, and it is learned in the classroom.”
Most recently, Kotterman was the Associate Director for New Policy and Programs at the Arizona K-12 Center, where she created and managed professional development for educators statewide. She arrived there after six years as president of the Arizona Education Association and a classroom teaching career spanning nearly two decades. She is truly a lifelong teacher, parent, teacher trainer, and teacher mentor. Visit www.pennykotterman.com for more information.
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Arizona List Features Penny In Recent Email
May 6th, 2010Arizona List featured Penny, their endorsed expert on public education, in their recent email urging members to support Proposition 100 on May 18th. Proposition 100 is vital to the survival of our public school system in the current economic climate. We hope you will join Penny and Arizona List in supporting public education. The campaign would like to thank Arizona List once again for its endorsement, and also its support of Proposition 100. The full text of the email is below:
Penny on Prop 100: Protecting Arizona’s Basic Needs
Education, public safety and health care are at risk in Arizona. Arizona List, as well as many of our endorsed candidates, are in support of Proposition 100, a temporary increase in Arizona’s sales tax meant to protect these three services that are currently on the chopping block.
Penny Kotterman, Arizona List endorsed candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction, says:
“Proposition 100 is an investment in the future of our children and our communities. This proposition supports the critical areas of Education, law enforcement and health care, it doesn’t get much more basic than that! We can’t afford to let the narrow interests of a few dictate the needs of the many. Help build a brighter future for Arizona. Vote YES on Proposition 100.”
Arizona List agrees with Penny. A yes vote on 100 on May 18th will protect education, public safety and health care. Arizona needs your support.
Brewer Slights Teachers, Diminishes Quality
April 21st, 2010This morning, Gov. Jan Brewer signed HB2227, a measure that is a direct assault on Arizona’s most experienced teachers, proving once again that politics are more important to our current administration than keeping our most experienced teachers in our classrooms.
In adopting the FY2010 budget, the Legislature enacted several provisions aimed directly at teachers who dared to apply political pressure to Legislators to support public education in budget negotiations. In response to this blatant retaliation, the Arizona Education Association filed a lawsuit challenging the legitimacy of these changes, which included prohibiting employment policies based on seniority, and removing the requirement that teachers be re-hired in the order that they are laid off. Now, instead of an effort to reach a compromise, we have HB2227, which is nothing more than a mean-spirited measure to negate the pending lawsuit.
Meanwhile, school districts are laying off hundreds of teachers in response to budget cuts enacted by the Legislature, and the first ones to go are the most experienced (e.g. most expensive) educators. Without the requirement that previously laid off teachers be rehired prior to new ones, cheap labor is the name of the game. Simple economics dictate that you can hire two brand-new teachers for the price of one 30-year educator. The difference is that now those first-year teachers are going to be given classes of 35-40 students, perhaps even more. This is a disservice not only to our students, but to the new teachers as well. Without the experienced educators that they replaced to turn to, a novice teacher with a huge class will quickly burn out and likely leave the profession, worsening the already critical issue of teacher retention.
And where is our Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Horne? Out running for Attorney General. We need a Superintendent who will stand up for teachers and students when necessary. Politicians, political consultants, and lobbyists have occupied this post for the last 20 years, each time using it to jumpstart a political career instead of fight for public education. Enough is enough. Please help the campaign today by donating or volunteering. Together we will make a difference!
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Huppethal describes tax credits as “support level” for private schools
April 27th, 2010During debate in the Senate today over a private school tax credit measure, State Sen. John Huppenthal described tax credit dollars as a “support level” for private schools, saying:
Huppenthal said this in response to a line of questioning by Sen. Debbie McCune Davis of Phoenix, who wondered correctly why the bill includes an annual inflation adjustment for the amount a couple or individual can contribute each year. Naturally, this adjustment only permits upward growth of the limit. Sen. McCune Davis then asked him if she understood him to be advocating for state support of private schools, to which he responded that he believed that parents should be provided a specific dollar amount to use wherever they please, be it pulic, private, or religious schools. We in public education have a word for this. It’s known as a voucher. Huppenthal concluded by stating that
Penny also believes that all children are created equal, which is why every child deserves the highest quality public school system that we can give to them. Private schools should remain private.
Tags: Debbie McCune Daves, God, John Huppenthal, private schools, tax credits, voucher
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