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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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