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Boy, Reggie sure made a career change after baseball.
Posted on 01/14/2010 7:16:34 AM PST by reaganaut1
TRENTON — The man once described by teachers’ union leaders as “the antithesis of everything we hold sacred about public education” was chosen to serve as state education commissioner by Governor-elect Christopher J. Christie on Wednesday.
The nomination of Bret D. Schundler to the post underscored the governor’s determination to press ahead with his push for school vouchers, more charter schools and merit pay for teachers.
It was the first selection by Mr. Christie to suggest even the possibility of a confirmation battle with Democrats, who control both houses of the Legislature. Thus far, the governor-elect has chosen nominees heavy on managerial experience, if lacking in drama or outsized personalities, and drawn bipartisan praise for his selections.
Mr. Schundler, 50, was a favorite of the conservative wing of the Republican Party and a leading voice for school-choice advocates during his nine years as mayor of Jersey City, but he failed in two runs for governor, in 2001 and 2005.
“We agree on the type of significant reform that needs to happen in our educational system here in New Jersey,” Mr. Christie said in making the announcement at the State House. “I want a strong, reasonable, bold leader who’s going to help me implement those policies.”
Still, some of the ideas that made him a polarizing figure to unions and Democratic leaders have become more mainstream, with even President Obama signaling interest in merit pay and promoting the expansion of charter schools. On Wednesday, the teachers’ union issued a statement that refrained from criticizing the choice.
His nomination — made as the Rev. Reginald Jackson, director of the Black Ministers Council, looked on approvingly — captivated New Jersey’s political class on Wednesday.
“Wow! Are you serious?” Senator Raymond J. Lesniak of Elizabeth said when told of Mr. Schundler’s selection.
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
Schundler must really want that job, because Christie owes him for early support, and he could have had almost any job he asked for.
two big fat thumbs up
WOW—GREAT news— Schundler is a really good man. Thanks for making my day!
This is good. Government education has become little more than a jobs program. It must be radically reformed, or abolished.
Bret Schundler is a good guy. So far Christie is making very good moves. Nice to see.
New Jersey!
Once again at the crossroads of the Revolution!
Now it’s about to get interesting.
There would be NO chance of Corzine appointing a Schundler to this important position. Christie will often doing something good like this. Sometimes he will disappoint us, and we'll get on him for it. But there is still a huge difference from Corzine. QED
The teacher’s unions in NJ are against applying for funding for schools because one of the stipulations is that the money be used for merit raises contingent upon rising achievement scores.
IOW, NEA to students, DROP DEAD
Christie FINALLY does something right for a change.
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Boy, Reggie sure made a career change after baseball.
This guy's a conservative, a fighter, a doer -- hated by Democrats and establishment Republicans alike.
If he succeeds, he's a game changer.
His RINO choice for his running mate and RAT choice for State AG were not good moves and stand in marked contrast to this excellent one.
Seems like an excellent choice!
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