NYSUT launches statewide Common Ground Over Chaos bus tour in countdown to Election Day

New York State United Teachers today launched a six-week, statewide Common Ground Over Chaos bus tour to get out the vote and support candidates who support public education and our union values.

Flanked by elected federal and state officials, educators and union leaders, NYSUT President Melinda Person kicked off the tour by calling for a return to politics where democracy, compromise and healthy debate are valued once again.

From now until Election Day on Nov. 5, NYSUT will travel across the state with nearly 40 planned stops from Niagara Falls to Long Island, including in vital swing districts with NYSUT-endorsed Congressional candidates. The statewide union will also meet with NYSUT members and encourage candidates to learn from educators who teach students how to debate passionately, disagree respectfully and find common ground to solve problems.

"Our educators are leading the way by showing students how to engage in civil discussions. They demonstrate the care and decorum we want to see in our neighborhoods," said NYSUT President Melinda Person. "We are asking politicians to follow this example, rise above divisive rhetoric, and demonstrate the same civility, respect and collaboration we see in New York's public schools every day."

Along the tour, candidates will be asked to sign NYSUT's Common Ground Over Chaos pledge committing to working in a bipartisan manner to deliver results.

"I think it's so important for us to come together as a nation and heal. I want to thank NYSUT for its partnership and my commitment to you is to work together with my colleagues in Washington in a bipartisan way to make sure educators are not denied opportunities to ignite the fun of learning. Educators allow our young people to find their passions and understand how they can make a difference in their own life and in our society," said Rep. Paul Tonko.

"I have always believed that when you are an elected official, you should deal with facts, not attacks. When you don't have the facts to debate, you pound on the table and name call and make personal attacks. I can't thank NYSUT enough for being willing to stand up for real, honest and civil discourse," said Sen. Jim Tedisco.

"The timing is perfect because we are increasingly living in such a divided world. I believe educators will help lead us to better, brighter times because we need to get back to a little more civility. We are a stronger classroom, community, nation and world when we focus on unifying principles and debate with civility. I hope you get as much mileage as possible out of that bus," said Assemblymember Pat Fahy.

Candidates who signed NYSUT's pledge today include:

• Rep. Paul Tonko
• Sen. Jim Tedisco (R,C-Ballston Lake)
• Assemblymember Pat Fahy (D-Albany)
• Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara (D-Rotterdam)
• Chloe Pierce, candidate for NYS Assembly District 107
• Gabriella Romero, candidate for NYS Assembly District 109

In addition to the bus tour, NYSUT members will be rallying, phone-banking, door-knocking and participating in other election activities to ensure educator voices are heard and our students and public schools are protected. NYSUT leaders are available for interview - email [email protected] to connect. For a full schedule and more information on the Common Ground Over Chaos campaign, visit www.commongroundoverchaos.org.