Ogden Teachers Rally for Collective Bargaining

Ogden Teachers Rally for Collective Bargaining

Monday, October 20, 2008

UEA Convention

It was good to see many of you down at the Southtown Exposition Center last week for the UEA Convention. I liked the new venue because of the easy access and free parking. The convention hall seemed more open and it was easier to find sessions. I spent most of my time at the membership booth and the Read Across America session where we gave away hundreds of books to students eager to read.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

U-PAC Hosts Bi-Annual Forum

The UEA Political Action Committee will host a "Candidate Forum" at the UEA Convention Thursday, October 16 immediately after the opening session. Come by and meet and greet our recommended candidates. Local PACs meet and interview to decide who to recommend to our members. Come by and grab a hot dog and visit with your legislative candidate. See you there.
Here are the recommended candidates in Weber County:
  • Richard Greenwood in House Dist. 12
  • Mark Openshaw in House Dist. 11
  • Ed Allen in House Dist. 10
  • Neil Hansen in House Dist. 9
  • Steven Olsen in Senate Dist. 20
  • Trent Alvord in House Dist. 8
  • No recommendations were made in Senate Dist. 19, House Dist. 6 or 7.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Celebrate "Read Across America" at UEA Convention

UEA members can provide "Celebrating Read Across America" tickets to any student (K-6) who has read at least three books between Sept. 1 and October 15, 2008. Tickets are printed in the Convention Booklet and can be reproduced (only one ticket per student). Students can then visit the "Read Across America" booth at the convention and receive a free book plus other surprises. See you there.

Monday, October 13, 2008

President Van Roekel to Keynote UEA Convention

Our new NEA President, Dennis Van Roekel, a 25 year math teacher from Paradise Valley High School will open the UEA's professional conference at South Towne October 16, 2008 beginning at 9:30 a.m. Van Roekel, very popular among UEA's leaders and staff, has visited Utah on numerous occasions. He, along with our own Lily Eskelsen, were elected this past July by the delegates to the NEA Representative Assembly in Washington, D.C. Hope to see you there.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Legislative Ethics Committee Meets in Private

The Utah State House of Representatives Ethics Committee met privately in a hearing Wednesday to hear testimony concerning two charges of unethical behavior by members. Rep. Greg Hughes, a proponent of the private school vouchers and leader of the Conservative Caucus, has been accused of trying to persuade another representative to change her vote on the voucher bill in exchange for financial support in her unsuccessful campaign in 2006 against Phil Reisen. Rep. Phil Riesen is also one of the defendants based on a charge that he leaked information to the press about the Hughes complaint. One of our Weber County representatives, Lou Shurtliff, is co-chair of the Ethics Committee. The hearings will resume Friday.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

O/W UniServ PAC Recommends Candidates

The Ogden/Weber UniServ Political Action Committee has interviewed and voted to recommend the following candidates for the November 4 General Election.
  • Ed Allen-House District 10
  • Richard Greenwood-House District 12
  • Mark Openshaw-House District 11
  • Steve Olsen- Senate District 20
  • Trent Alvord- House District 8

We hope you are registered and please vote November 4.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Neil Hansen and Chris Dallins Speak to OEA Reps

Chris Dallin, candidate for State School Board District 4, spoke to the OEA Reps at their monthly meeting. Chris, PR director for McKay Dee Hospital, is running for the state school board against Dave Thomas, former state senator.

Neil Hansen, candidate for Utah House District 9, spoke also detailing his support for teachers in the battle for increased salary, smaller class sizes and a strong retirment program. He has been recommended by our political action committee.

Register and vote November 4.