By Harry M. Keiley President, Santa Monica-Malibu Classroom Teachers Association
As a resident, local teacher and union president, I was dismayed by Shane McLoud’s mean spirited guest commentary (SMDP, Oct. 30, page 8).
What was McLoud thinking when he spoke of the “disgust” he has for most politicians? There was a time in our history when public officials were respected and public service was considered honorable. The politicians I know are hard working and caring public servants, even those with whom I disagree.
What was school board member McLoud thinking when he attacked school employees for earning a living wage? Thanks to the bus drivers, electricians, custodians, librarians, secretaries, counselors, teachers and other employees, SMMUSD is one of America’s premiere school districts. If we were to follow McLoud’s logic, the district would outsource jobs to the lowest bidder, eliminate hundreds of middle class jobs and drive families into poverty. What McLoud fails to mention is that there are far too many classified employees working without health benefits and earning less than a living wage. In addition, he fails to mention that classified employees earning more than $50,000 annually are our most veteran and loyal workers — 20 or more years in the district.
What was McLoud thinking when he stated, “most people don’t understand the SMRR machine?” Without the leadership of SMRR, thousands of Santa Monicans would live in fear of being evicted from their homes. If we were to follow McLoud’s logic, apartments in our city would be rented to the highest bidder, resulting in the eviction of thousands of poor-and middle-class residents, including many teachers and other public workers.
In addition to protecting renter rights, the SMRR majority has significantly increased the city’s support for our local public schools. Under the leadership of Mayor Richard Bloom and Councilman Ken Genser, the city’s support of our public schools exceeds $6 million annually.
In recent years, the SMRR majority has fought to improve the wages of local workers, many of whom live below the federal poverty level.
Employees that work hard and play by the rules should not live in poverty. Fortunately, the SMRR majority believes this and is willing to work to improve the quality of life of Santa Monica workers.
Yes, homelessness remains a major concern for the residents and businesses in our city. However, to cast blame for this national crisis on the SMRR majority is misguided. If we are to solve this complicated crisis, we will need real solutions not simple slogans, such as “teach them to fish.”
For more than two decades, Patricia Hoffman and Denny Zane have made a difference in the lives of thousands of Santa Monicans. Both as elected officials and private citizens, Hoffman and Zane have been fighting for renter rights, students, the rights of women, environmental protections, the working class and the poor. Rather than demonizing Patricia and Denny, we should be grateful to them for their years of service to the residents of our city.
Political leaders should speak of hope, not fear. They should be uniters not dividers. They should offer real solutions not cast blame. Unfortunately, McLoud’s commentary was divisive, fear based and offered no real solutions for the people of our great city.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 4, 2004. Read the original PDF.