Three teacher unions endorsed 177th Legislative District Democratic candidate Joe Hohenstein.
The Pennsylvania State Education Association, Philadelphia Federation of Teachers and the American Federation of Teachers have endorsed Joe Hohenstein, Democratic candidate in the 177th Legislative District.
PFT President Jerry Jordan, whose union endorsed Maggie Borski over Hohenstein in the primary, issued this statement: “We believe that Joe Hohenstein is the right person to take the fight for the future of public education and working people to Harrisburg. I know how important our cause is to Joe and his family, because Joe’s family has stood with us on picket lines. Our students and communities need strong advocates like Joe in Harrisburg fighting for them. Educators and families across the 177th District must have a representative committed to investing in public education, workers’ rights, and working families.”
Hohenstein responded to the endorsement by saying, “I am extremely proud to accept the endorsements of the PSEA, PFT and AFT. Together, they represent over 234,000 hard-working teachers across Pennsylvania, including hundreds right here in the 177th district. I grew up watching my dad, a public school teacher of over 20 years, literally fight for the right to organize. I know that issues affecting the safety and wellbeing of our kids, including class size, lead-free drinking water and a minimum of one counselor and nurse at every school, are among the provisions fought for and won by these unions on behalf of their members and students. I have spoken with many teachers in my district that count on their wages and benefits to support their families. I will be a strong advocate for our teachers because when we stand with our teachers, we create strong classrooms, families and communities.”
Hohenstein attended Masterman and Frankford High School, class of 1985. He faces Republican Patty-Pat Kozlowski.
••
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will host a Meet the Candidates Brunch on Sunday, Oct. 14, at 10 a.m.
To RSVP, call 215–677–1600.
••
Jon Meacham will discuss his new book, The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels, on Thursday, Sept. 20, from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Patriots Gallery of the Museum of the American Revolution, at 3rd and Chestnut streets.
Meacham, a staunch critic of President Donald Trump who often appears on left-wing MSNBC programs, writes that America has been through worse and survived. He explores dark moments in American history and argues that the current climate of partisan division is not new. He sheds light on the present moment in American politics and life by looking back at critical times in U.S. history when hope overcame division and fear.
President Abraham Lincoln called decency, generosity and integrity “the better angels of our nature.”
Ticket prices are $30 for students, $35 for members and $45 for general admission, and include a signed copy of Meacham’s book.
To buy tickets, go to http://www.amrevmuseum.org/events/carl-buchholz-memorial-lecture
The event is the second annual Carl Buchholz Memorial Lecture, a series established by the generosity of the family, friends and colleagues of the late Carl Buchholz, former vice chairman of the museum’s board of directors. The series was created to honor his public service and to explore the political thought of the American Revolution and its national relevance today. Those interested in contributing to the endowment for this annual lecture can email [email protected] ••