Zak Johnson for MESD 2

Name:
Zak Johnson
Position sought:
Multnomah Education Service District, Position 2, At-Large Director
Why are you running? :
To ensure respect for students, parents, and MESD staff is the guiding rule on the board. To give everyone affectd by MESD a chance to be listened to as a partner.
What questions should we be asking your opponent(s)? :
Why has the MESD had such poor relations with its union members, who nearly struck last year as a result of aggressive and disrespectful negotiation tactics.
What need(s) will be met if your campaign is successful? :
Civility will be restored; the staff, students, and parents will have a voice on the board.
I will also bring real knowledge about education practices and curriculum to the board. I have worked the past seven years as an award-winning designer of education curriculum, teaching, and assessment materials with a focus on the effective integration of technology into the classroom.
What else can be done to meet these needs? :
Elect others like myself who share a commitment to treating all MESD stake-holders as partners. This may not sound specific, but civility and respect is exactly what the board needs right now.
What will you do to address these issues if you lose? :
Continue my community involvement through organizations that can make a difference.
What need(s) will be met if your campaign is not successful? :
I believe my victory would be beneficial to all. I am a bridge builder.
What else can be done to meet those needs? :
Let your MESD board members know you expect Portland-based organizations to be community-based and to follow community standards of decorum, respect, openness, and labor practices.
What, in our platform or legislative agenda, leads you to believe that we would support your campaign? :
The Multnomah County Democratic Party's very first platform item, "Children, Families, and Communities," says:

"We support policies providing basic human rights of shelter, food and medical care."

One of the reasons that local 1995 almost went on strike last year was becuase of an attempt to remove medical benefits from part-time employees. I understand budget constraints as well as anyone, but that is no way to treat people dedicated to improving the live's of our neediest children. I won't support that.
Your statements on education and labor also support my approach to this position.
What specific actions and behaviors should we consider when taking a position with respect to your campaign? :
I am fair. I respect all people and their points of view, and I work for the common good. And I get things done.
If you are endorsed, what one-line slogan would you like us to use in our communications about your campaign? :
Success Begins With Respect
If you are endorsed, what text would you like to appear beside your name and photo in our voters' guide? :
Success Begins with Respect:
  • Respect for Students
  • Respect for Parents
  • Respect for Staff, Community, and Ourselves
Zak Johnson believes MESD parents and staff deserve directors who view them as partners in our children's education. He will work to restore civility to the board and strengthen alternative pathways to success for students throughout Multnomah County.
website :
www.ZakForMESD.com
( file it: )