Questions and Answers
1. So, you're running for the State
Senate; how do you think the folks on Beacon Hill are
going to like the "Proposed Goals" in your book? What
are you trying to do, destroy their way of life?
There's absolutely no conflict between the book and what
is worked on at the State House. Many, many legislators
might really enjoy being able to work on some of the
ideas and opportunities on this site, perhaps especially
those on renewable energy and public recreational
facilities model. In the case of health care reform, we
are going to need new ideas and outside pressure
to prevent the annual double digit price increases from
continuing to happen, because it's killing us. For
earnest legislators of any political stripe, not to
mention the people, the existence of the book and site
is a win-win situation; we can work hard, have fun, and
do great things together. I wouldn't say it if I didn't
mean it; I'm going to have to look these people in the
eye every day.
2. Ideas for America 1 talks
about better language learning, how big a difference could they make
in the schools? In my strong professional opinion, the number of
students who passed an Advanced Placement exam
after 5 years of foreign language study could go from
less than 1% to 10-15%, with maybe as many as half of students being able to speak the target
language well. That is, if we take a few steps
forward, including a rewrite of the Foreign Language
Curriculum Frameworks, which are well done, but could be
much better..
3. What is you your
background in education? I've been a language
teacher since making my start at the Berlitz School in
Bonn, Germany in 1995. From 2000 to 2005 I taught
high school and middle school Spanish, as
well as tutored adults. In 2007 and 2008 I worked in
Special Education, working one on one with students from
8-18 with severe emotional and neurological conditions,
including students on the autistic spectrum, with Schizo-affective
disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder, among
others. Some of these students also suffered from
extreme generalized anxiety, and had engaged in
self-injurious and violent behavior. In 2009, I
worked under a federal grant, working with small groups
(5-6 students) doing Kindergarten inclusion, first
grade guided reading, fourth grade reading recovery, 6th
grade English, and 6th grade math. During
that time I also acted as a Russian interpreter. Now I
teach Spanish and German privately, although I also do
work for a few language schools teaching English and
Spanish.
4. What do you think would be the
best possible location for the recreational facilities
outlined in Chapter 1 of Ideas for America 1?
Realistically, for the two fifty meter pools, diving
pool, and large grassy area for sitting out, parking,
and a Juice/Beer Garden set-up you're talking about. 5-8
acres. So, two questions that follow might be; where on
Boston's North Shore is there that sort of space? What
communities have no such facilities, either public or
private? Of course, there are many other questions to be
asked and answered, but those two might be a good
starting point?
5. You talk about annual reports
to the people; what areas do you think those reports
should focus on? Although we might be tempted
to cover a range of subjects in the reports, just
focusing on health care might be the best approach at
this time. That is, letting more households understand
any changes in health care law and spending. and how it
affects them. This might well be the most powerful tool
we have to prevent the double digit annual price
increases from continuing.
6. What is your government and/or
political background?
In the summers during
high school and college I did either landscaping or
government jobs. In 1988 I worked for the Parks and
Recreation Department, most days going to different
housing projects to do sports with children. In 1990 I
was the co-chair of the Republican Senate committee,
which assisted GOP candidates running for the State
Senate. In the summer of 1992 I was a Boston Park
Ranger, answering questions and giving tours on the
Boston Common and Public Garden. In 1994 I worked in the
State House as a Senate page, which was a good way to
learn about the political process. As it happens, I was
assigned a few times to get Fred Berry his sandwiches,
the Senator whose seat I'm now seeking. In 2004 I ran
for the State Senate on an education platform, which was
great; I was sent masses of informational pamphlets,
essays and reports, all of which I read multiple times,
and integrated into existing research. Being able to
present an education platform in a district so
passionate about education gave me energy and knowledge
that continues to pay all sorts of dividends. That being
said, the past six years teaching and researching have
brought powerful experiences that I'm working hard to
mold into something of use for the people.
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