SDEA’s Rep. Council overwhelmingly voted last month to endorse Councilman David Alvarez for mayor of San Diego. Rep. Council’s approval comes on the heels of a unanimous approval from the SDEA Board of Directors and the SDEA Political Involvement Committee’s interview panel.

During his endorsement interview, Alvarez spoke at length about his support for schools. Alvarez’s education plan includes increasing the number of joint use agreements between the City and SDUSD as a way to make schools the center for communities. He also wants the City to fund important SDUSD programs and policies, a tactic he used when his City Council office financed South Bay Union School District’s anti-bullying program.

Alvarez also was a vocal critic of San Diegans 4 Great Schools and their plan to privatize the SDUSD board. While his opponent did not take a position on the plan, he is being supported by many of the people who campaigned for it, including former Mayor Jerry Sanders. Alvarez was the only candidate who responded to SDEA’s request to fill out a questionnaire or attend an endorsement interview. His opponent, Councilman Kevin Faulconer, did not respond to phone calls or emails to his campaign office requesting his participation.

Members wishing to help elect Alvarez may volunteer for neighborhood precinct walks with the San Diego Labor Council every Saturday until Election Day at 9 a.m. at 3737 Camino del Rio South. We need an especially strong showing on Feb. 1 and Feb. 8. See you there!