This post was re-blogged from the PJSTA website…

The PJSTA is excited to host a meet and greet session with Peter Magistrale on the evening of October 28th at the residence of one of our members in Stony Brook.  The session will begin at 7:00 pm.

Magistrale is running in opposition to incumbent John Flanagan for New York State Senate in District 2.  The district is made up of portions of the northwestern part of Suffolk County, with it’s eastern edge being in the Comsewogue School District.  John Flanagan has a long history of opposing quality public education in New York State as he has been at the forefront of support for Common Core, high stakes testing, and privatization reforms that benefit his big money donors.  He famously has been quoted as saying that charter school parents are the best… even though there are no charter schools in his district.

Magistrale has worked closely with public education activists throughout his campaign and has a deep understanding of the issues that face our schools.  He recently earned this glowing report from none other than Diane Ravitch…

The biggest obstacle to political, social, and educational reform in New York State is Senator John Flanagan from Suffolk County on Long Island. Flanagan succeeded Dean Skelos as Republican majority leader of the State Senate after Skelos was convicted on various counts. Flanagan is a major supporter of corporate reform, especially charter schools and vouchers. He is no friend of public education.

This fall he faces a challenge from a highly qualified Democrat in his district: Peter Magistrale. Peter is working closely with parent leaders on Long Island who understand the problems and needs of the public schools. He will fight for us and with us.

Please reach out and help him! His election would not only change the leadership of the State Senate, but return control to the Democratic party. Governor Cuomo has already said that he will do nothing to help Democratic candidates for the State Senate. The governor prefers to work with the Republicans. The Senate is currently divided with 32 Democrats and 31 Republicans, but five renegade Democrats caucus with the Republicans to exercise greater leverage for themselves and their districts.

Please click here to RSVP for the meet and greet with Mr. Magistrale.  For more information you can email us at [email protected].