Democratic candidates visited Decatur County last week

SPEAKING AT A FORUM for Democratic candidates who attended a meet-and-greet at the Kirbo Center at Bainbridge College on Thursday, are, from the left, R.J. Hadley, Ted Snell, a representative for Sanford Bishop, David Holt, Gail Buckner, Darryl Hicks, Marjean Boyd, David Poythress, Brian Westlake, Michael Mills, Beth Farokhi and Dubose Porter.


Democratic candidates running for local, regional and statewide offices gathered at the Kirbo Center on Thursday to talk with a small group of potential voters.

The candidates visited Bainbridge to attend a meet-and-greet sponsored by the Decatur County Democratic Party.

Read here: The Post-Searchlight | Democratic candidates visit

Endorsement for State School Superintendent: Brian Westlake (D-Decatur)

Education is at a critical point in Georgia now. The only state that's furloughing Teachers, schools having to cut programs just to meet their budgets, funding for education (QBE) continues to get slashed by the republican-controlled legislature & governor Sonny Perdue.

The livelihood of our public schools are at stake & its time Georgia send someone to the office of State School Superintendent to fix our ailing school systems & help our teachers succeed as much as possible.

Kathy Cox (R) the incumbent time as State School Superintendent has not been a good one, with Ga's Test Scores ranking in the bottom five, one time at 49th ahead of only South Carolina. I'm not going to waste time going on & on with the leadership of Kathy Cox at School Superintendent.

That's why Peanut Politics is proudly endorsing Brian Westlake (D) for State School Superintendent.





Brian has been an active member of the Georgia Association of Educators, serving in elected positions at various levels—including representing the organization nationally. He is a award winning high school social studies teacher with over a decade of experience in Georgia public schools & is a product of Georgia's Public School System Himself.

Westlake served in the U.S Marine Corps, where he worked in military intelligence.

Westlake was one of four children that was raised by a single mother after the illness of his father. Westlake wants to invest in early childhood education, expand technical & vocational options & as a current school teacher himself, he feels eachers must be treated like professionals in which he says those who are in the classroom everyday working with our children must have a voice in the development of the policies that affect their profession.

Westlake has been endorsed by:

Former GAE President Ralph Noble
State Reps. Lee Thompson, Stephanie-Stuckey-Benfield
GAE Democratic Caucus

And others as well in his bid to become Georgia's Next State School Superintendent.

This was not a easy decision, with Beth Farokhi also in the race with her wealth or experience, but Ga Schools would be served best if we had a current Teacher at the Helm of reforming our schools. Westlake's youth, vision & and experiences as a public school teacher is what Georgia needs at the moment as schools across the state face uncertain future & Rural Schools will benefit from having Westlake as its next State School Superintendent

Westlake receives Martin Badge of Courage

Presser from Brian Westlake, (D) Candidate for State School Superintendent


With the release of The Georgia Association of Educator's endorsement, I have become the most recent recipient of Joe Martin's Badge of Courage.

When Martin ran for this office in 1998 and lost, he did not receive GAE's endorsement. At the time, Martin referred to GAE's rejection of his candidacy as a "Badge of Courage."




I have been told that GAE's decision to endorse Martin came down to one vote. Unfortunately, a small group of party insiders endorsed the one candidate who has avoided traveling around the state and listening to voters with his last minute entry into the race. Maureen Downey suggested in her AJC blog that some would see Martin as an education reformer. Given his lack of any previous classroom experience, Martin style reform represents a continuation of the kind of top-down policy making that does not respect classroom teachers.




An endorsement of Martin is an endorsement of failed policies of the past. I am surprised that the leadership of GAE has such short memories when it comes to how teachers have been treated.




It is a slap in the face to educators across the state that this organization--which is supposed to represent educators--just endorsed the only non-educator and non-GAE member in the race. In fact, Martin, who touts his business experience, had the law changed in 1998 to eliminate teaching experience as a requirement for the State School Superintendent position.




Teachers across the state are suffering from years of failed anti-teacher policies. This July, Democrats have a chance to elect a candidate who has felt that suffering firsthand and knows how to end it. Joe Martin is not that candidate.




The Democratic Party is strongest when it cultivates its grassroots heritage. This tradition was best demonstrated when I received the unanimous endorsement of the Democratic Caucus of GAE at this year's spring convention. The caucus is comprised of classroom educators such as myself (Please visit www.brianwestlake.com and listen to the audio from the convention). Below is just a sample of the support that my campaign has gained over the past year. Please visit our website to add your name.




Charlie Hicks, Past President of GAE

Ralph Noble, Past President of GAE

Cheryl Sarvis, Past President of GAE, GAE Board

Demetria Williams, President Elect of Georgia School Counselors Assoc.

Bob Cribbs, Former Director of Government Relations for GAE

Sid Chapman, Vice-President Elect of GAE

Charlotte Booker, Secretary-Treasurer Elect of GAE, GAE Board

Donna Aker, Co-President of Gwinnett County Assoc. of Educators

Lea Ogozelec, President of Fulton County Assoc. of Educators

Karen Solheim, President of Oconee County Assoc. of Educators, GAE Board

Emily Davis, Co-President of Baldwin Assoc. of Educators, GAE Board

Lawrence Powers, Past President of GAE Retired

Michael Poore, Past President of Cobb County Assoc. of Educators

LaNelle Holland, Past President of Carroll County Assoc. of Educators

Elizabeth Gould, Past President of Murray Assoc. of Educators

Al Pride, Executive Officer of the Organization of DeKalb Educators

Doris Glover, Organization of DeKalb Educators, GAE Board

Cheryl Willis, President of Richmond County Assoc. of Educators, GAE Board

Cyril Hamption, GAE Board

Willie T Green, Vice President, Clayton Education Assoc.

Rand Bissell, Director Teachers' Alliance of GA

Scott Wilson, National Board Certified Teacher

Randy Archer, Mathematics Teacher

John Roper, Teacher

Amy Pelissero, Teacher

Shiona Drummer, Teacher

Jameela Reed, Teacher

Glenda Young, Teacher

Paul Spitzer, Teacher

Ann Mauney, GAE Retired

Martin McConaughy, Retired Teacher

Victoria Conway, Teacher

Brenda Constan, Retired Teacher

Laura Sweeny, Teacher

Dr. Teresa Jacobs, Exec. Director, Education Designs, Inc.

Norman Markel, Retired College Professor

Rick Breault, Professor of Education, Kennesaw State Univ.

Tom Peterson, Professor of Education, U of West GA

Joe DeVitis, Professor of Education, Georgia College and State Univ.

Linda Lewin-DeVitis, Progressive Educator

Senator Curt Thompson

Rep. Stephanie Stuckey-Benfield

Rep. Lee Thompson

Rep. Hugh Floyd

Brian Westlake continues to rack up the endorsements

Demetria Williams, the incoming president of the Georgia School Counselors Association, offered her support and endorsement to Brian Westlake and his candidacy for state school superintendent.

"We need a state school superintendent who understands the issues facing Georgia's teachers and counselors. Brian Westlake gets it. He understands the need for counselors in our schools and the vital role we play in shaping our children's future. I wholeheartedly support his candidacy, and I look forward to working with Brian as our next state school superintendent," stated Williams.
"I am grateful for the endorsement of such a dedicated professional as Demetria Williams," Westlake said. "Throughout our state, school counselors are not receiving the support they need to serve our children. Many counselors are being taken away from their critical role with students and reassigned to administrative or testing-related duties. As your state school superintendent, I will work hard to ensure that these trained professionals get the respect and support they deserve."

Hicks Endorses Brian Westlake for State School Superintendent

From Westlake Campaign on May 7:

Past Georgia Association of Educators President (GAE) Charlie Hicks added his name to the growing list of people endorsing Brian Westlake for State School Superintendent.

Regarded as a legend by many GAE members, Mr. Hicks was a leading voice during the merger of two racially segregated teachers organizations in order to create GAE in 1970.

After the merger, Mr. Hicks went on to serve as the president of the new association. He has remained an active member of GAE and has this to say about Westlake," I have observed Brian Westlake over a period of years. I feel that he is a sincere person with great potential and will serve well as State School Superintendent of our great state of Georgia. I am pleased to support Brian and endorse him."
Mr. Hicks is the third past president of GAE to endorse Brian as he seeks the Democratic nomination for State School Superintendent.

"I am humbled by such kind words from someone who has done so much to improve the lives of so many Georgians. I am inspired by individuals like Charlie Hicks who selflessly laid a solid foundation upon which we must continue to build a bright future for generations to come," replied Westlake.

State School Superintendent Candidate Brian Westlake Captures Huge Endorsement

Last week the Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) met in Atlanta for its 2010 Spring Conference and Representative Assembly. During the conference, the GAE Democratic Caucus voted unanimously to get behind Brian Westlake and his campaign for State School Superintendent.

The treasurer of the caucus, Brenda Bryan, presided over the meeting and said, "Brian has the full support of the caucus. We are excited to have the opportunity to vote for a fellow teacher and GAE member in the upcoming election."
"A major focus of this campaign has always been about empowering teachers as professionals." replied Westlake. "It means the world to me to have support from such a politically active caucus."

"Brian has demonstrated a commitment to this organization and what it stands for. We are ready to support his campaign and get out the vote," added LaNelle Holland, who served as chair of the caucus at the time of the vote.

The Georgia Association of Educators is dedicated to improving the public education system in Georgia. With over 40,000 members statewide it is one of the largest grassroots organizations in the state.


Former U.S. Marine and current classroom teacher, Brian Westlake is seeking the Democratic nomination for State School Superintendent

Brian Westlake gets another endorsement.

Press release from Westlake Campaign:

Clayton County Education Association President Sid Chapman endorses Democrat Brian Westlake in his bid for State School Superintendent.


As part of his endorsement Sid is quoted as saying, " I am delighted and honored to personally endorse Brian Westlake as State School Superintendent. I have known Brian for a number of years and have found him to be sincerely concerned with the condition of public education in Georgia. As a classroom teacher, he will bring the needed voice for Georgia educators and strong leadership to the office. Brian Westlake is a visionary and possesses the ability to bring real change to Georgia schools."


"I am especially proud to have Sid's support in this campaign." Replied Westlake, "Everytime a fellow teacher endorses my campaign I am reminded of why I am running--to bring positive change to our public schools."


Both Mr. Chapman and Brian attended the Georgia Association of Educators' Spring Representative Assembly this weekend in Atlanta.

Westlake faces Beth Farokhi in the democratic primary for state school superintendent

Westlake Get another Endorsement

Brian Westlake, candidate for State School Superintendent received the endorsement of State Representative Lee Thompson (D-Lawrenceville).

Rep. Lee Thompson is quoted as saying," Brian would make an outstanding State School Superintendent. His experience as a classroom teacher, common sense and intelligence would serve the State of Georgia well."

"I am humbled to have the support of Rep. Thompson. I look forward to working with him as we solve Georgia's education problems." Westlake replied in response to the endorsement.

Former U.S. Marine and current classroom teacher, Brian Westlake is seeking the Democratic nomination for State School Superintendent.

Brian holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and a Master of Science Degree in Sociology from Florida State University. He also received a Juris Doctor from Georgia State University's College of Law and a Master of Public Administration from the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies.

Legacy of Kathy Cox

From Brian Westlake candidate of State School Superintendent

This weekend I traveled to South Georgia and heard the needs of the parents and teachers of our rural communities. It was shocking to hear what is going on in many of our state's school systems.

I heard stories of bus routes that will be eliminated because of budget cuts. In one case, a school will no longer be able to pick up a child in the morning because he lives too far into the Okefenokee Swamp.

I listened to proud parents talk about how their child is excelling in the local 4-H program--only to fear that it won't be around next year.

Most troubling was the school closings. Not the prospect of such closings, but the actual shutting of the doors. I am speaking of the Ware County School of Agricultural, Forestry and Environmental Sciences, a magnet school that was named one of the nation's top performing schools in 2009 and is in the top ten for test scores in the state, but which will now be closed due to financial reasons. In 2007, firefighters fought back the flames of a forest fire trying to save this school. Now, just three years later, their efforts are lost, and the doors of that public school will be shut for good.

That local superintendents have to consider such decisions is a testament to just how damaging the years of cuts have been for our public school systems.

What I heard most often was confusion about the lack of leadership at the state level. "I don't understand what's going on. Why did Kathy Cox let it get to this point? She is doing nothing," said one Clinch County teacher.

School closings, teacher furloughs, and successful school programs being eliminated: this is the legacy of our current state school superintendent.

Former Georgia Association of Educators President Ralph Noble endorses Brian Westlake for State School Superintendent

Ralph Noble, former President of the Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) and Vice President of the Whitefield Education Association endorsed candidate Brian Westlake in his campaign to become the State School Superintendent.

In his endorsement Mr. Noble stated, “Brian has the knowledge and the passion to stand up for real education reform in Georgia and to stop the ideology based madness now masquerading as reform in this state. As a classroom teacher and an education activist he has committed to this race for the right reasons – to make education in Georgia better for the 1.75 million children of this state.”

Former U.S. Marine and current classroom teacher Brian Westlake responded to Mr. Noble’s endorsement by saying, “I am humbled and grateful to have the support of such a respected educator. My campaign is about bringing a fundamental change to the way our state treats its teachers and educates our children—something Ralph Noble has also spent a great deal of time and effort working on.”
For nearly ten years, Brian has been teaching high school social studies in Georgia public schools.

Brian holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and a Master of Science Degree in Sociology from Florida State University. He also received a Juris Doctor from Georgia State University’s College of Law and a Master of Public Administration from the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies