Civil Rights Leaders and Teachers Endorse Nancy Navarro

Following is the press release from the Navarro campaign.

##FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE##
April 8, 2009

Contact: David Moon, Campaign Manager
Email: david@navarroforcouncil.com

Civil Rights Leaders and Teachers Endorse Nancy Navarro
Past Supporters of Council Member Don Praisner Support Navarro’s Candidacy

SILVER SPRING, MD – Today, County Council candidate Nancy Navarro earned the endorsement of civil rights leaders Roscoe Nix and Ruby Rubens, as well as the Montgomery County Federation of Teachers.

Roscoe Nix, a past President of the Montgomery County NAACP, a former member of the Board of Education, and an inductee into the county’s Human Rights Hall of Fame stated, “Nancy Navarro is a leader with a demonstrated track record of standing up for social justice and progressive values. I know that as a member of the County Council she will stand up both for working families and seniors like myself, but she will always strive to make sure all members of our diverse county have a seat at the table. That’s why I endorsed Don Praisner last year, and that is why I am endorsing Nancy Navarro, today.”

Ruby Rubens, another inductee into the Montgomery County Human Rights Hall of fame and a former aide to County Executive Neal Potter, joined Roscoe Nix in endorsing Navarro: “I believe that Nancy has a very progressive but realistic vision for the future of District 4. She will bring a more balanced perspective sorely needed on the County Council.”

Alongside the civil rights leaders, Navarro today earned the endorsement of the Montgomery County Federation of Teachers (MCFT). The group, which often demonstrates its independence from other county unions, has now joined with the teachers of the Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA) in supporting Navarro’s campaign. Notably, MCFT opposed last November’s slots initiative and also endorsed Don Praisner in last year’s special primary. MCFT President, Joseph Monte, stated: “Just as MCFT often stands on principle to demonstrate its independence on policy matters, today we stand with Nancy Navarro and her own commitment to independence and progressive values. Nancy has a track record of supporting our quality public schools, but doing so in a way that will be fiscally responsible.”

Navarro’s elected endorsers include: Congresswoman Donna Edwards, County Council members George Leventhal, Nancy Floreen, Mike Knapp & Valerie Ervin, and Board of Education members Shirley Brandman, Chris Barclay, & Dr. Judy Docca. She has also been endorsed by Progressive Maryland and the Democratic Women’s PAC of Maryland.

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