Election 2009: Ruberto Issues Challenge For Education Debate
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — James Ruberto has issued a challenge to candidate Dan Bianchi for a debate on how to achieve the highest possible quality of education in Pittsfield."Dan had earlier confined his campaign to only three debates, and I was never comfortable that three would provide ample opportunity to speak to key issues in the depth that the people of Pittsfield deserve," said Ruberto, who is running for a fourth term as mayor.
"In fact, I have already agreed to participate in a fourth debate sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and WBRK, and now I am requesting that he debate me on the very important topic of education."
"I'm proud of the educational investments we have made in the past six years, reversing the tide of teacher layoffs approved by Dan Bianchi in budgets prior to me being mayor,” he continued. "We have changed the budgeting priorities in this city, with public safety and teachers now at the top.
"At the same time we have strengthened our police department and kept all of our fire stations open, we have added more than 40 teachers, aides and curriculum coaches. MCAS scores are rising, and so is the graduation rate."
Ruberto said the date and time of the education debate would be set as soon as possible.
Submitted by the Campaign to Elect James Ruberto
