DALTON, Mass. — Paul Mark, Democratic candidate for state representative in the Second Berkshire district, has received the endorsement of the Massachusetts Teachers Association.
The MTA represents more than 100,000 educators, administrators and education support professionals in public education. Their members work in the field from pre-kindergarten through graduate schools.
"Paul Mark will be an energetic and enthusiastic supporter of students and public education in the Legislature," said MTA President Paul Toner. "As a graduate of our public schools and UMass, he knows the value of a great education. He has seen firsthand how investing in students pays big dividends when they enter the work force, and he understands the impact that our schools and colleges have on our economy and our state’s chances for success in the future."
"The decisions to be made next year regarding the budget and education priorities are going to be very tough," said Mark upon receiving the MTA endorsement. "I'm proud that Mass teachers are confident in my ability to take on such serious responsibilities in the State House."
The endorsement follows two other July endorsements for Mark: Service Employees International Union 509 and the Berkshire Central Labor Council, a coalition of Berkshire County unions with 45 representatives from more than 25 trade groups.
Mark previously received endorsements from 20 other diverse unions including nurses, police officers, ambulance workers, truck drivers, and a variety of building trades. He also got a boost from MassAlliance, a coalition of progressive groups that includes the state chapters of Sierra Club, Young Democrats, and the Massachusetts Gay & Lesbian Political Caucus, among others.
Mark earned several college degrees, including a doctorate and a law degree, while working full time for the phone company. He commuted from the Berkshires to the University of Massachsuetts at Amherst and to Northeastern and Suffolk universities. He is running for the seat being vacated by current Rep. Denis E. Guyer, D-Dalton.
The Second Berkshire district includes part of Pittsfield and 21 towns in Berkshire, Franklin and Hampshire counties.
We show up at hurricanes, budget meetings, high school games, accidents, fires and community events. We show up at celebrations and tragedies and everything in between. We show up so our readers can learn about pivotal events that affect their communities and their lives.
How important is local news to you? You can support independent, unbiased journalism and help iBerkshires grow for as a little as the cost of a cup of coffee a week.
The cities of Pittsfield and North Adams will hold municipal elections for mayor, city council and school committee in 2015
You may vote absentee: if you will be absent from your town or city on election day, have a physical disability that prevents you from voting at the polls or cannot vote at the polls because to religious beliefs.