Bagolie Seeks Elizabeth Education Association (EEA) Presidency - Looks to Oust Long Time Incumbent

Elizabeth, NJ, March 03, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Rosaura "Rosy" Bagolie, Candidate for Elizabeth Education Association (EEA) Presidency, looks to oust the long time incumbent Rose Carreto. A teacher at school # 23 she campaigs under the slogan, A New Voice; A New Vision; New Leadership.

The stakes in this union election could not be higher as teachers work through lunch, stay late or work from home to process the ever increasing reporting requirements and additional paperwork mandated by the District. "Read the papers, teachers and our union are under attack as Governor Christie wants to cut our pensions, freeze our salaries and weaken the tenure system," says Bagolie, "And now, more than ever, we need vibrant, creative and outspoken new leadership to fight the anti-teacher union busting initiatives which will most certainly be coming out of Trenton."

Candidate Bagolie observed, "Elizabeth's teachers and staff have been forced to work longer and harder without additional compensation or appreciation while the Elizabeth Board of Education backed New Jersey's present Governor who has advocated cutting teacher benefits." She went on to say, "Many members are also troubled that the EEA seemed to follow the Board's lead and lacked real and representative leadership on this most critical issue. Where was the EEA 'Hot Alert' before the election urging members to reject gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie's anti-teacher, union busting and contract breaking policies? There was none. Why? Because the Elizabeth Board of Education was backing Governor Christie," advises Bagolie.

The lines of battle have shifted. "Our Union has enjoyed the benefit of 12 years of teacher friendly Democratic Gubernatorial leadership which has now changed to an anti-union Governor who, by his words and actions, is apparently aligned with our Administration, and they with the Governor. I am willing to stand with you to fight this new battle for our pensions, our professionalism and our dignity. I will be vocal and fight for myself and, if permitted in so doing, fight for all of the EEA," said Bagolie.

Members speculate if this hardworking teacher can defy the odds and get elected. Mrs. Bagolie has been defying the odds her whole life and is a true example of the American success story. Like so many in Elizabeth, she came to this country as a small child from a poor working class family, with no knowledge of English. A product of the Elizabeth School System, she excelled in high school graduating near the top of her class and then moved on to Seton Hall University where received her BA, her Masters and is a dissertation away from obtaining her Doctorate in Education. She has taught nearly every grade and also developed the CDA curriculum now used at Union County College which has helped dozens of Elizabeth's para-professionals obtain their certifications.

A large turnout is expected of teachers, staff and union supporters who want to see change at the EEA at the Bagolie Campaign Kickoff Event, 6pm Thursday March 4th at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Union Ave. "Anyone who knows me will tell you that I am a fighter - a teacher passionate about the issues we hold dear; dedicated to protecting and preserving our members' rights and we cannot afford a business-as-usual attitude or else we will be forced to surrender many of the rights we, and those before us, have fought so long and hard for," said Bagolie. The union election takes place on March 29 and 30. Visit Vote-Bagolie.com for more information on upcoming events or send questions to RosauraBagolie@gmail.com.

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