Betty Karnette Endorses Tom Torlakson for California Schools Chief

Betty Karnette
NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release                            Contact: Larry Sheingold
February 4, 2009                                           (916) 457-4480

LONG BEACH, CA – Former State Senator Betty Karnette said today she will end her candidacy for State Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) and endorse Tom Torlakson. Karnette was a public school teacher before being elected to the State Assembly and Senate. She said her 31 years of classroom experience helped shape her decision to serve in the legislature, run for SPI and now to endorse Torlakson, a state legislator with a similar background in education, to that post. The SPI primary election will be June of 2010 with the general election in November. "Tom Torlakson has made quality public education for all of California's children his number one priority throughout his career," Karnette said. "First as a teacher and then as a public leader, Tom has taken on the tough challenges that our schools face and has delivered time and time again for our students." "My goal is and has always been to give students a good start in life. I understand the education system as a lawmaker and as a teacher and I have full confidence that Tom is the candidate we can all count on to make the improvements we need," she said. "I trust him." Torlakson said Karnette’s endorsement is special to him because they worked together to make schools better. "I am deeply honored to have Betty Karnette’s support for State Superintendent of Public Instruction," said Torlakson. "Her achievements on behalf of students are a personal inspiration, and her support means the world to me." Improving our state's public education system has been a top legislative priority for Torlakson, a teacher and coach for more than 25 years. Bills he has authored include a bond act for school building modernization and construction, legislation to create and expand after school programs, a measure to increase funding to our lowest income schools, and efforts to increase funding for textbooks and other instructional materials. While a member of the State Senate, Tom ended his term as the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Tom also chaired the Senate Select Committee on Schools and Community and was a member of the Education Committee and the Transportation and Housing Committee. Torlakson's career in public service began as a science teacher in 1972. As a teacher he served on the Antioch City Council and then went on to serve 16 years on the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors. Torlakson served two terms in the California State Assembly before being elected to the State Senate in 2000. He is currently serving his remaining term in the State Assembly.

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