Educators Denounce Sinema and Schapira's 'Reckless,' 'False' Attacks

PHOENIX – Four prominent local Democrats who serve on school boards today announced their support for Andrei Cherny, and strongly denounced what they called "reckless and false attacks" from Cherny's opponents.

Beth Brizel and Ellen Shamah serve on the Kyrene Elementary School Governing Board, whose schools teach 18,000 public school students in Chandler, Tempe and Ahwatukee.  Sherri Connell serves on the Tempe Elementary board, whose schools teach 12,000 public school students.  Tempe's Sue Knudson formerly served on the Kyrene board.

"We're familiar with all three candidates, and Andrei Cherny is without doubt the strongest supporter of local public schools," said Brizel, Shamah and Connnell said.  "We know that when it comes to improving education, Andrei will get real results for our community, and he’ll help get our students on the right track."

The educators also criticized the campaigns of Kyrsten Sinema and David Schapira, who have falsely accused Cherny of supporting private school vouchers.

"Reckless and false attacks don't do our children any good," they said.  "Those who distort a person's education record in a campaign like this only show they care more about playing politics than truly dedicating themselves to our community's future."

This isn't the first time community leaders have sharply criticized Sinema and Schapira for making false attacks.

Many prominent education leaders have already endorsed Cherny for Congress.  Last week, former state Rep. Rae Waters spoke out against Sinema's false attack, saying that "lies have no place in the Democratic Party."