Friday, March 26, 2004.

L-R, Vicki Buccellato, UFT; State Comptroller Alan Hevesi; Mona Jelks, UFT; and Diana Manz, UFT.

Some politicians believe it's good strategy to target teachers, State Comptroller Alan Hevesi told RA delegates Friday morning. But that's a mistake, because teachers strike back.

And, he added, the teachers' agenda is the right one. That agenda includes "sufficient resources for smaller classes, well-trained teachers, and support for teachers, good buildings and parental involvement. And all this other extraneous debate - if it ignores these fundamental principles - is betraying the kids of this state."

NYSUT President Tom Hobart impishly pointed out in his introduction of the popular comptroller that Hevesi's margin of victory in his 2002 election was equal to the number of NYSUT members. Hevesi thanked teachers for their support and for "dedicating your lives to the most noble of professions."

Hevesi himself was a teacher before he entered politics.