Friday, March 26, 2004.

"We live in strange times," New York City Comptroller William Thompson told the RA Friday morning.

While almost everyone agrees that one of the most important priorities for the state, cities and counties is education, that "never translates into fair pay and fair, fair treatment and real respect for teachers," Thompson said.

Thompson, who was president of the New York City Board of Education for almost five years, said he has earned a reputation for collaborating with the teachers union because "what teachers want is what's best for children."

A possible candidate for mayor next year, Thompson urged the RA to rally vigorously in support of the UFT and other NYSUT locals working without a contract.

"Teach a lesson in unity," he said.