Parker Gets U.F.T. Endorsement

The state’s fiscal crisis is being cited as one reason the United Federation of Teacher is endorsing Democratic State Senator Kevin Parker of Brooklyn, who is facing a three-way Democratic primary.

“Now, more than ever, we need leaders like Senator Parker,” Randi Weingarten, president of the union, said in a public statement. “With an economic crisis looming, it’s good to know that we have such a firm believer in public education representing us in Albany.”

In dealing with the state’s fiscal crisis, Governor David Paterson is urging spending reductions across the board, and has said no option is off the table. That means a reduction in education spending is possible and it's probably among the topics unions are discussing with lawmakers who seek an endorsement.

Parker is running against term-limited City Council members Simcha Felder and Kendall Stewart.