We felt it was important as we recover from some tough financial times and we begin to add back from the $11 million cuts that we went through 3 years ago to reward some of the teachers, the custodians, the staff, the bus drivers, secretaries and so forth.
(Making the cuts) was a painful time. I am pleased to see us being able to apply relief to those folks who worked with us and stayed with us during that time.
I feel that I'm the strongest candidate to win this seat and keep it in the Democratic column.
I think that hit a nerve with a lot of folks who felt that it was unfair.
It would be interesting to know who's winning.
I've wanted to do this job for a long time. I've thought about it since I was in college and served as an intern for Graham Richard in the Senate.