At a Valley Interfaith Project's fall gathering in east Phoenix on Tuesday night, more than 300 voters had a chance to hear from David Garcia, who is running to become the state's new school chief.
As usual, his opponent, Diane Douglas, was a no-show despite organizers placing half a dozen calls to her office asking for her participation. New Times has also been unsuccessful in reaching Douglas.
In one of his two television ads, Garcia -- using a description of Douglas in an editorial by the Arizona Republic -- says that Douglas has as much knowledge about education as a cardboard cutout.
See also: -Diane Douglas, Candidate for Superintendent, Finally Faces Opponent David Garcia -Garcia Lands AZ Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's First-Ever Political Endorsement -Garcia Endorsed by Three Former AZ Schools Chiefs in Bid for State Superintendent
Watch the 15 second spot which highlights that Douglas is "too extreme" and "unqualified" to run our schools:
In a second ad, Garcia -- who is a professor at Arizona State University and teaches the PhD and Masters level students who go on to become academic researchers, superintendents and principals at local schools -- quickly runs through his resume.
Watch that spot:
Douglas is a Tea Party extremists who calls Common Core, which is a national standard in math and reading for K through 12 students, "a threat to the future of a free America," a federal "takeover" and "invasion" into public education by President Barack Obama.
Of course, you won't find that information her shiny new general election website -- but you can still see remnants of the real Douglas on web archives, like the WayBackMachine.
Her new, slick website omits the Obama-take over rhetoric. In fact, it doesn't say much of anything.
Under the tab "My Record and News," anyone who wants to know anything about Douglas' view on Arizona education, issues and solutions will find this:
Got a tip? Send it to: Monica Alonzo.
Follow Valley Fever on Twitter at @ValleyFeverPHX. Follow Monica Alonzo on Twitter at @MAD_Blogger.
