AEA Candidate Forum Speech

If you were unable to make it to the AEA office to hear the candidates speak, here is what Leigh Hawkinson said to the membership:

My name is Leigh Hawkinson and I am running once again for AEA President. It has been a several years since I was involved in the Association to any great degree. When I decided in 2002 not to seek re-election and return to a school site, I thought it best for the new leaders to establish themselves and forge their own path. When things went off track several years ago with AEA, I faced medical issues which prevented me from getting back involved. I am pleased to say that I have resolved those issues and am ready, willing and able to step back into the Presidency.

As your President, I will bring back the respect and authority of AEA. We have lost that altogether these past years. It will take someone with proven experience and knowledge to make this happen. I am in the unique position of having been the campaign manager for our newest Board member, Art Kaspereen and worked closely with the other Board Members. I have frequent and meaningful conversations with them and we work from a position of mutual respect. Additionally, I am not afraid to take on any and all administrators. We have been bullied by them long enough. It is imperative that we re-establish a position of strength or we will continue to be treated unfairly.

A cornerstone of my previous tenure was regular school site visits and numerous informative member communications. I will continue both of these as your President. I will work diligently to use our dues money responsibly and effectively organize for crisis. I will also represent our association at the state and national levels. My record clearly shows that I can effectively accomplish all of this and more. Additionally, I have an extensive knowledge of the contract and legal issues which affect our jobs everyday. As President, I initiated and won every grievance filed by the Association.

In closing I want to say that always foremost in my mind is and will be my duty to fairly and equally represent ALL members. My motto has been and will continue to be “An injury to one is an injury to all!” I appreciate your vote.