A Bridges4Kids Interview with Jennifer Granholm

Royal Oak – August 2, 2002

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           Speaking to a crowd of 150 on the lawn of the Royal Oak Public Library, Michigan Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate,  Jennifer Granholm, emphasized her support for education and for giving a voice to those with disabilities and special needs. 

            Holding 2 ½ year old Alex Conflitti she said, “This is not about me.  This is about Alex.  Children are 30% of our population, but they are 100% of our future.”  Speaking of the disability community she repeated the slogan “nothing about us without us” and said, “We want you at the table.  We are going to rebalance the political landscape.  We are going to have a Michigan that reflects all of us.”

            Later she commented on the role that parents play in education:

            “Parent involvement in education is critical.  We know that outcomes for children improve with meaningful parental involvement and this is especially true for our students with disabilities and special needs or those who are considered at-risk.

            “I want to bring parents and educators together with our community leaders to focus on how we can best prepare our children for life after graduation and for meaningful participation in this great democracy.

            “ALL of our children,” she emphasized, “are important to our future and we need to do a better job of examining the attitudes and judgments that hold them back and a better job of focusing on possibility and not disability.”

            She urged supporters to vote on August 6 in the primary election, explaining that they can vote in either the Democratic or Republican primary, but not both and reminding them that if they “split their vote” by voting for candidates from both parties, their vote will not be counted.

            Also in attendance at the rally was State Board of Education candidate, Elizabeth “Liz” Bauer.  Liz , the Executive Director of Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service from 1981-2001, emphasized her long career in support of diversity and strong support of public education.  State Board of Education candidates will be selected by precinct delegates at party conventions later this month.