Professor runs for House seat
By Daniel Oliveira
Daily Forty-Niner
Cal State Long Beach political science
professor Kenneth Graham plans to improve the educational system if he
wins the next congressional election in November 2000.
This is Graham's first attempt at a congressional
seat.
"We're a very large state, and we have
the ability to influence the nation," Graham said.
"But when it comes to education, we are
far behind."
Graham, Democrat running for the 38th Congressional
District, said the government needs to reinvest the national treasury's
money into schools.
The district is home to Long Beach, Downey,
Norwalk and Compton.
Graham, also a retired U.S. Marine, said
California spends $35,000 a year to incarcerate an inmate, as opposed to
$5,800 to educate a child.
"We need to find a way to change this priority,
to change this equation," he said.
If elected, Graham said he plans to raise
teachers' salaries, modernize schools, reduce class sizes and improve education.
"To see children in the university level
who cannot read or write is an indication of failure," Graham said.
Political science senior Jasmin Brown,
who is one of Graham's students, said she thinks the professor will do
well as a congressman because of his background in law, legislation and
public policy.
"He's been one of the best influences I
have had here on campus as a teacher," Brown said.
"I think he can contribute that to the
community as well."
Political science major Ken Pacheco agreed.
"He is an excellent teacher," he said.
"He has very strong beliefs supporting the issues he believes in."
Based on his experience at CSULB, Graham
said many students lack analytical and critical thinking skills.
He said students should analyze what is
being taught instead of just reading books or recording lectures.
"Students are often given a piece of the
puzzle and are expected to solve the problem," he said.
"There are no critical thinking skills."
Besides education reform, Graham's goals
as congressman include tax reductions, health-care reform, a minimum wage
increase and eliminating flood insurance.
CSULB President Robert Maxson said he supports
Graham in his pursuit for the congressional seat.
"I'm very supportive of any of our professors
who is involved in civic activities," Maxson said.
Graham will face some fierce competition
as he competes with other Democratic candidates in the primary election
on March 7. If he wins, Graham may challenge incumbent Republican candidate
Steve Horn, a former CSULB president.
Graham said Horn and the Republicans have
missed opportunities in passing critical legislation, including gun control
and minimum wage laws.
He said Horn has focused much of his attention
on trying to impeach President Bill Clinton than serving the interest of
the people in his district.
"I'm not going to attack congressman Horn
personally," Graham said.
"I'm going to attack his record, as I will
do likewise on my opponents."
Political committees, teachers' organizations
and democratic parties are expected to fund Graham's campaign, he said.
He declined to say how much he has received
so far.
"I can assure you that I haven't received
enough," Graham said.
"But I will not receive anything in excess
of what is authorized by the campaign regulations." |
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