"As I have indicated in the protocol, I will, on a weekly basis, comment on some of the postings on this site. This week, I received a number of interesting postings. I appreciate the comments of my former Republican opponent, Will Lyster (he ran against Kay Slaughter and me for City Council in 1994). I am sure he understands that my support for raising teacher salaries to the national average does not imply any lack of support for the work of Virginians in other jobs and professions. Like Will, I do not believe that the solution to our educational problems necessarily involves "throwing more money" at the problem. I do, however, believe that much of the magic in education occurs in the classroom, and the ability to recruit and retain the best teachers is at the core of what we should be doing in Charlottesville, in Albemarle, and throughout the Commonwealth. I believe Will understands that teachers do not have the right to strike and few teachers argue for that option. Finally, I do not favor educational vouchers because I believe that, in their present form, the would simply undermine the system of public education as we know it."

"I also received an interesting posting from Jan Cornell, who has been very active with the staff union at UVA. She raised a question related to the Higher Education Restructuring bill that was recently passed by he General Assembly. I would encourage readers to review the "Issues" portion of my website, where I have taken the position of general support for the goals of the Higher Education Restructuring bill, as they apply to UVA and the other institutions of higher education throughout the Commonwealth. I understand the concerns of Ms. Cornell and a number of other groups and individuals, and I share many of those concerns. I believe that bringing those issues to the General Assembly has allowed for the creation of a better bill than was initially on the table. I believe that Gov. Warner further improved the measure, and his revisions received considerable support in the General Assembly. Much work needs to be done, however, at the upcoming Assembly sessions. I am committed to working with a wide variety of of individuals and organizations who have concerns so that we can incorporate those into the operating agreements that will be negotiated between the various institutions of higher education and the Commonwealth. I am committed to expanding opportunity for employees at UVA and at other institutions, and I am more than willing to meet with a wide variety of citizens to get this accomplished." David Toscano | April 11, 2005

"Dear Mr. Toscano-I am wondering where you stand on labor issues, unions, living wage. The University of Virginia as you know is in your district. 17,000 employees. The Staff Union at UVA, in affiliation with the Communications Workers of America, is attempting to organize UVA employees. Since we have no collective bargaining rights our bargaining table is at the General Assembly and in the press. I also understand you were for the "charter" bill, which we are adamently opposed to. So we wonder if we can count on your support as far as worker's rights at UVA, their right to join a union, and a living wage for the contract workers at the University. We have been spoiled with Mitch, he always met with us and always stood on the side of the employees. He never hesitated to jump in to the fray for us. We wonder if you will be willing to do the same. Thanks."
Jan Cornell | April 9, 2005

"Does "raising teacher's salaries to the national average" mean that you value teachers (as a profession) more than other hard-working Virginians. First - I am no fan of public education and throwing more money at it is not the answer! Second, I honestly think it extremely unfair that teachers seem to be more valued in this state politcally than carpenters, mechanics, secretaries, and regular businessmen. Why should teachers be put on such a pedestal and strike if they don't get a raise? Lastly, would you support educational vouchers for those of us who have no faith in our current public education and wish to use our OWN TAX DOLLARS for alternate forms of education - or are you in favor of using our tax dollars to raise our kids the way you see fit?"
Will Lyster | April 6, 2005

"I sent out your views regarding Choice to the local Charlottesville NOW as well as Virginia NOW. Good stuff!"
Jenny Robinson | April 6, 2005

David Toscano 2005, April 11, 2005

Note: Comments on Toscano's site may be rotated with 48 hours of submission.