Teachers Union 'Unimpressed' With Sully District Race

The Fairfax Education Association threw its weight behind five democrat-endorsed and three Republican-endorsed candidates last week.

But the association, which represents more than 6,000 FCPS employees, chose not to back any candidates in the Sully District race, saying it was not impressed enough with either Democrat-endorsed and incumbent Kathy Smith or Republican-endorsed Sheila Ratnam to make a recommendation.

FEA President Michael Hairston said it was primarily Smith's voting record and her history with teachers that prevented her from winning the association’s endorsement.

“We are looking for some folks who are going to listen and be responsive to the needs of the workforce,” he said.

Democrat Patricia Hynes for the Hunter Mill seat over Republican-endorsed Nancy Linton.

In the at-large race, the association favored democrat-endorsed Ilryong Moon, Republican-endorsed , and who has not been endorsed by either party.

The Fairfax Education Association evaluates candidates on their voting records, if they are an incumbent, their answers to a questionnaire, and interviews conducted by members of the association’s government relations council. 

The association will also be making endorsements for the state legislature. The will be making its own endorsements later this fall.

Dan Storck was chosen over Republican-endorsed Michelle Nellenbach for the Mount Vernon seat, but the union favored Republican-endorsed Louise Epstein for the Dranesville seat over long-time incumbent Jane Strauss.

The union also chose democrat-endorsed Megan McLaughlin for the Braddock seat over her Republican-endorsed challenger Nell Hurley. Both candidates would be newcomers to the board, if elected.

Democrat-endorsed Tamara Derenak Kaufax and incumbent and Democrat-endorsed Sandy Evans, captured the nominations for Lee district and Mason district respectively. Neither faces a challenger in the fall. Republican-endorsed and incumbent Patty Reed, who is running unopposed for the Providence seat was also endorsed by the association.

The union did not endorse candidates running for the Springfield seat on the school board.

In the case of the Springfield seat, where Democrat-endorsed John Wittman faces Republican-endorsed Elizabeth Schultz, Hairston said the association liked both candidates but didn’t favor one over the other. 

“We liked some of what both of them what had to say,” Hairston said. “Our folks can make their choice on that one.”

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Correction: Tamara Derenak Kaufax is endorsed by the Fairfax County Democratic Committee.