"The Chandler Chamber of Commerce is deeply concerned about the low ranking of the Arizona education system compared to other States,” said the Chandler Chamber’s President/CEO Dave Warkentin. “A Superintendent of Public Instruction must have a vision for how to better the performance of our schools and help Arizona students steadily advance their educational attainment. Based on those criteria we are pleased to endorse Jason Williams.”
“I am pleased with the level of support I have received from groups representing hardworking Arizonans, such as the Internal Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, as well as business leaders like the Chandler Chamber of Commerce,” said Williams. “Improving our schools is critical to attracting quality businesses and increasing job opportunities for hardworking Arizonans. As Superintendent of Public Instruction, I will work to ensure every child has access to excellent public schools that are preparing them to be college- or career-ready when they graduate.”
In 2006, Williams secured the Democratic Party nomination for Superintendent of Public Instruction with a majority of votes in 14 of 15 counties. In the general election against the Republican incumbent, Williams received more votes than any other non-incumbent Democrat in the closest of all the statewide races.
Since then, Williams has continued his work to ensure every child in Arizona has access to a quality public education. He currently serves as a Managing Partner for BlueDynamic and was the founder of AZ School Works. In addition to working with the Roosevelt School District, Williams is a faculty member for Arizona State University’s Beat the Odds Institute Parent Liaison Academy, meets weekly to mentor an eighth grade student through Arizona Quest for Kids, and serves on several education-related Boards of Directors and Advisory Committees, including College Depot, Communities in Schools, Genesis City, and Phoenix Collegiate Academy.
From 2000 - 2005, Williams served as Executive Director of Teach For America (TFA) in Phoenix. During his tenure, local funding for the program doubled, teacher placements increased 150%, and the number of schools and districts partnering with TFA increased 100%. In addition, under his leadership, student achievement levels for the Phoenix program increased significantly, turning the region from TFA’s lowest to its highest performing region in the U.S. in just three years.
The IBEW Local 640 has been providing quality craftsmanship in Arizona since 1925. With Edison’s invention of the first commercially successful incandescent lamp in 1879, the general public became aware of the possibilities of electricity. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers® is as old as the commercial use of electricity itself. It is the oldest, as well as the largest, electrical union in the world. The IBEW has members in both the United States and Canada and stands out among the American unions in the AFL-CIO because it is among the largest and has members in so many skilled occupations.
The Chandler Chamber of Commerce gives businesses access to powerful local resources. They offer networking events, promotional opportunities and publicity for businesses, and they support businesses through legislative advocacy. The Chandler Chamber of Commerce supports business and the Chandler community by providing vital programs and services that attract and retain business while embracing diversity. The Chamber provides a strong business presence at all levels of government to protect and advance business interests.
For more information about Jason Williams, visit www.WilliamsForArizona.com. To learn about the IBEW visit www.ibew640.org. For information on the Chandler Chamber, visit www.chandlerchamber.com.
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