Endorsement Letter: Coalition of Asian Pacific American Democrats — MD

August 2006

Dear Montgomery County Resident:

Nothing is more important to Asian Pacific Americans than educational opportunities for our children. Here in Montgomery County, we are blessed with a world class school system. However, there is much that needs to be done to make our schools better places for our children to learn. In the primary election on September 12th and the general election on November 7th, you can cast a vote to improve the schools by voting for Shirley Brandman for Board of Education. Earlier this year, the Coalition of Asian Pacific American Democrats in Maryland (CAPAD-MD) enthusiastically endorsed Shirley Brandman for an at-large position on the Board of Education.

CAPAD-MD is committed to giving Asian Pacific Americans (APAs) a stronger voice in government. We were founded in 1999 by a coalition of Asian Pacific American leaders from the Chinese, Korean, Filipino, Indian, Pakistani, Vietnamese, Thai and other ethnic communities. Over the years, we have worked hard to help APAs on issues relating to healthcare, immigration, education, civil rights, jobs, small business opportunities, housing, crime, and constituency services. We have also helped APAs secure appointments to important government commissions. By voting for Shirley Brandman, you will be adding a strong voice for the APA community to the School Board.

Shirley has been a long time leader in the parent activist community in Montgomery County. She has served as a local PTA President as well as a cluster representative at the county level. During her tenure as the Vice President for Educational Issues with the Montgomery County PTA, Shirley worked with United for All Students, a coalition of child advocacy organizations including the Asian American Parents Advocacy Council. Shirley reached out to representatives from the Asian American parent community to work toward the shared goal of improving educational outcomes for all children. While with the PTA, Shirley often spoke out about the need for increased translation services to facilitate greater parent involvement in the immigrant community.

Shirley's entire professional career has been devoted to representing children. She earned as Master's Degree in Special Education from American University and has worked as a Special Education classroom teacher and tutor. She began her career as an attorney representing children in abuse and neglect cases.

Together these experiences have prepared her well for the challenges of serving on the Board of Education.

In addition, like many APAs, Shirley is a first generation American. Her parents and sister emigrated from Romania in 1960. They came here penniless and not speaking a word of English. Shirley grew up having to translate teacher notes for her parents. She shared these experiences at a recent gathering of LOKA-MD, where Shirley listened to Korean families talk about their children's school experiences in Montgomery County. As a child of immigrants, she understands the importance of reaching out to immigrant families and bridging the language barriers to welcome the participation of more Asian American parents.

Shirley has two sons both attending MCPS schools and is a graduate of Yale University and Yale Law School. She is a proven leader who will be a strong voice on the school board.

For all these reasons, CAPAD-MD enthusiastically supports Shirley Brandman for the Board of Education, and respectfully asks you to vote for her during the primary election on September 12th and the general election on November 7th. If you wish to put up a yard sign or volunteer, please contact Shirley at shirley@brandman4boe.org.

Very truly yours,