Governor Edwards held his first Ask the Governor call-in radio show on Wednesday since he was sworn in for a second-term and discussed the election of Gonzales Representative Clay Schexnayder as House Speaker. Edwards clashed numerous times with House leadership in his first term, but believes it will be different this time around.
“Not that the House is going to agree with everything I’ll propose or that I’ll agree with everything they want to do, but I think we now have a real. real good shot to work together,” said Edwards.
Edwards pushed Democrats in the state legislature to stay together and vote for Schexnayder as House Speaker over Sherman Mack from Livingston Parish.
Edwards also says he did not shed a tear when Superintendent of Education John White announced he’s stepping down.
“I did not shed a tear, I’ve had basic philosophic issues since the beginning,” said Edwards.
The First Lady is a teacher, so the governor has aligned himself with teacher unions and has objected to White’s support for charter schools, vouchers and the new policies put in place to evaluate teachers.
But Edwards has thanked White for his eight years of service.
The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education will meet today at 10 AM to discuss selecting a new Superintendent. Edwards says it’s a great opportunity.
“Certainly it gives us an opportunity to highlight education and central role in promoting opportunity and prosperity and that’s something I take very seriously,” said Edwards.
