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chrismark wrote:

"Dan- When you make mention that teachers are paid 70 days full salary for their sick time, you fail to mention that it is merely a long term loan. What you didn't say was that at the end of the year (see above article) teachers with elongated sick time pay back a strong percentage of their wages earned during that time. That is not getting paid full wages."

The article said, and I noted in my comment, that the charge is $18 per sick day. Some years its only a few dollars per day. Teachers earn somewhere around $425 a day (according to sources) and are paid for 180 days no matter what happens. As far as statistics: if you think 18 is a strong percentage of 425, I can't help you there.

I care deeply about the future of our city. I was talking to some people (who I consider well-educated) around Labor Day who told me "that can't be right - 90 days. You better double check that, Dan." So I'm used to being dismissed and told to do more research when what I stated originally was in fact correct. For months I've been asking the questions, talking to people from all sides, doing my research. I've talked to City Council members, School Committee members, the mayor, teachers, and parents. I recently spoke to Michael Pella-Sabourin, the man who created the "I Support Warwick Teachers" sign campaign. We hung out for almost 3 hours talking about all kinds of issues, and it turns out we shared many of the same concerns about the schools and the city. So I'm going about my efforts to bring change to our community the same way I campaigned last fall - one on one talks with community members. Clearly we need more regular people who care about the whole community (not just the RI labor union/Democratic party machine) to bring a voice to government. I am very passionate about the city and our schools, and I'm sorry if my emotions offended you. If you think government in Rhode Island is working just fine for the people, then my opponent would love to get your vote next fall.

Dan Elliott

2016 Independent candidate

State Representative - House District 20