New teachers union chief ready to ‘engage the fight’

Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval isn't the only Nevada power player starting a new job today.

Monday was also the first day on the job for Gary Peck, the new executive director of the Nevada State Educators Association.

As the state's largest teachers union the association will have a big say in how Sandoval and the Nevada legislature balance the general fund budget.

More than 50 percent of the budget is spent on education and Sandoval has refused to exclude teacher pay from statements about across-the-board cuts needed to balance the budget without raising taxes.

School districts need union concessions in order to reduce teacher pay or implement other education reform, aside from layoffs and other blunt cost-cutting measures.

While Sandoval and many legislators are standing firm on their promise to oppose tax increases, a video posted on YouTube shows Peck, formerly executive director of the ACLU of Nevada, is eager to make his case in Carson City.

Peck said he thinks every kid in the state of Nevada deserves a quality education.

"That is entirely consistent with also insuring that public school educatots are treated with dignity, with respect and treated like the dedicated professionals they are," Peck said in the video.

He added, "I know the legislature is going to be a difficult challenge for all of you as we engage the fight to make sure that public school systems are properly resourced and properly staffed."