MAVOCKE -- He just got confirmed as the nation's next Education Secretary, but the moment he was confirmed, reporters began asking Max Kiesling if his contentious relationship with POG Governor Ramon Ramos would affect his new job.
Kiesling, POG's former federal senator and secretary of state, has had a difficult relationship with Ramos.
Kiesling and Ramos both vied for the governorship in 2018. Ramos defeated Kiesling and two other candidates in the primary election.
After his primary defeat, Kiesling refused to endorse Ramos in the general election, and the two traded public jabs at each other.
Kiesling accused Ramos of being too partisan and uncivil, while Ramos said Kiesling was a sore loser.
But last week, the Federal Senate approved Kiesling as Grassadellia's next Education Secretary, at President Jim McCaren's request.
The Senate confirmed Kiesling by a vote of 79-17, with ultra-liberal and ultra-conservative senators opposing his nomination largely on ideological grounds.
Immediately though, Kiesling was asked about his feud with Ramos.
"Will your ongoing conflict with Ramon Ramos affect POG's schools system?" asked Duncan Wiley, a reporter from the Lansdale Focus.
"Of course not," said an agitated Kiesling. "Of course not. I have my issues with Ramon, but as Education Secretary, I will always put the students first, the students of every state. Political skirmishes and rivals will not overshadow or impact the work of the Education Department," said Kiesling.
Some lawmakers suggested Kiesling may withhold funds from POG's schools as a way to punish Ramos.
"That's a ridiculous notion, I can't believe you're even asking that," said a clearly irritated Kiesling. "I will never punish our schools, our students, our teachers, our communities by withholding funds or resources. Never."
A spokesperson for Ramos declined to comment on the issue.
As secretary of state, Kiesling was known for being a strong supporter of public schools. He has vowed to continue his support as education secretary.
"Our kids are our future. Every child deserves an opportunity to succeed and learn and grow. And I will do whatever I can, regardless of political battles, to make sure that every child in Grassadellia has the same opportunities to succeed."
President McCaren praised Kiesling as "even-handed" and "truly, authentically bipartisan."
"Max is the right person to improve our schools and to support our kids," said McCaren. "We need good teachers, we need good counselors, secretaries, school janitors, bus drivers, recess monitors. We need all that. But we also need good people at the top, and Max Kiesling is a great pick."
Kiesling, POG's former federal senator and secretary of state, has had a difficult relationship with Ramos.
Kiesling and Ramos both vied for the governorship in 2018. Ramos defeated Kiesling and two other candidates in the primary election.
After his primary defeat, Kiesling refused to endorse Ramos in the general election, and the two traded public jabs at each other.
Kiesling accused Ramos of being too partisan and uncivil, while Ramos said Kiesling was a sore loser.
But last week, the Federal Senate approved Kiesling as Grassadellia's next Education Secretary, at President Jim McCaren's request.
The Senate confirmed Kiesling by a vote of 79-17, with ultra-liberal and ultra-conservative senators opposing his nomination largely on ideological grounds.
Immediately though, Kiesling was asked about his feud with Ramos.
"Will your ongoing conflict with Ramon Ramos affect POG's schools system?" asked Duncan Wiley, a reporter from the Lansdale Focus.
"Of course not," said an agitated Kiesling. "Of course not. I have my issues with Ramon, but as Education Secretary, I will always put the students first, the students of every state. Political skirmishes and rivals will not overshadow or impact the work of the Education Department," said Kiesling.
Some lawmakers suggested Kiesling may withhold funds from POG's schools as a way to punish Ramos.
"That's a ridiculous notion, I can't believe you're even asking that," said a clearly irritated Kiesling. "I will never punish our schools, our students, our teachers, our communities by withholding funds or resources. Never."
A spokesperson for Ramos declined to comment on the issue.
As secretary of state, Kiesling was known for being a strong supporter of public schools. He has vowed to continue his support as education secretary.
"Our kids are our future. Every child deserves an opportunity to succeed and learn and grow. And I will do whatever I can, regardless of political battles, to make sure that every child in Grassadellia has the same opportunities to succeed."
President McCaren praised Kiesling as "even-handed" and "truly, authentically bipartisan."
"Max is the right person to improve our schools and to support our kids," said McCaren. "We need good teachers, we need good counselors, secretaries, school janitors, bus drivers, recess monitors. We need all that. But we also need good people at the top, and Max Kiesling is a great pick."
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