Will Walcott And UFT Agree On "Reforms"?

The union says no:

As late as last Friday, Bloomberg was still indicating that Walcott was involved in every move the administration made in the school system.

"Dennis has been [here] from day one," the mayor said on his weekly radio show. "Both Cathie Black and Joel Klein reported to the mayor through Dennis. He's been a part of all these discussions."

Except one.

Walcott has a deserved reputation for being unflappable, no matter how tense the circumstance.

He also has a relationship with teachers-union chief Mike Mulgrew.

That has led to some speculation that he might have a better shot than Black at reaching an accord with Mulgrew on some of the reforms proposed by the mayor.

Both sides say that's not likely.

"That sounds like wishful thinking," said an administration source.

"No," was the blunt answer from a union official.

Again I say, just because the messenger has changed doesn't mean the message has changed.

Mulgrew and the UFT should know that.

I'm sure they do.

Nonetheless, I always look for the UFT to pull defeat out of victory, so you never know with these guys.