Assemblyman Tom Torlakson made an appearance at a house party Thursday night to promote his candidacy for State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Hosted by Suzan Solomon, the gathering was attended by a smattering of educational players from across the valley, including those from parent and teacher organizations, school board members, school administrators and unions. Even a hopeful City Council candidate attended to see what the career politician had to say.

Torlakson has made a name for himself in Sacramento during a 14-year stint in both the Assembly and the Senate by championing healthy lifestyles and authoring legislation to support school construction funding and a landmark bill regulating safety inspections on permanent amusement park rides.

Since he is termed out from the Legislature, Torlakson decided to return to his roots – he taught high school science for 10 years and coached track for 25 – in hopes of leading California’s education system.

“I believe we have great school and great teachers and parents who are yearning for the best for their kids,” he said. “But the state of California has let the schools down by a great degree by not funding them adequately or cutting back the funding. Overall, our test scores are dropping and, compared to other states, we’re in the lowest ranks. I’m upset about that.”

Asked if he planned on using any classroom techniques to turn around the budget- and mandate-challenged schools, he smiled broadly.

“Of course,” he answered. “I remember hands-on learning as the best way to captivate the attention of my students. I want to motivate young people through career technical education and equip all of our schools with computers so students have access to learn the skills they will need in the global marketplace.”

His years of negotiating on the Assembly and Senate floors won’t go to waste either.

“I’m a good team leader and team builder. To solve anything in education, you’re going to have to get business and labor together; Democrats and Republicans together. I’m good at making strong teams.”