Cast a vote for education

During his campaign for the 56th District House of Delegates seat, John McGuire has said little about his views on public education, an area in which the decisions of state legislators have a far-reaching impact on our community.
 
McGuire skipped the Mineral Industrial Development Corporation’s debate last week, where his opponent, Melissa Dart, spoke extensively about education for all students and properly funding our schools.
 
Since McGuire has failed to make any substantive policy statements, we must dig deeper for evidence of where he stands. As is so often the case in politics, we must follow the money.
 
McGuire’s top donor, Hanover County businessman Robert Bailie, has given lavishly to efforts to pass school voucher legislation in the General Assembly. According to the Virginia Public Access Project, which tracks political contributions, Bailie has donated more than $1.1 million to the Middle Resolution PAC, a political action committee that has lobbied tirelessly to siphon our tax dollars from public schools and into the pockets of folks who choose to send their children to private institutions.
 
Louisa County’s school system has worked so hard to become one of the top divisions in our area and support from the community, including our taxes, has played an important role. We cannot let politicians and lobbyists, funded by wealthy donors, undercut our teachers’ and administrators’ efforts.
 
When you go to the polls on Nov. 7, cast a ballot to support public education in Louisa County. Cast a ballot for Melissa Dart.
 
Brenda Purcell

Editors Note: This article has been reposted with the author’s permission, and originally appeared in the October 26th edition of the Central Virginian, and is only available online to paying subscribers, or here.