Superintendent of Public Instruction

[Kevin Spidel]

Mead (former Republican - ousted out of the party) vs. Williams (former Teach for America)

DFA and PDA Activists are discussing this race here: http://spidel.net/blog/?p=123

What are your thoughts?

[NoodleBoy]

1. I don't know either of the candidates views well at all, but from a purely

mercenary standpoint, having a former Republican run for statewide office during a year when Republicans are losing popularity could swing the 2006 election for us, even with the gay marriage amendment and the other Republican dirty tricks we'll have to face.

[blondeatlast]

2. I gotta go with Mead. If nothing else, he has the stuff to attract

both moderates and liberals; it's going to take someone like that to beat bullHorne. Let's just say, when it comes to SPI, I'm firmly in the ABH camp.

He has a strong commitment to public schools, wants to see vouchers ended, and most of all, wants AIMS rescinded--a particular bee in my behind.

My son is a victim of "teach to the test." Anyone with a realistic chance of beating it has to win my vote (and energy).

I spend up to one hour past class and homework time with my son teaching him what his otherwise excellent public school hasn't got time for thanks to AIMS. Minor stuff--like cursive writing, social studies--it's a good thing it's nothing ESSENTIAL... :sarcasm:

I've already volunteered for his campaign. Horne has GOT to go or I may be forced (God help me, I really mean this) to home school or send him to a very good charter school near Mr. BAL's work.

I'm a frim believer in public education, but with the social Darwinism that is life in Shrubland, survival comes first. I gotta watch out for my kid first, I'm sorry to say.