Education and Politics - 'Perfect Together?'

Well with the election behind us, I am left wondering, does a person's political
affiliation have an effect on his/her viewpoints regarding education, and
children in general? Whether you consider yourself, right or left, extreme or
moderate, did the turf fields affect your decision when casting your vote for
Mayor and Council?

Let's face it; most people cast their votes, concentrating on how it will affect
their bottom line. But the bottom line is more than just finance; it’s also
about values. We all know that we will be taxed and the taxes will be spent.
The question of where the money is spent, along with how it is distributed, is
the key issue that divides us.

There was a lot of talk about the fields during this past election. Some may even
think that was a key component in how it was decided. Are the children in our
town a priority? They are to me, as well as to many of my fellow parents; but
perhaps not enough of them took the time to voice their opinions.

But I was more intrigued by a discussion that occurred on this between
Pat Rowe and Steve Wells, and continued into the Board Of Education meeting
later that evening. You see, it has always been my understanding that the BOE
was a non-partisan office, but I must say that I've gained a greater
perspective on how political agendas are intertwined.

Let's face it, political endorsements can influence voters. So obviously people in
office, whose names are known, may have an advantage in this area. If you have
faith in a person's position and the job they do, you may be more likely to
follow their advice.

If a person endorses a particular candidate, which I believe is every person’s right to do; and they supply their reasons, it is up to you to decide whether you agree with them.  If they choose not to reveal who they support, well that is also their right as a citizen.  After all, there is a curtain in the voting booth for a reason.

Should a person be “judged” by which candidates they support?  I’m much more likely to evaluate people on what they themselves accomplish, rather than what political party they endorse.  I voted for members of both parties on Tuesday and most likely will continue to do so. 

I will always vote ‘Yes’ for education, and that item should be true for
any member of the BOE as well. With the unions, the state funding formula, and
the unfunded mandates, we will never be able to separate politics from
education.  But, we have fields being built and we are still fortunate enough to provide our children with an excellent education, despite the lack of a fair funding formula.  Politics or not, I’m still glad to be living here in Madison.   

Do the political endorsements (or lack thereof) influence your decisions in casting your ballot?  Share your thoughts in the Comments.