School Levies
February 29, 2008
Although it is often heard being said that voters are tired of giving more money to our schools, the state of Ohio has yet to develop a system of school funding that is both equitable and constitutional. School districts across Central Ohio will be asking for precious operating dollars to continue to provide the educational opportunities that their clients have come to expect.
In Franklin County alone, districts including Canal Winchester, Hillard, Reynoldsburg, Olentangy, and Pickerington school systems will be coming to their voters asking for the necessary money needed to continue the programming that they currently offer. In most cases, this is money that is needed to continue the programming and academic programs that are currently being offered, not money to offer obscure classes or build new school buildings with plasma TVs.
It is our responsibility as members of these communities to support our schools in all ways, including financially. We must remember that the quality of our schools not only directly affect our children, but also the quality of our neighborhoods and property values. Until Governor Strickland and the legislature develop a plan to fund our public schools in ways other than property taxes, it is our moral obligation to provide today’s youth with at least the same opportunities that we had ourselves as children. Although we are in the midst of economic uncertainty, our children must be prepared to become the leaders of the 21st century.
Vote “Yes” on Issue 29
February 29, 2008
Voters in Franklin County will be given the opportunity to decide the fate of a very a valuable agency in Central Ohio, the Franklin County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. This agency provides desperately needed services to citizens in our community that rely on the MRDD in their day to day lives. According to the Columbus Dispatch, the number of “people needing services, from 11,055 in 2001 to 14,282 in 2007, staff levels have dropped, from 1,675 in 2001 to 1,440 in the same period. Transportation routes taking people to jobs, schools and workshops were consolidated to cut costs.”
This levy replaces temporary levies set to expire as well as small increases for permanent levies. It is incumbent upon us to continue to support such a fine organization that provides important services to a growing number of people in our community. Vote “yes” on Issue 29.
The Excitement Builds
February 29, 2008
As an educator, I am very thrilled to see the excitement generated by this year’s democratic primary election amongst young voters. Opinions vary and allegiances sometimes change, but getting the youth of America energized for a presidential campaign is something that most pundits and politicians would have told you was pointless, and perhaps impossible. Historical trends and data prove that younger Americans have been apathetic to politics and left those decisions up to their older counterparts.
But is change in the air? One cannot turn on the TV and watch Fox News or CNN and not see story upon story reporting on the youth vote turning out for Obama this year. As a student of political science, I know that politicians typically pander to the older amongst our populace that are backed by powerful lobbies such as AARP. We know that programs such as social security and medicare have been called the third rail of politics and politicians no matter what their party allegiance, dared not make substantive changes to these programs.
But are we witnessing something different this election cycle? I notice in the schools that kids are excited to talk about the election and are taking steps to inform themselves on the important issues surrounding us today. They are becoming versed on the stances of all candidates on these issues. Some still support a candidate simply because of the viewpoints of their parents. Others still rely on gossip and innuendo for their main source of information, others are really engaging themselves in this process.
But my question to you is what is the role of the school in educating students on these issues? Is it enough to talk about world events and where the candidates stand on these issues? Should high school administrators take students out of classes on a field trip to participate in an Obama political rally as did happen in some high schools in the central Ohio area? Should teachers discuss with students the issues, and their own personal viewpoints? What happens if the teacher is misinformed or misguided?
In my opinion, it is a good thing to have open dialog in school that pertains to politics. Reaching students at a young age and helping to develop a sense of civic duty is part of the job description of an educator. But, should my political beliefs influence those of my students?
Negative Ads
February 29, 2008
You know that it is your primary election is approaching when you begin experiencing the negative ads. Conventional wisdom tells us that these are these types of smears turn many off to the political process. But do you think that the opposite just might be true? According to U.S. News, negative ads can actually influence voters and even make them reexamine their choice. I must admit that as long as they are not a personal insult to a politician’s family, faith, values, etc., they can be very entertaining. How do you feel about these ads?
Hillary Clinton Supporters - Don’t Despair!
February 20, 2008
Well, it is the day after the Wisconsin election. While the results were not surprising, they were nonetheless disappointing. I would have obviously preferred a different outcome. Even though Obama might have the “momentum,” Clinton supporters must not give up. We must remember that this is an election that involves real issues and we need a president who can provide real solutions. We do not need a president who sounds good when giving a speech. Hillary Clinton will be the type of president that will work hard on behalf of the poor and middle class, and most importantly to me, will continue to be a strong advocate for the children of the world. How do we continue to show Ohio and Texas voters that a vote for Clinton is a vote for change?
Election News
February 16, 2008
As we already know, Ohio has increased its prominence over the last several years and now wields great influence on the national political scene. This year proves to be no different, especially in regards to the two democratic front-runners.
Last night Hillary Clinton came to Columbus to kick off what will be a major campaign for Ohio’s delegates. Having key endorsements from several of Ohio’s top players, including Senator John Glenn, she is well on her way to victory. Also very helpful, the Columbus Dispatch lauded her experience with their endorsement.
Tonight she will hold a rally in Lyndhurst, Ohio. If you are in the area, you should check it out!Most of my friends and family are very surprised by my support of Hillary Clinton. Having voted Republican in every election since the age of 18, this is quite a change. But is it really a surprise? What has happened to our Republican party? We were given very poor choices this election cycle and have ended up with perhaps the weakest of the three. The one issue that gives me pause in voting for Clinton is the possibility of her appointing very liberal judges to the Supreme Court. The major issue that attracts me to Senator Clinton is her staunch record of advocating for children’s rights for over 35 years. This is an issue that I truly care about and there is no other candidate that can come close to her record on working to protect the rights of America’s most vulnerable citizens. To close, I’d like to say to the Obama supporters that yes, change does matter. But with Senator Clinton we have an agent for positive change in America that has a track record. To know what she is going to do, we can look at her past votes as an indicator. At this point, we cannot say the same about Senator Obama. He has been running for president virtually since he was elected to the senate. So yes, change is important, but we need more than bumper sticker slogans and eloquent speeches!
Welcome
February 16, 2008
Welcome to my blog. The plan is to discuss things that are going on in central Ohio, specifically in the Westerville, Ohio area. Please feel free to leave comments!
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This work by Jason Rowsey is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.
