2008 February 29 | Rowsey Blog

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.

Posted by Jason Rowsey | Filed Under Politics | 2 Comments 

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.

Posted by Jason Rowsey | Filed Under Politics | Leave a Comment 

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?

Posted by Jason Rowsey | Filed Under Politics, Westerville | 2 Comments 

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?

Posted by Jason Rowsey | Filed Under Politics | 4 Comments