Monday, June 8, 2009

Tell Them We're Mad

The editorial in the Journal on Monday, June 8, illuminated a puzzle; why do we keep sending poor legislators back year after year?  One observation was that many  candidates run unopposed.  When voters are faced with such an option there is no way to express dissatisfaction other than to leave the candidate's name unchecked.


I'd recommend another option.  I'd like to see an option to vote against an unopposed candidate; a check box or arrow that indicates a NO vote.  It would be much more meaningful if the votes for an unopposed candidate elected with 2,400 votes looked like this instead:


YES     2,400

NO       4,400


We the people should have the opportunity to vote our dissatisfaction during an election other than by silence for an unopposed candidate. The candidate would still get elected but at least will know that people are mad.


Maybe it's just me.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Sound of Silence

Today's (June 4, 2009) North East Independent carried a story about the poor performance of North Kingstown High School.  It is one of about 15% of Rhode Island Schools that have missed NCLB targets for multiple years. 

Several people and groups were referenced in the article including Superintendent Dr. Phil Thornton.  There were statistics on different student groups in several areas of learning, especially math and reading and writing and they were deficient in most. 

There was not one word mentioned about the teachers' union and its position on this critical topic. From their website:
The National Education Association North Kingstown is a professional organization dedicated to work for the welfare of school children, the advancement of education, and the improvement of instructional opportunities for all.
The news article was about the very issues to which the union claims to be dedicated yet their silence is deafening. If the article were about changes to retirement, work hours, salary, medical co-pay or tenure would they be silent?  

They should be out front on this issue but I don't see any participation or suggestions. Why?