Commentary; Posted: 7/24/02

Suburban legislators must unite to support public education

By Don Heinzman

Suburban residents will have more power in the next legislative session. The question is how will it be used? Experts are saying suburban legislators do not vote as a block because political parties and even different points of view on issues divide them.

They should, however, agree and vote as one block on education, particularly the funding of K-12 and higher education. There is a precedent for block voting.

St. Paul, Minneapolis and Duluth legislators group their votes and get results. Iron Range legislators band together and use their clout for legislation that benefits them.

This next legislative session with a looming billion-dollar deficit will be critical for the funding of public school systems.

Now that the candidates have filed, this is the time to ask them their stands on key educational issues. The best way to gain favor and influence with a legislator is to help elect them.

Look for a legislator who understands educational issues, or is a quick learner and a good listener. Look for a legislator who is willing to compromise and is not bound by allegiance to the political party.

Look for a leader, one who will command the respect of his or her colleagues.

Once convinced the candidate is intelligent, a good listener, a good compromiser, understands education issues and commands respect, the candidate needs to respond to your specific questions.

What is the commitment of the candidate to fund necessary services to students?

How open is the candidate to giving school boards some tax levying authority similar to the same authority city councils and county boards have? Now the only way school boards can get more money is to pass special tax levies, which is difficult.

How committed is the candidate to supporting alternative methods of compensating school staff? Some mode programs are under way.

Is the candidate willing to fund the services it mandates in local school districts?

Will the candidate support more state funding for special education, which is mandated by the federal government?

How much does the candidate support the Department of Children, Families and Learning? Some superintendents are complaining the department does not provide enough technical assistance.

Does the candidate support a system of testing students and incorporating the federal testing system only if needed?

Is the candidate willing to vote with other suburban legislators to get the funding necessary for all suburban and close-in communities?

Candidates may try to give you general answers, preferring not to get pinned down.

This is the time when they should declare their positions on specific issues important to all residents, particularly the students.

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