Opinion
Letter: Political parties don't control all members
Political parties don't control all members
Editor, Townsman:
I found the logic of Kevin Cuff's letter to the editor last week ("Union decision highlights what's wrong with Mass. leadership") a little puzzling. He seemed to be saying he can't be a Democrat because the Andover teachers union blocked "Race to the Top" funds for Andover and teacher unions tend to support the Democratic party. But the same logic could lead me to say I can't be a Republican because greedy Wall Street executives have gravely hurt our economy and Wall Street executives tend to support the Republican party. The fact is that no political party can control the actions of its supporters.
If Mr. Cuff is really concerned about the state of our public schools, he should be aware of a few facts.
First of all, the decision of the Andover teachers union is purely local. I just read that the Melrose teachers union has accepted the rules and regulations of the "Race to the Top" program for Melrose.
Second, the "Race to the Top" program is part of a federal law (the 2009 stimulus bill) that was passed by a Democratic U.S. Congress and signed by a Democratic president.
Third, the Massachusetts Education Reform Bill of 2009 allowed Massachusetts to qualify for funding for the "Race to the Top" program. This state law was passed by a Democratic state legislature and signed by a Democratic governor.
There is little doubt in my mind that the Democratic party has been and continues to be a huge supporter of the public schools. In fact, I am sure that if the public school system in this country did not already exist and someone today proposed creating a free educational system run by the government and funded by taxes, the modern-day Republican party would quickly condemn it as socialism and fiercely fight its very creation.
Andrew Rouse
5 Cattle Crossing
- Opinion
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Editorial: Weighty issues of fall upon us
There's no question the area needed the water. But the cool, wet, overcast weather this week brought with it the relative gloom and reality that summer is coming to a close. You know, real summer - where kids are off from school, vacations are more plentiful, the sun is out past 7:30 p.m., and the town beach is open. With the start of school next Wednesday, Sept. 1, many will devote more attention again to the issues of the day - issues that don't involve sunscreen. Among those deserving of immediate attention are the upcoming state primary, and the plan to replace Bancroft Elementary with an approximately $35 million new school.
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Letter: Our tennis courts don't compete
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Editor, Townsman:
In reference to your story about California Products, it's ironic that while Andover is home to the world's leading manufacturer of tennis court surfacing materials, our high school's courts are among the most poorly constructed and maintained in the region. -
Letter: Youth gave fresh face to Historical Society
Youth gave fresh face to Historical Society
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Editor, Townsman:
on behalf of the board of directors of the Andover Historical Society, I would like to acknowledge the youth volunteers from the Summer Volunteer Program of the South Church. For three mornings this summer, they, accompanied by counselors and chaperones, worked painting the fence in the front of the Amos Blanchard House. They withstood the heat and were pleased with what they did, as we were. - Letter: Help Iraq refugees living locally
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Editorial: Weighty issues of fall upon us
