Letters to the Editor

Vote No on Amendments 2 and 4

Editor, News-Register:

Are you confused about Amendments 2 and 4? Election day is fast approaching and many of my friends, colleagues, and constituents have shared with me their concerns about these two dangerous constitutional amendments.

Who would you rather answer the phone when you call 9-1-1? A dispatcher or a legislator? When you go to the hospital, would you rather see a doctor or a politician? Would you rather teachers stand at the head of our classrooms, or bickering politicians?

When it comes to things we care about most -- our schools, our safety, and our communities -- we need to trust the people who know best and care the most, like teachers, parents, and community leaders.

But the state Legislature wants more control over what teachers teach, what books students can read, and how many school nurses and counselors we have. They want control over how many firefighters and emergency responders we have in our communities.

Here is the bottom line about Amendment 2 and 4. Amendment 2 would:

n Eliminate up to $346 million in funds that pay for public schools, firefighters, emergency services, buses and libraries;

n Take power away from local communities, parents, small businesses, and families;

n Eliminate protections for local services in the state Constitution to make way for tax giveaways to out-of-state corporations.

Amendment 4 would:

n Put politicians in control of our children's education over the input of education experts and parents;

n Force a one-size-fits-all educational framework that would harm our schools;

n Open the door to book banning and other political stunts.

Don't let the bad idea factory that is our state Capitol confuse you -- when it comes to what our communities need -- local people know best. Even Gov. Justice has broken from his own party to speak out against Amendment 2. But if Amendments 2 and 4 are passed, we'll lose control and legislators will get the power to cut school budgets, layoff teachers and firefighters, and reduce funding for roads and bridges, all so they can give a tax cut to corporations -- mostly ones from out of state.

Protect our communities. Save local control. Vote NO on Amendments 2 and 4.

Councilwoman Rosemary Ketchum

Wheeling