It is a pity Matt Isenhower does not run for Rep. Larry Springer’s or Rep. Roger Goodman’s seat. Then we would have two fiscally focused, pro student-funding advocates, as opposed to those who want to increase taxes for the very expensive bloated bureaucracy that characterizes the Lake Washington School District.
Sen. Andy Hill worked to get a $1 billion budget with strong support for education and a balanced budget and no tax increases.
Let’s consider the consensus that Hill made with his Democratic colleagues for a 89 percent vote to pass the budget. A budget that Hill worked so hard to move forward with great support for essential school services and without tax increases.
If Mr. Isenhower wishes to help the schools, he could work to trim the excessive bureaucracy, the wasteful and very expensive program of tearing down good solid buildings for overpriced replacements, and focus the money on education and a solid future for the students.
Oh, but wait, Mr. Isenhower is thrilled to be selected by the Washington Education Association (WEA) as their candidate.
So the WEA’s power grabs at the expense of the teachers and children happens again.
A few facts to back my assertions up from Josh Amato at Shift Washington.
The WEA exerted its considerable influence over Democrat lawmakers in Olympia to withhold $40 million per year in federal education funding for needy children because it didn’t want to take a teachers test seriously.
The WEA persuaded Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe, ranking member of the Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee, to vote against her own bill that would keep $40 million in federal funds for Washington state schools by making a simple adjustment to state law. Once again, all because the WEA didn’t want to take a simple test seriously.
The WEA refuses to drop its lawsuit against charter schools despite the fact that those charter schools exist to provide a stable educational environment to homeless children and at-risk youth.
Andy Hill is good for the budget, children and teachers. No, we do not need another shill for the WEA. Just say “no” to Mr. Isenhower.
Steven Swedenburg, Kirkland
