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Posts tagged ‘Education Investments’

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Hap Connors for Chancellor Supervisor, Spotsylvania County

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During this election season, I’ve had my hands full with trying to cover the many races in Stafford County; however, I believe that Hap Connors deserves everyone’s attention.

I’ve known Hap for some time and I can tell you that there isn’t a better human being or more effective Supervisor than him. My only wish is that Hap would move to Stafford County.

Although Hap runs as an independent candidate, he is adored by Republicans, Democrats and independents.

Instead of talking about creating jobs, Hap has actually done it – 3700 since 2008, during the deepest part of the financial crisis. He has also fought for investments in education, higher teacher pay and smaller classrooms. He understands that a strong school system is an economic incentive for businesses and families – something many elected officials in Stafford County can’t seem to comprehend.

In addition to making key investments in education, he has also invested in other core services such as public safety and transportation. Hap has made all of this happen while cutting $60 million from Spotsylvania’s budget over the last two years, cutting taxes for small businesses, seniors and veterans and keeping real estate taxes among the lowest in the region.

Hap understands how to govern using a balanced approach and how to effectively cross party lines to get things done!

We need more Hap Connors in government. You don’t have to take this Democrat’s word for it.

Just how widely respected is Hap Connors? The former chairman of the Spotsylvania County Republican Committee, Fitz Johnson, has gone against his party’s endorsee and publicly endorsed Hap:

As a former chairman of the Spotsylvania County Republican Committee, I understand the need to recruit candidates to run for office. But why would anyone want to recruit someone to run against Chancellor Supervisor Hap Connors? He’s one of the best board members we have in Spotsylvania.

I have gotten to know Hap, and as a businessman I can tell you if you want to get things done, see Hap. He’s a straight shooter who works hard to do what’s best for the people of Spotsylvania.

He has fought for investments that make our county great–strong schools, safe streets, and better conditions to attract new businesses and jobs. Hap has done this while keeping real estate taxes low–22 cents lower than Stafford County’s–and while increasing the county’s credit rating.

I am a conservative Republican who votes almost exclusively for Republicans. But I am supporting Hap Connors, a pragmatic, common-sense independent with a strong pro-business record. Hap is focused on getting things done and serving the public, not on party politics and political rhetoric.

On November 8, 2011, vote for Hap Connors for Chancellor Supervisor in Spotsylvania County!

 

October 31, 2011 Endorsements, Local Politics, Spotsylvania County, Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors Marc Short URL
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McDonnell’s “Race to the Bottom” Contest

While President Obama looks to boost federal spending on education within Virginia and nationwide, Gov. McDonnell has decided to make catastrophic cuts to education funding within Virginia.

President Obama has proposed the following key education investments for Virginia:

  • $1 billion for schools, students, and teachers.
  • $642.7 million in new funding for Pell Grants to help families pay for college.

Gov. McDonnell has proposed the following catastrophic cuts:

  • Reduce K-12 funding by $731 million.
  • Cut the Tuition Assistance Grant Program by $19.8 million and eliminate the Eminent Scholars Program by $6.8 million.
  • Reduce funding to the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) to the tune of $1.5 million.
  • Reduce funding to Higher Education Centers by $1.3 million.

President Obama realizes the importance and value in making key investments in education. The economic advantages of a highly educated workforce are undeniable. According to a recent report by the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), minor improvements in student achievement would add $40 billion in GDP to the United States by 2090. Imagine what can be achieved economically through more significant improvements. The sky is the limit. Investing in education makes good economic sense.

The OECD also issued a report that shows that a male in the United States who attains a college degree will make $367 thousand more over his lifetime. A female graduate would make over $229 thousand more over her lifetime. As these figures indicate, more has to be done to close this gender gap.

If we want to attract the businesses of tomorrow, we need to make necessary investments today. A highly skilled workforce will play a pivotal role in our future economic growth. Gov. McDonnell is sacrificing our future economic growth potential by playing politics with our children’s future and failing to make the educational investments that will continue to make Virginia a leader in attracting new businesses.

President Obama recently announced a “Race to the Top High School Commencement Challenge.” The President has challenged schools across the country to show how they are making great strides on improving personal responsibility, academic excellence and college readiness. The President will deliver the commencement address to the class of 2010 at the winning school. Application forms are due no later than Monday, March 15 at 11:59 EST.

Gov. McDonnell’s catastrophic cuts are nothing more than a “Race to the Bottom” contest, which I’m afraid we are destined to win.

February 21, 2010 Education Marc