Basis of a solid economy is education

Opinion

In November of this year, we will be going to the polls to select our representatives to the House of Delegates.  In the 31^st District, the choice is between Scott Lingamfelter and Sara Townsend.  If you feel our school system is incredibly well funded and your representatives in Richmond have consistently been investing in education to create a better future for your children you may wish to re-elect Scott Lingamfelter; however, if you are an educated voter, fully aware of the Delegate Lingamfelter’s voting record, you will cast your ballot for Sara Townsend. 

The basis of a solid economy is a well-educated populace.  After teaching in public and private schools for nearly 20 years, I finally had to leave the profession last year because of the constraints put on public schools by our House of Delegates.  Despite mandated requirements put in place by our elected representatives, funding has been slashed at the state level thanks to representatives like Delegate Lingamfelter. 

When universal preschool pilot programs were proposed to create a solid foundation for children’s education, Delegate Lingamfelter voted to cut it.  Not merely voting against this program, early reading initiatives were also slashed.  Without a solid foundation for our students how can Virginia improve its economic future?  Scott Lingamfelter addresses the needs of the moment without having the vision to invest in the future.  When these cuts were made in Richmond, Prince William and Fauquier County residents must pick up the tab at the local level. 

Delegate Lingamfelter supporting tax breaks for companies that outsource jobs clearly was a waste of the taxpayers’ resources and negative effects the tax base.   These tax breaks have come at the cost of higher education.  Four year and community college funding has been stripped shifting the educational burden to those who desperately wish to improve their station in life.  It is no accident that college graduates leave their schools with soul crushing debt. 

Sara Townsend has been a teacher and understands the importance of education at all levels.  She is presently completing a PhD program in educational policies at George Mason University.  If elected she will be one of only eight delegates with an education background.  She will focus on improve the educational qualities and opportunities for all our citizens.  Her vision promises to create a brighter future for our children. 

If you wish to invest in the future of Virginia, your choice is clear, vote for Sara Townsend for District 31.