Wirth is focused on education in Northshore | Letter

In the Northshore area, we are fortunate to have access to quality public and higher education opportunities. Many of us understand that educational opportunities have wide ranging social and economic consequences, and that there are immediate and long term impacts for every one of us both directly and indirectly. This is supported by the fact that over 45 percent of the state's yearly budget is allocated for education related funding, and in our immediate area the Northshore School District has over 2,000 employees, which makes it among the largest employers in the area. Poor educational opportunities have been linked to an increase in poverty, crime and poor health. And, while it would be simple to believe that we're just lucky to live in a community that has good education, the reality is that we rely on active community members to maintain our educational values.

July 11, 2016 12:11 pm
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In the Northshore area, we are fortunate to have access to quality public and higher education opportunities. Many of us understand that educational opportunities have wide ranging social and economic consequences, and that there are immediate and long term impacts for every one of us both directly and indirectly. This is supported by the fact that over 45 percent of the state’s yearly budget is allocated for education related funding, and in our immediate area the Northshore School District has over 2,000 employees, which makes it among the largest employers in the area. Poor educational opportunities have been linked to an increase in poverty, crime and poor health. And, while it would be simple to believe that we’re just lucky to live in a community that has good education, the reality is that we rely on active community members to maintain our educational values.

This year, we have three candidates running for state senate, all of whom have an admirable desire to serve our district. However, with education being a critical issue state wide and locally, we need to be sure that our next senator has a good grasp of education along with other issues. Mindie Wirth has been immersed in legislative issues impacting education and is recognized for her dedication among state, district and school PTAs. She co-supported legislation on para educators and foster children, and serves in executive roles on PTAs. And, in a twist before running for office, Wirth helped put together candidate forums during election times. Wirth also has a record of providing thoughtful feedback – most recently for the selection process of the NSD’s Superintendent search. Luis Moscoso is currently a representative focused on transportation issues. Guy Polumbo is a small business owner who’s been involved with his children’s private school PTA in Medina. While these two candidates have not made educational advocacy a priority, it would be interesting to learn more about how they have directly served to promote better education.

Lying Wong, Northshore