Letter to the Editor
Published in the White Bear Press September 18, 2002

As a 20 year member and past chairman of the White Bear Lake School Board, I care deeply about the quality of education available to our students.

For a decade, I have been alarmed by the lack of financial support shown by our state legislature for public education, even in times of tremendous state prosperity. Documented time and again, the DFL-controlled Senate has been substantially more supportive of our schools than the IR-controlled House, highlighted in 2001 when the House prioritized tax cuts over kids. Their shortsightedness is now evident statewide with major teacher layoffs, high class sizes, and local levy votes. This must change.

I endorse Brett Smith as the candidate most capable of supporting our schools. As a past MN Teacher of the Year and a national finalist, Brett has committed his professional life to education. He's an articulate champion for our community. He is also a member of a party that consistently supports public education and the needs of children.

I served several years on the school board with Brett's opponent. Doug Meslow is an honorable and hardworking man; he has served our community well. But he represents a party that is internally conflicted in its support for public education, resulting in miserly budget decisions at the Capitol that reduce the quality of education we can offer in our community. While Doug supports our schools, the majority of his House IR colleagues do not. I spent 20 years of my life trying to give kids today the kind of education I received from this community. I am not willing to see our local efforts consistently undermined by the current House leadership. I'm voting for change, and I'm voting for Brett Smith. I encourage others who care about our schools and our children to do the same.

Kevin L. Edberg
White Bear Lake