Times’ editorial missed return on investment
The Chattanooga Times editorial for Oct. 25, 2024, touted Tim Walz’s expenditure of $2.3 billion for education as if it were an indication of educational success.
Let’s look briefly at what happened to education during Walz’s term. Well, math and reading scores for both 8th and 4th graders are down while per student spending is up by almost $3,000 per student. Fortunately, high school students are taught to “develop an analysis of racial capitalism” and “to see themselves as members of a racialized hierarchy based on dominant European beauty standards,” so there’s that.
Looks like $2.3 billion does buy a good bit of wokeness, but not much actual education.
Nick Decosimo
Lennon is better choice for District 27
On Nov. 5, voters in the 27th District will elect a new state of Tennessee House representative. Kathy Lennon displays the leadership skills voters desire, making her the clear choice. She will represent her constituents by ensuring quality education for all students in every neighborhood, investing in Tennesseans for Tennessee, bringing accessible and affordable health care to all, respecting women and improving safety in our communities.
On opponent Michele Reneau’s website, her profile exhibits her attempt to overplay her hand on educational issues, gun control and federal funding. It is a shame District 27 voters have been denied access to listen to and study the views of both candidates. Michele has not accepted multiple invitations to share her platform in person or on-air. Kathy was prepared to debate her on six different occasions; however, Michele refused to show up.
In this election, voters are urged to select the right person over a candidate from a political party. Kathy Lennon brings her unifying strength of mind to this office, with respect for the citizens of District 27.
Margaret M. Smith
Signal Mountain
Choose character, choose McClendon
I’ve known Esther Helton-Haynes, and her time “representing” us in the General Assembly should come to an end. She has proven to be more interested in serving herself than she is in serving the people of Tennessee.
She has supported extreme laws that could gut our public schools in favor of funding her friends’ private schools. When mothers of victims of the Covenant School Shooting were begging for more to be done on the epidemic of gun violence in our state, she chose to make it easier for guns to end up in classrooms and arm our stressed out and underpaid teachers.
As a District 30 voter, I want someone with solid integrity representing us in Nashville. I’m thrilled to endorse Heather McClendon to be Esther Haynes’ successor. She is smart, caring and passionate about our public schools, quality health care, and lowering housing costs.
On Nov. 5, I will choose character over career politicians. I will choose Heather McClendon for the District 30 state House seat. Early voting ends Oct. 31.
Kristy Helton