We have a clear choice for New Hampshire in District 9 between two former state representatives, Linda Tanner and Spec Bowers.
Bowers’s campaign consists of bumper sticker slogans and generalities. Before we consider our choice, let’s look at the specifics.
Tanner believes that we should continue to strengthen our education system. Bowers wants changes that will bring us back to the “Wild West” education system of the 19th century.
Tanner has been endorsed by groups dedicated to improving the quality of our education system. Bowers gets an “F” for his votes on education issues from “Defending New Hampshire Public Education” group.
Tanner wants to improve New Hampshire’s high school graduation rate of 88 percent, which is significantly above the national average. Bowers wants to eliminate compulsory education, including eliminating the requirement that parents educate their children.
Tanner supports maintaining the current high school dropout age. Bowers proposed lowering the high school dropout age, which would increase the over 40 percent unemployment rate of high school dropouts.
Tanner is in favor of state funding of education, lowering our burden on our local property taxes. Bowers supported a resolution to change our Constitution to eliminate state funding of education, putting the total cost on local taxes.
The clear choice is between Tanner, who is dedicated to improving the system of educating our children, or Bowers, whose goal is to demolish it.
Jerry Karr
Sunapee