I figured that after having been called a libeler so many times in DNT letters to the editor I could probably have gotten a full fledged 750 word opinion piece. As readers of the blog know I’m not at a loss for words. But I decided I could get my most important thought out with far fewer words.
My letter today:
The News Tribune endorsed all four incumbents running for re-election to the Duluth School Board. Evidently, the newspaper prefers elected officials who follow the News Tribune’s policy of asking few questions. Newsprint must be getting too expensive to explain such things as how building a $45 million dollar “western” middle school makes more sense than simply using Central High School.
As a teacher, I always told my students there was no such thing as a stupid question. That’s why I’ve clipped out the names of candidates Tom Kasper, Maureen Booth, Marcia Stromgren and Art Johnston to take with me when I go vote. These folks still raise their hands and ask questions. For instance, I’m sure they would love to have the News Tribune editorial board explain its fantastical claim that taxes will increase if we cut $100 million out of the red plan.
I’ll also be voting to re-elect Jim Stauber to the Duluth City Council because he, too, asked questions about the red plan like: How did the School Board sneak $437 million past voters without a referendum?
Harry Welty
Duluth
The writer is a member of Let Duluth Vote.
I have one small quibble. Yes, I’ve been a spokesman for Let Duluth Vote, as the DNT points out, after my letter. I would have appreciated the Trib acknowledging that I am also a former school board member as well not so much for vanity’s sake but for the sake of credibility.
