Ridgefield Candidates '97
Board of Education

Mary Pat Devine

No More Studies!

The following statement was published in The Ridgefield Press on October 2, 1997:

There's a political campaign underway to deny, delay and derail any plan to address overcrowding in Ridgefield's schools. The Independent Party calls for hiring consulting firms and conducting two new extensive "studies" before the Board of Education even "contemplates" building projects.

Years of studies, enrollment projections and ever-more-crowded schools are not sufficient for the Independents. They want new studies. In fact, they want to deny the problem, delay action and ultimately derail any real solution.

If the Independent candidates for the Board of Education have doubts about the school enrollment crisis, let them come to Ridgebury. Let them come to Ridgebury on a rainy or snowy day. Let them come at recess time.

Let the doubters see the trailers parked out back, filled with real kids, attending real classes in their real "portable classrooms." Let the doubters see the jammed combination cafeteria- gymnasium-auditorium that simultaneously accommodates gym classes, lunch and music on its stage.

Let the doubters see children having "recess" in the hallways or classrooms. Let them see the effects of a school that accommodated 348 students just ten years ago now jammed with 499. Let them and their ideological allies cry a few campaign-season crocodile tears about the "cafe-gym- torium" while denying the underlying problem.

Then, let them move on to Scotland, Branchville, East Ridge and the rest. Let them explain to the children of Ridgefield, why kids have to squeeze in tight while these doubters demand another study to ensure the proper fit.

Contributions to Ms. Devine's campaign may be sent to Mary Pat Devine for Board of Education, 23 Overlook Drive. Information about the campaign can be seen at the new Democratic Web site, www.ridgefielddems.org.

Campaign '97 Home GO TO Mary Pat Devine profile and position statements

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