Misrepresented In The Charlotte Observer

Below is taken from today's on-line version of Gail Smith-Arrants' school board race article. Notice the second sentence....
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In this nonpartisan race, Thomas Hill wants to stand out as the Libertarian. Hill's the only candidate who doesn't want to build new schools.

"We need to look toward the private market for inspiration," he said.

Billionaire David Murdock, who's building the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis, could contribute construction money, Hill said.

"If we're going to use the public purse to help him build his vision, he needs to pay back somehow," he said. "He could build one school, and put his name on the school: David Murdock High School."
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Before I continue, I like Gail Smith-Arrants. She has been very pleasant and professional over the phone. I am NOT accusing Gail of any malice or bias in regards to her article.

However, after reading and re-reading the second sentence of her article, I still cannot imagine what could have inspired her to write such a sentence! Matter of fact, I spent a good deal of time explaining to Gail how the new schools could be funded!

I will include my answers to Gail's questionnaire below [they are not on-line]. If you can find any of my answers justify the second sentence of the article, I will publicly apologize to Gail.

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How should the system get money for more schools that need to be built, such as a new high school in the northwest area? Do you think voters would support a bond referendum? Or, as one school board member suggested, should the board ask the county to use certificates of participation to borrow money, to speed up the process?

[my answer]
We need to seriously consider naming rights and corporate sponsorships. Mr. Murdock and his empire could afford to build all the schools we need. No bond referendums, cut spending in all other areas of government not mandated by the U.S. and N.C. Constitutions. No more debt.



What should the school board do to alleviate crowding at Northwest Cabarrus High School, which is expected to have more than 1,800 students next year? Do you support reassigning Northwest students to other schools? If so, which ones?

[my answer]
Short term, add more mobile classrooms. Long term, encourage private and home schools. Our public system would improve its level of service in a competitive free market. Explore the possibilities of “virtual classrooms” via the internet. Give parents real school choice.



Other than school construction to meet growth, what is the biggest challenge facing the school system over the next 10 years?

[my answer]
Being able to provide a true world class education. We need to be producing independent, mature adults equipped with critical thinking skills. We need to reintroduce the concepts of rugged individualism and self determination, the values that made America the envy of the world.



How would you describe the relationship between the school board and the Cabarrus County commissioners? How would you improve on that relationship?

[my answer]
Combative; this is the usual result when you have two government bureaucracies struggling for control over the public purse. I would remember that I am a servant of the people. I would always remember whose money it is. I would remember the Golden Rule and strive to follow it.



Which current school board members’ views are closest to your own philosophy of education? (Incumbents, please do not choose yourself.)

[my answer]
Until I hear one of them say they seek to reform the school system or parents have the right and responsibility to make educational choices for their children, not the school board, I can’t say any of their views are close to my philosophy. Free market options are my educational philosophy.
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Again, I have NEVER told anyone I didn't want to build new schools. I do not believe in stealing from my neighbor, so naturally I prefer voluntary educational associations.

I know we have to build new schools. I have expressed my opinions on how to go about it.

You may not agree with my views. That doesn't give anyone the right to misrepresent me and my views.

I don't give a damn what anybody says about me or my beliefs as long as it is the truth!

Thomas