Posted on 09/15/2006 6:01:56 AM PDT by Theodore R.
Governor hopeful Bell says changing schools priority for state's future BY ROBIN BRISCOE AVALANCHE-JOURNAL
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Chris Bell said he wants to build the Texas that most only envision in their dreams.
He believes he offers a new vision of positive change for the state and encouraged an excited crowd of about 60 Democrats Thursday evening to unite to make it happen.
Bell said he believes changing public schools is the No. 1 priority to a brighter future, adding that there aren't enough bandages to just fix it.
"We keep falling further and further behind the rest of the country," he said, adding that enough is enough.
Bell said he is making a pact with parents to build the best public schools in the nation, which he believes is a realistic goal in the next 10 years if he is elected into office.
"That's what is going to unlock the door of opportunity," he said. "This is a future worth fighting for."
His biggest beef with the current system is the high stakes nature of the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills test.
Bell doesn't believe the emphasis of the educational system should be on standardized tests, but rather on teachers presenting a challenging curriculum.
Teachers deserve respect, and he said teacher salaries should be raised to the national average.
Bell also believes health care reforms are needed.
"We don't do a very good job of remembering the poor in this state," he said. "There is no reason one of the richest states in the county can't provide every kid with health care."
Bell said a Democratic governor can be elected in November if the Democratic Party comes together and learns how to win again.
"We can build the Texas we find in our dreams," he said.
Bell served five years on the Houston City Council, and was elected to U.S. Congress in 2002. He was also a political journalist.
El Editor, a bilingual newspaper, held the forum to mark its 30th anniversary and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
Other gubernatorial candidates are Libertarian James Werner, independents Carole Keeton Strayhorn and Kinky Friedman and Republican incumbent Rick Perry.
To comment on this story:
robin.briscoe@lubbockonline.com 766-8742
brian.williams@lubbockonline.com 766-8717
Do these people not know that it is hard to even think of supporting their candidate if they don't say anything when they talk?
They do say things: mostly, Give us more money, and we will make everything right!
It was probably Opie's biological father, Andy Griffith.
Ooooops, hit the wrong button.
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