Political teachers

I’m writing to express how disappointed I am in our teacher’s union for unethical campaign practices.

On Oct. 2, teachers posed in the library of Mayo Elementary School with their union T-shirts and no shoes. They posted the picture on Facebook with the caption “Schuh-less” in an obvious political jab at County Executive Steve Schuh.

Our teachers make a good case that they should receive better pay and benefits for what is a very busy job. But this childish antic undermines that message and sends the wrong message to children about what is appropriate and what is not in the workplace. I hope the school system takes action against people using our children and schools as props for their political agenda.

You are welcome to push whatever political agenda you please on your own time on your own property, but not in a taxpayer-owned building. What if one of your students was a supporter of the county executive and wanted to wear a Steve Schuh shirt at school? Would that be allowed? What if one of your students was a family member of the county executive or had a parent that worked for the county executive? How would that make them feel?

Teachers rightfully have the moral high ground because they do an important job for our kids. Stunts like this make them lose a lot of credibility in my book. Steuart Pittman should be ashamed for allowing unethical campaign tactics to occur on his behalf. Shame on you sir!

CARIN BAFKAS

Edgewater

District 33

I have had the opportunity to oppose for election or appointment to the Maryland state legislature the present state senator and delegates from the 33rd legislative district. Sen. Ed Reilly and Dels. Tony McConkey, Mike Malone, and Sid Saab presently serve in that capacity respectively.

I have known all four individuals for many years, and I am honored to support them in their representation of District 33. All four possess a true commitment to constituent service in numerous contexts. Their level of availability to constituents, responsiveness to the needs of the district, and overall receptiveness to the citizens of Maryland and their district bode well for their constituents.

Without question or hesitancy, I strongly endorse all four individuals for continuation in office in the upcoming election and encourage you to join me in voting for their continuance in office. TOM ANGELIS

Davidsonville

District 31

I was very disappointed that the League of Women Voters canceled a District 31 candidate’s forum set for Tuesday at the Chesapeake Arts Center. All of the Republican candidates canceled their appearance within one week of the scheduled moderated forum. Therefore, the league canceled the candidate forum.

One must ask themselves why all the Republican candidates canceled after previously agreeing to appear. What are all the Republican candidates afraid of? Are they concerned if the voters actually heard them speak that they would not get their vote?

Nic Kipke and Bryan Simonaire are both incumbents. Are they afraid their voting record would be exposed? Or, do they just assume because they are Republicans that their voters will blindly vote for them?

Regardless of their reason, the Republicans are taking their constituents’ support for granted. By not participating, they are preventing the public from the opportunity to meet them and question them.

On the other hand, the Democratic candidates remain ready, willing and able to participate in the forum. They looked forward to this opportunity to meet their future constituents. The Democratic candidates wanted to share their vision for District 31. The Democratic candidates were not afraid of being asked the tough questions.

I urge all voters in legislative District 31 to remember when they vote on Nov. 6, that all of the Republican candidates canceled their participation in the league’s political forum and prevented the voters from being able to question them on their records. DAWN MERINO Pasadena