Time to send new people to Harrisburg

On Sept. 21, The Mercury reported that Pottstown’s schools would receive a $1 million grant from the state of Pennsylvania. State Sen. Bob Mensch (R-24th) and Reps. Tim Hennessey (R-26th) and Tom Quigley (R146th) essentially took credit for delivering the money.

Our community appreciates receiving any additional funding for the school district. However, as Pottstown School District’s superintendent pointed out, if a “fair funding” formula is used, the annual shortfall for our schools is close to $14 million, not $1 million. In fact, on a proportional basis Pottstown’s schools are — and have been for years— among the most poorly served in the entire state.

As a result, Pottstown taxpayers are forced to make up the difference.

Cumulatively, these three legislators have represented Pottstown for over half-a-century. Rep. Quigley has served for years on the Education Committee. Coincidentally, they announced this money just weeks before the election when all three are on the ballot. They know very well that Pottstown’s schoolchildren are being shortchanged. Yet, they have not lifted a finger to address the funding shortfall. Their reason: under the fair funding formula, they claim districts elsewhere in the state would lose state funding.

We are barely a month away from the Nov. 6 election. It is time we send a message. Let’s elect their opponents who will actually fight for Pottstown’s children.