LTE: Daniel Supports Public Education, LaRock Does Not

David LaRock, Republican candidate for House of Delegates, 33rd District, is president and founder of the 1789 Project, a far right PAC with numerous extreme views. One of these is that public education equates to socialism, and that the role of government in education should be virtually nonexistent.

LaRock and his wife have homeschooled their seven children – and they should have the right to choose this option. However, many families believe it is advantageous that their children be educated in a traditional school setting, rather than at home, because homeschooling can be difficult for many families, particularly two income families, to successfully implement.

Most of us would agree we need public education that meets certain minimum standards for curricula, testing, educators, facilities and class size. LaRock does not support supplying sufficient state education funds that would provide these items, which are essential for high-quality public education. In fact, in his Republican primary, LaRock severely criticized his opponent Joe May many times for voting for an education tax increase in 2005. This legislation brought state public education funding back up to an acceptable level. At that time, Virginia, and Loudoun County in particular, faced major issues, including teacher recruitment and retention, “learning cottages” (read trailers), and grossly inadequate IT equipment and instructors.

On Nov. 5, I will be voting for Mary Daniel, who has clearly stated her goals to : 1) provide adequate and justified funding to maintain the high level of public education we have available in the 33rd district, and 2) provide alternative education options, such as home schooling, for those who choose it and can accommodate the special requirements involved.

Mary O'Brien
Leesburg, VA