Publisher: Choose direction for education Nov. 19

While there are only a few items on Saturday’s ballot and a light turnout is predicted, Business Report Publisher Rolfe McCollister says it’s critical for voters to go to the polls, because “this election is a turning point, where lines have been drawn and the choice is clear—vote with the unions and for the status quo, or choose to continue reforms and take the system in a new direction for our children.” On his endorsements, McCollister says, “I have shared before that I am supporting the reform candidates for the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, Chas Roemer (District 6) and Carolyn Hill (District 8), who will do what is best for children first, not protect an old and failing system or the jobs of some incompetent people who might pay dues. The Coalition for Louisiana Public Education and the unions have endorsed candidates—Donald Songy (District 6) and Jim Guillory (District 8)—who will give us more of the same. That’s unacceptable.” In addition to endorsing Roemer and Hill, McCollister is endorsing Dr. William “Beau” Clark for coroner, Denise Marcelle for House District 61, and Edward “Ted” James for House District 101; and he supports Amendment No. 1. Read the full column here. Send your comments to editors@businessreport.com.