Jeff Smith for Missouri

STLtoday.com: Political Fix
By Jake Wagman
04/08/2006

The Democrats have trounced the Republicans … in their annual softball game.

City Dem chair Brian Wahby reports that the Young Dems bested the Young Republicans 22-15 on the diamond Saturday at Forest Park. The event was a fundraiser for Our Little Haven care facility.

Wahby reports that State Senate hopeful Jeff Smith won “MVP” honors for a diving catch and toss out at shortstop. (If only the Cardinals had such spectacular play today at the Confines.)

While Wahby says the score is a forecast for November, their star shortstop will have to throw against his own party before he can step to the plate against the Republicans.

His crowded primary will be no picnic. Ur, I mean no softball game. Um, I mean it should be a swinging race.

Did I mention the Cards lost today?

Thanks to Francis and Anna Slay for being such gracious hosts.

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Starving schools

State Sen. Luann Ridgeway, R-Smithville, recently introduced a proposal to have the government reimburse individuals and groups that provide scholarships to private or parochial schools in St. Louis. Ms. Ridgeway’s bill is designed to sound moderate, but it would encourage students to abandon public schools for private alternatives.

The St. Louis Public Schools have problems, but they will not be solved by programs that encourage students to leave. If Republicans really care about education, they should use public funds to give low-performing schools the resources to succeed. Republicans accuse Democrats of simply “throwing money at the schools,” but when a man is starving, sometimes the best thing to do is to throw a little food his way.

Our schools are starving. They are starving for money to keep teacher pay competitive and to hire teachers certified in all subject areas, including science and math. They are starving for money to renovate decaying facilities. They are starving for money to fund things—lower class sizes and innovative teaching techniques—that have been proven to improve educational achievement. As an educator, I see the challenges faced by St. Louis’ public schools. Our schools need help from the state Legislature, not policies that divert needed funds to private schools.

We have a long way to go to ensure that every St. Louis child has access to a quality education. Ms. Ridgeway’s proposal is a step in the wrong direction.

Jeff Smith | St. Louis