I am a second-grade teacher in Stanwood, parent of three kids in public schools and president of the Stanwood-Camano Education Association, so public education is an important issue for me. State Representative Candidate Tom Riggs understands education issues and has good ideas for addressing our students’ education needs. The same cannot be said for his opponent.

Tom’s opponent, Dave Hayes, claims that education is his top priority, but when the rubber meets the road this claim doesn’t find any traction. A couple of weeks back, at a forum in Anacortes, he couldn’t even answer a question about timber sales and how they relate to funding education. It’s spelled out in Article IX (Titled: Education)  of the State Constitution. Shouldn’t a candidate for the State House know that? This last week he was asked if evolution should be taught in schools and responded “I don’t know how to answer that. Hopefully you can do a better job, Tom.”

He is, of course, referring to Tom Riggs, who had thoughtful answers to both questions and is whole-heartedly endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers and the Washington Education Association.

Dave Hayes talks a lot about fully supporting education, but when pressed, doesn’t know the first thing about it.

If you care about education, and our children’s future, Tom Riggs is the only choice for State Representative.

Nyda Goldstein

Stanwood