THE PUBLIC MIND: FORMER CANDIDATE CALLS FOR COOPERATION

Dear Editor:

I recently completed an unsuccessful bid for a seat on the Board of ~Education in Cape Girardeau School District. I can clearly understand the frustrations of running for public office; the race, completely consumed myself and family for a considerable period of time.

From the first day that I announced my candidacy to the election on April 7th I was on a tremendous learning curve. Why would one "stick his neck on the line" in such an open and public way? Why would one spend money to become elected to a non-paying position? Why would one subject his wife and child to constant questions and suggestions about where "The Candidate" stood on issues and programs? The answer was very simple for myself and family. We believe in the youth of our city and the public education of our children.

The list of people that assisted with and supported the campaign is too long to publish, but I'd like to thank them all. Also, to the 1,287 Cape Girardeau Citizens who voted for Jeff Daniel, I thank you.

I lost the election from the beginning for reasons that I had no control over, I do have an athletic background and I am extremely proud of that fact. I never tried to down play, make excuses for or defend that fact. If I had been elected I would have been a total program board member except in the case of athletics, there I would have demanded and expected more. Coaches work in a area that is in public view constantly. Athletics, by nature is highly competitive, and at a extremely formidable time in our young children's life. For that reason, athletics and those that work in this field must strive to meet these expectations.

A deficit of $1.2 million caused budget, program and personnel cuts which effect in one way or the other all the students in our system. Remembering, that education of our young children is the goal of our schools, and must be kept in the front of all decisions.

Decisions, decide what must be cut, they need to be made, implemented and the district must move forward. Continuing the process only places a cloud of uncertainty over our schools. Inability to stand by tough decisions sends a signal to the youth that we care more of special interest than of total programs and most importantly of the students themselves.

Throwing stones at other programs is not going to resolve or bring back much needed dollars. Setting a course of action, a plan, to find new money will help. Lobbying legislators, explaining the frustration that lack of funding from the state government has brought to our schools, finding private and business groups that can assist and asking and listening to our business leaders for ideas are a few possibilities.

School administration, school boards, teachers, students and no single individual can turn this problem around, nor can a divided community. A community that decides it wants better funded, better and bigger schools can make a difference. Accept nothing but the best, but be willing to pay the price.

I thank you for allowing me to learn as I have, to understand how difficult it is to run a successful school and finally, the vision and desire to make Cape Girardeau Public Schools the best the state of Missouri has to offer. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Jeff Daniel

Cape Girardeau