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Do you know where candidates stand on early childhood
Published Thursday, August 28, 2008
Shaking hands and kissing babies: that’s the old adage about campaigning. But politicians need to do more than kiss babies to make an impact on the lives of our young children.
It’s important for all of us to know where incumbent officials and candidates stand on issues of early child care and education. For starters, you can go online and view national, state and local voting records at www.votesmart.org.
Even if you don’t have young children in your life, remember that these tender souls comprise the future of this country — they will be our workforce, our entrepreneurs, our doctors, our members of congress, our ambassadors to the world. Don’t they deserve to have the best start in life so they can become healthy, productive citizens?
Here in Minnesota, we’re usually ranked fairly high in our level of care and education for children, compared to other states. And yet, about 12 percent of our children live in poverty. More than a quarter of our children’s health care is covered by government assistance or isn’t covered at all.
About 57 percent of three- and four-year-olds aren’t enrolled in any pre-school education program, and 27 percent of our fourth graders are scoring below basic reading levels.
It just goes to show, every state needs to be diligent when it comes to caring for our littlest ones. We cannot and must not neglect their rights locally or nationally. But they cannot speak for themselves. We need to step up for them.
Sept. 16 is Step Up for Kids Day. It’s a non-partisan, nationwide event to draw attention to issues affecting America’s children. Events are happening in every state and in Washington, D.C. In Minnesota, an event will be held in Duluth. But consider promoting Step Up for Kids Day in your own community, as well. Learn more at www.everychildmatters.org, or call state coordinator Jen Rison at 612 219-0215.
Nancy Jost
Early Childhood Coordinator
West Central Initiative
Comments
The Daily Journal is happy to host community conversations about news and life in Fergus Falls and the surrounding area. As hosts, we expect guests will show respect for each other. That means we don't threaten or defame each other, and we keep conversations free of personal attacks. Witty is great. Abusive is not. If you think a post violates these standards, don't escalate the situation. Instead, flag the comment to alert us. We'll take action if necessary. It's not hard. This should be a place where people want to read and contribute -- a place for spirited exchanges of opinion. So those who persist with racist, defamatory or abusive postings risk losing the privilege to post at all.Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 12:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
as a child I participated in Minnesota's first Head start class, my 14 year old son began his education at home with ECFE, until he was old enough for head start. he has gone on to complete the COMET program and make honor roll 3x and shows no signs of slowing down.
we should continue to support early childhood education, as well as remember to read and discuss with our children as much as possible.
Jamie Cooper
Posted by really (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 2:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Again, Jamie this is not your free campaign time. Pay for your advertising just like every other candidate!
Not everyone qualifies for the Head Start Program. As much as I think it is a great program. My family is not qualified for the program because we make "too much." I do however, I think that Nancy Jost make a great point. She is a wonderful lady!!!!
Jamie no need for your response as I am not interested.
Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 4:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
really,
this is not your free campaign time or personal blog either!
perhaps your family makes "too much." to qualify for head start, but that doesn't give you the right to bark commands at me or anyone else!
so go cry yourself to sleep on your outrageously expensive pillows, perhaps your butler or maid can console you over Mr. Cooper utilizing free speech, and commenting about the merits of early childhood education as well as spending quality time with children.
oh yeah,
"no need for your response as I am not interested"
thanks
Jamie Cooper
Posted by BaddaBing (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 4:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
God this gets petty...
Posted by otterfan (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 4:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A lot of children attend head-start. REALLY: I don't think any of your comment was really needed besides the last part about Nancy Jost. Sometimes we should keep our mouths shut. You never know who's feelings you may be hurting in the process of bragging about "how much money you make".
Posted by username (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 5:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Jamie, I commend you for having ideas and putting them out there, even though I FEEL you are on these forums waaaaaaaaaaaay too much. Honestly, you should consider being able to take criticism a little better. Could you imagine where our government would be if each of its member took time out of their day to make petty rebuttles on EVERY bit of critisism they get? Being a public figure means being a possible target for remarks, whether they are positive or negative. If even a quarter of your posts were just sticking to the issues instead of getting the last word, perhaps more people would take you seriously. Trust me..we ALL KNOW YOUR STORY BY NOW!
Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 5:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
username, when I hear some actual "Criticism" from you and your gang, I'll take something you have to say to heart.
this article is titled "Do you know where candidates stand on early childhood"
I support it and gave examples as to my experiences.
I am a candidate!,and now you know where I stand.
if more elected servants were to reply to "criticisms" as you call it, perhaps more of our concerns would be addressed.
thank you
Jamie Cooper
Posted by mccain08 (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 5:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
the other candidates would be posting on here if they could figure out that "new fangled lecktricity" so i hope you all vote for who has the brightest yard sign. thats what you do every other year.
Posted by oh_its_you (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 8:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I kinda took the "make too much money" a different way. I think that there are a lot of parents that make too much to qualify for head start but still do not make enough to send their kids to a preschool that would have to be paid for. Just because people do not fit the guidelines for headstart absolutely does not mean that they aren't living paycheck to paycheck. There are plenty of parents that are on the waiting list because they make too much. Headstart is such a great program that there are more people that want to be a part of it than there are spots open for kids. That should really be a credit to all of the people that put so much of their time, energy, and resources into it.
Posted by really (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 10:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My point was this: I am a single parent and could not afford to send my kids to the expensive preschool Programs. I am stuck in the middle like most working families! I do not live a life of luxury!! My other point is that Mr. Cooper makes sure that he gets his speech in where he can.
Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 10:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
oh_its_you,
I would like to see the Headstart program expand so more of our children get the education opportunities they deserve.
this is definantly a issue worth exploring!
I think the purpose of this article is to remind people to find out how the candidates feel about Early Childhood education.
there are some who don't support it!
the Comet program was cut some years ago also.
Jamie Cooper
Posted by really (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 10:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
oh-it's-you: thank you for your comment. I think Headstart is a great program that many people can't be a part of because of the guidelines.
I live just like most working class people do: 40 hours a week; I pay my bills; run my kids to and from their activities and live within my means saving a little bit. Who is my maid and butler? Me!
My chauffer is on vacation! Sorry needed a laugh!!
Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 10:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
really, I understand where you are coming from there, I have been in that position myself. where you are working 40+ hours, barely making ends meet, yet you are apparently making so much you don't qualify for any kind of help.
I faced this exact situation while I owned and operated my own business locally.
I don't currently have a solution, but know that I will look for ones, and support anything to help people living paycheck to paycheck.
My goal is to make our tax dollars directly benefit as many of our residents as possible, and bring better higher paid opportunities to Fergus.
I will do what I can to make as much of your tax dollars come directly back to you as possible.
I don't agree with our city amassing huge tax surplus's.
I recognize the need for some surplus, but to hoard tax dollars to the point of being able to operate for 8 years at a time without need of collecting any taxes is a bit too much.
If nothing else, you should know I won't back down when pursuing something I believe in, and I believe in helping people exactly like you!
thanks,
Jamie Cooper
Posted by BaddaBing (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 7:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ah, isn't that sweet...Jamie thinks that him and really have made nice and now he can continue campaigning. I love it.
Posted by tsy86h (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Jamie, you realized that you when you work 40 hours a week that you don't get assistance, so now you decided just not to work?
Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 11:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
tsy86h, first of all, in case you haven't noticed, there are not enough jobs for everyone in this community to have one.
many try to operate a business themselves to compensate for this problem, like I have.
if elected I would be performing a job!
I understand and appreciate your statement that you feel you are not qualified to perform a city council position.
that doesn't mean I am not.
as far as choosing unemployment?
I doubt there are many people who chose poverty.
perhaps you know people who have, but again, this doesn't apply to me.
I am not collecting assistance, perhaps you missed that tidbit in your constant accusations.
I did not chose to have an incurable disease either, and I must admit, I think it is disgusting of you to come on here daily and attempt to drag me down for running for a position to improve my community.
i apologize if you and I were involved in a relationship in the past that did not work out in your favor but, it is time for you to move on.
it's not healthy to be obsessed like you have shown.
Get on with your life!
I don't know how you manage to work a full time job, take care of children, and obsess about me daily.
Please enjoy your life, once this day is gone, it won't come back!
Jamie Cooper
Posted by mccain08 (anonymous) on August 30, 2008 at 2:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
the problem i see is that there is no middle class. there are wealthy people who can afford expensive programs and there are impoverished people who get programs free of charge. it's not a matter of laziness, it's a matter of common sense. if you are in poverty, it's more effective to stay in poverty to make sure you can feed your kids let alone pay for education and health care. the solution is not to cut the programs to force people to work. the solution is to give everyone the programs to prevent people from being afraid to get ahead. this is difficult because the wealthy people don't want you to get ahead because this would force them to share their wealth. be sure to vote for mccain in nov. so i can keep the taxes low on my mutual fund dividends.
Posted by thefireman (anonymous) on August 31, 2008 at 11:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Jamie, you should have done as any other Demacrat should have done and just get a abortion and not worry about it.
Posted by bigkahunaburger (anonymous) on September 2, 2008 at 1:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Democrat = Baby killer? thefireman = ignorant.
Posted by GrammarNazi (anonymous) on September 7, 2008 at 9:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Cooper, while your position on early childhood education is an admirable one, it won't do you any good in your race for the Council. Early childhood education is not a function of city government. It's administered by the school district and area educational cooperatives.
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