Letter to the editor: Community-supported public schools are the backbone of democracy

I was truly terrified for all children in Ohio after reading Jane Timken's opinion piece ("Put America first by putting parents first," Nov. 15).

If you think Mrs. Timken cares one bit about your children, think again. She wants the money to follow the student. Of course she does. She wants your hard-earned tax money going to her and the other upper one-percenters while they send their children off to private schools so they don't have to rub elbows with those public school children.

I received an excellent education from the North Canton City Schools — public, locally supported schools. Now I have four grandchildren in the North Canton school system. Locally supported public education is the backbone of democracy. Republicans have been working tirelessly to destroy it.

Mrs. Timken is bothered by words like "diversity" and "equity." No shocker there. Also she is opposed to the big bad unions. Of course she is. Unions are the only voice the middle-class worker possesses. Again, Republicans have successfully worked to destroy them. That's why it takes workers two or three jobs just to keep up.

Please think what Jane Timken is really saying. She does not represent the local middle-class worker, parent or student. Electing Mrs. Timken is the worst thing that could ever happen to Ohio. Save your community public schools that you support. Don't let Jane Timken take your power.

— Jill Otte, North Canton

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Letter: Community-supported public schools are backbone of democracy