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Originally published 10.21.2004 in Sun Newspapers, By Erica Christoffer
A dozen candidates seeking election to both U.S. Congress and the Minnesota
House of Representatives gathered to discuss early childhood education at a
School District 196 forum Oct. 14.
The event was sponsored by the Foundation for Early Childhood Family
Services (ECFS) in the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School District, and
Ready4K, an organization that works to bring about policy change in early
childhood education.
Bret Busse, a member of the Foundation for ECFS, helped organize the
candidate forum and acted as moderator. “There haven’t been any other forums in this campaign season to address this
particular topic,” Busse said. “It’s very important for the community to be
involved and be interested in ECFE because it does impact the entire
community. The funding and the focus on early child development programs
pays off huge dividends down the road.”
ECFS is comprised of Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE), School
Readiness and Family School. ECFE encompasses weekly classes, drop-ins and one-time events that focus
on parenting skills and parent/child time.School Readiness is a variety of programs that prepares children and their
families for school, such as the Bridge to School preschool.
The major issue facing ECFS is cuts in state and federal funding, which has
caused cuts in early childhood programs offered in District 196. “People typically look at it as a social program or educational program, and
while it’s both of those, it’s also an economic development program and it’s one of the best public investments people can make,” Busse said.
Theresa Daly, DFL candidate for the 2nd Congressional District, said that early
childhood education needs to be a priority in the United States. “We can draw a solid line between what we invest in and what we get back out
of these programs,” she said. Daly said with investments in early childhood education fewer children repeat
grade levels, more students go on to higher education and crime is reduced.
“I intend to be a voice for that in Washington,” Daly said. Daly’s opponent John Kline did not attend the forum.
Jim Carlson, DFL candidate for House District 38B, said that funding has
always been a problem for early childhood as well as gifted and talented
programs. His wife helped start the first council for the gifted and talented in
District 196 about 20 years ago. “Demand [funding] from your elected representatives,” he said.
Lynn Wardlow, Republican incumbent for 38B, was not present at the forum.
Kris Slies, EFCS advisory council member, said she was troubled by the
voting record of the current House incumbents.
“You don’t have to convince me of the value of these programs,” said
Republican incumbent Dennis Ozment, 37B. “I don’t want you to think those
decisions were easy.” Minnesota was not going to raise taxes, Ozment said, so reductions had to be
made to balance the $4.5 billion deficit in 2003. Ozment’s DFL challenger for 37B, Lax Sundae, said, “If I’m elected this would
be one of my priorities.”
Mark Solomon, DFL candidate for 36A, shared his experience working with
youth and said that early childhood education is a priority. “It just makes sense to me,” he said.
Incumbent Republican Mary Liz Holberg was not present at the forum.
“I’m here to listen,” said Pat Garofalo, Republican candidate for 36B. He said
he will use the information from EFCS to make informed decisions if elected.
Lloyd Cybart, Republican candidate for 37A, said he has never used ECFS
programs before. “Just coming here tonight has been a huge education for me,” Cybart said. “I
challenge you, if I do get elected, to educate me.” His challenger for 37A, DFL candidate Shelley Madore, moved to Apple Valley
from Boston in 1991. She immediately became involved in ECFE classes and
sat on the ECFS Advisory Council for three years. “I have been fighting this issue of funding these programs since 1992,” Madore
said. “You have got an advocate here for this program.”
Christine Harbron, DFL candidate for 38A, said the Legislature made the
decisions to cut early childhood funding because they didn’t want to raise
taxes. Instead, she proposed growing the economy and tax base rather than
cutting programs. “The majority of the Legislature doesn’t know how to grow the economy,”
Harbron said. “I will make sure there is a solution.” Harbron’s opponent, Tim Wilkin, R-38A, did not attend the forum.
As a new parent, Rick Hansen, DFL candidate for 39A, said ECFE has been a
“lifesaver.” “I see the benefit,” Hansen said. “I can carry that message.” Hansen’s Republican opponent Paul Ives was not present at the forum.
Joe Atkins, DFL incumbent for 39B, cited his 100 percent voting record in favor of early childhood programs. Both he and his wife have been ECFE
participants.“Education is what drives our quality of life in Minnesota. It’s what drives
Minnesota’s economy,” he said. Atkins’ challenger Cassi Holmstrom was not present at the forum.
“I have not been involved in ECFE,” said Charles Aldrich, Libertarian Party
candidate for District 40A. Aldrich said he attended to learn more about early
childhood programs and issues facing local districts. Aldrich’s opponents Will Morgan, DFL candidate, and Duke Powell,
Republican incumbent, did not attend the forum.
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