Voting July 22- Get On Up!

from Representative Valencia Stovall

You have the opportunity to decide on several campaigns on today, July 22. One of these elections is the Georgia State Superintendent which is a run-off. I recently read that 10% make the decision for 90% of the people and majority of the 10% don't have school-aged children. As a parent, aunt, cousin and friend of school-aged children, I am definitely watching the outcome of this race. The Democratic winner will face-off with the Republican winner. The stance that the candidate makes when challenged because of his/her belief is important and should be considered when deciding the best candidate. In this case Rep. Alisha Thomas Morgan has stood through the fiery darts thrown at her from fellow colleagues, the unions, Democratic party leaders, and others. The  interesting point is that the main statement from all of them is centered around her stance for the Charter School Amendment in 2012 which passed overwhelmingly especially here in Clayton County (71%). Rep. Morgan is unapologetic as I am when it comes to ensuring parents have a choice on the best educational environment for their children. Yes, this choice includes charter, vouchers, private school, homeschool, and at the same time advocating changes in the delivery of education for traditional public schools. Allocating more money into failing school systems is not the answer. The way our school systems are structured is antiquated and doesn't allow for creativity by our dynamic educators. The problem comes about because those "stuck in the past" legislators, school board members, educators, and some parents don't want to take the steps to change. As a result we continue to see low graduation rates and students who can't perform. I hear this complaint regularly from technical and college professors and employers. 

Enough is Enough! Get On Up and demand that our school systems change because their customers (the students) aren't satisfied. Education is not a particular party, it is our children's livelihood. Traditional public schools have stringent policies and procedures created by the School Boards. Charter Schools which are public schools were created to allow flexibility to those talented educators who wanted to utilize their God given gifts. Charter Schools operate on significantly lower allocations per child than the traditional public schools. We don't tell other professions like doctors and lawyers how to perform so why tell educators.  
 
GET ON UP and join me at 2 upcoming events:
Wed. July 23rd Georgia Charter School Association at 6:30pm is conducting an informational meeting to answer questions you have always wanted to know about charter schools. This is a free event with free pizza. Tell a friend.

Fri. July 25th Representative Advisory Council (RAC74) meeting 6:30pm-7:30pm Place: Clayton State East Campus 5823 Trammell Rd., Morrow 30260 
This Council will be the driving force for unifying constituents for a better community by planning upcoming community events and suggesting legislation to be introduced for session. It is open to anyone interested in advocacy and leadership. 

"Great people make a community Great"

Contact my office by email contact@gostovall.com or 678-632-2825 or 404-656-0314, if you have questions.

Thanks to the Clayton County Commissioners for voting 3-1 to allow a 1% sales tax "binding" referendum to bring MARTA to our county. It will appear on the November ballot. There were many people and organizations who played a critical role in getting the legislation passed which authorized the commissioners to vote. As a Clayton County legislator, I have seen the affect lack of quality transportation has had on our county. I was honored to be a co-sponsor on HB 1009 the authorizing legislation. It was lead by my colleague, Representative Mike Glanton (D-75) and supported by fellow members of the General Assembly. The residents of Clayton County are to be commended for RAISING UP YOUR VOICE because you: 
1. Attended the Commissioners' Meeting on July 1st and July 5th.
2. Contacted the Commissioners by email or phone call.

The final step is voting on November 4th to make it final. Look for more information soon.

The GoStovall Team is excited about what the future holds for our great county, Follow us @ValenciaStovall on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Linkedin.

www.Stovall74.com