Eliot received coverage in blog Augusta Insider for his vigorous support for Charter Schools in Maine:
Independent Eliot Cutler has been one of the most vocal supporters so far. Matthew Gagnon of Pine Tree Politics has stated that this is likely a clear sign that Cutler is working to define himself as a balanced pragmatist. “He will have a good base in the consciousness of the voter that can supplement his left leaning history and reputation with a much more balanced “the best of both worlds” image,” said Gagnon. This move puts Cutler in direct conflict with the Maine Education Association’s position on charter schools, usually an ally of liberal candidates.
Cutler has reaffirmed his support for charter schools and his disappointment in the Baldacci administration for not supporting charter legislation. Cutler wrote to Governor Baldacci after news broke Tuesday no charter legislation would be put forward next session. In the letter, Cutler urged Baldacci to reconsider his decision to kill charter legislation. Cutler is concerned, as others have been, that Maine will miss out on federal Race to the Top funding, which we desperately need, if charter legislation is not enacted.
“These Augusta decisions are just plain wrongheaded,” Cutler said. “We are losing out on millions of dollars, denying our children important educational opportunities, and cheating the future of our state. Sadly, Maine children are paying the price because the same special interests and tired partisan politics keep getting in the way.”
You can read the complete article here with Eliot’s comments highlighted in yellow.
Tags: Augusta, charter schools, Education Reform