"...Major Shift in the Education Debate..."

September 16, 2010

Tom Infield

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/state/20100915_Pennsylvania_gubernatorial_candidates_advocate_school-vouchers_bill_at_forum.html

Pa  Gubernatorial Candidates and School-vouchers Bill

    In contrast to the last governor election, held in 2006, this year's election has school choice as an issue. Does this mean that Onorato is indecisive? And which campaign will PAC support and therefor, donate to?
    The article by Infield is centered around the issue of the school-vouchers bill.  Although they are opposing candidates, Onorato and Corbett both are in support of this bill.  The school- voucher bill "... would permit low-income students in failing public schools to obtain vouchers they could use for attendance at another public school or private school." According to both Onorato and Corbett, by passing this bill many parents would have the option to send thier children to a private school or another high school. Both candidates also demonstrated importance for the state's Educational Employment Tax Credit program and charter schools.
 While Corbett was very confident on his position, Onorato avoided even saying the word vouchers.  Corbett says that the bill is "the cicil rights issue of the 21st century."  Trying to defend his choice, Onorato tells the forum that his own children attends Catholic school and that the issue involves many aspects which he advocates: "greater funding for schools, especially early-childhood education."
At the forum the candidates each had a turn to speak but never spoke at the same time.  Reason most likely being the candidates first real debate is in Harrisburg on September 27.  A questioner stated that Onorato "has the endorsement of the state's major teacher's union" and asked if that would hurt his chances of getting opportunity grants.  Corbett said he would make state level charter schools but it would not seize the local school directors power to watch over the charter schools.  
During the last fall election businessman, Bala Cynwd and the group PAC donated a significant amount of money to Anthony Williams and drew much public critique. They said they were not sure if they would yet again donate but Williams said, "I hope so. I really do."  Being that both candidates are in agreement, voters will have a tough decision of whom will be the better governor.