Consider the unusual vote for change in S.C. education

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This is a "think piece." I want you to think about the idea of addressing your voting day in a whole new way of thought to reach your decision. Maybe you have voted down the party line and hoped for the best. Maybe you voted for someone who had the gift of gab or you felt comfortable about their demeanor. Maybe you have a label on yourself, and it makes no sense to change it. I just want you to consider how great it would be if Sumter County, Clarendon County and Lee County stood tall, chose to get behind change on one* subject and see what that difference could produce in a positive way for the entire state. I am choosing the subject of education. We are 47th in the country, and clearly this is horrendous for the future.We shall produce uneducated kids to be leaders or a productive work force for potential company investment? Your brave and thoughtful vote definitely would feel like a positive step to consider banking on a candidate who wants this to change immediately. This should not difficult to choose to get behind investing in kids and teachers. It should not be controversial, but the current leadership will maybe strive to make us 46th, and your vote for them is saying that this is good enough? What if we funded 10 schools well in a year with the right tools and more importantly a passionate teacher who is paid well for that passion. What if 10 more schools were added the next year and so on. We might be onto something, and we all helped in digging our state out of its hole. Working on one goal that is directed toward students, educators and perhaps your own children and grandchildren - this is a solid and a clever investment that we can actually feel the outcome with our vote. So, consider voting for change and a dynamic new voice as governor to stand up for this investment. The current state leaders need to see you are serious. This subject should have nothing to do with a party label. Let's be proud - instead of 47th.

MARY ELLEN FULLER

Sumter