<bt>To the Editor:
In his letter to the editor, Pete Contostavlos, Chairman of the Sully District Democratic Committee, praises the leadership and lobbying skills of School Board Member Cathy Belter (Springfield District). Parents of children who attend any and all Springfield District Schools take note: Not one of our schools is included in the 2003 School Bond Referendum which is up for a vote on Nov. 4. Schools like Clifton Elementary, one of the oldest in the District, Greenbriar West, Greenbriar East Elementary, West Springfield High, etc. Fellow parents take note again: if this bond passes, not one penny of this year's $300 million will be devoted to your school! So where was Cathy Belter during the debates over which schools would be included for upgrades in this referendum? She was running for the 37th Senate seat, 18 months into her first term on the School Board. Was she using the School Board as a stepping-stone to higher office? Mr. Contostavlos, let's re-examine the definition of "dedication."
Those who wish to ensure that we are never left out in the cold again can make the same choice that we will on Nov. 4: to cast a vote for Scott Martin. Dr. Scott Martin, a tenured associate professor at George Mason University, has three sons; the two older boys are in Springfield District schools — our schools. Dr. Martin is also an academic chair of the third largest department at GMU, and is also an Assistant Dean of Research and Technology in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Dr. Martin has the educational knowledge and experience, both in administration, and in the classroom to ensure we will be well represented in our district. Dr. Martin has also built and managed small businesses, academic departments, research centers, colleges, and schools; his credentials, experience, and qualifications for the School Board, both in the public and private sector, are unmatched!
Please join us in casting the most important vote of all — the one for our children by voting for the candidate who truly is devoted to education, Dr. Scott Martin for the Springfield District School Board on Nov. 4.
Renate Manville
Ashleigh Road
Fairfax
Sharon Ricciardi
Colchester Road
Fairfax
Janenne Springer
Chalkstone Way
Fairfax