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Vital to our Success

“Today, education is perhaps the most important function of state and local governments. Compulsory school attendance laws and the great expenditures for education both demonstrate our recognition of the importance of education to our democratic society…It is the very foundation of good citizenship. Today it is a principal instrument in awakening the child to cultural values, in preparing him for later professional training, and in helping him to adjust normally to his environment. In these days, it is doubtful that any child.” Brown v. Board of Education

As Chief Justice Warren so eloquently writes, education is the foundation for an informed and engaged citizenry. Education provides the means for citizens to achieve intellectual, social, and economic success. To downplay the importance of a well-funded and robust education system is to jeopardize the future of our society and economy.

I write today in support of the Clinton town budget because, as a product of K-12 public education, I believe that an adequately funded and fully functioning education system is vital to our success as a town, as a state, and as a nation. I am forever grateful for the teachers and administrators who guided me and instilled in me a lifelong love of learning. However, this would not have happened if it wasn’t for the financial support and backing of town government. I, too, am grateful for the voters and the board members who saw the importance of funding public education and acted accordingly. For those reasons, I hope your readers will join me in voting “Yes” on May 10 to preserve and protect our future.

Christopher R. Henderson

Clinton