We used to believe that legislators who consistently voted contrary to the interests of our public schools and the children they serve just needed to be informed or hear from constituents. We have learned that some of them just won’t change their minds or listen to us. Their campaigns are funded almost entirely outside their districts, and they heed their funders. Public education supporters will need to understand who is and is not really pro-public education and support those who are. We agree with this editorial (though it states we recruit candidates, which we don’t actually do, rather we work to inform Kansans about them, out legislators who are not pro-public education, and educate candidates on education policy).

“People seeking to put a different Legislature in charge will need to pour time, money and energy into these efforts.

“Johnson County businesses dismayed by the attacks on public education will have to step into the political fray with wallets open.

“Elected officials stunned by decisions in Topeka that have stripped local governments of power and millions of dollars in funding will have to speak up. Cue stronger leadership from County Commission Chairman Ed Eilert, Overland Park Mayor Carl Gerlach and others.”

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/yael-t-abouhalkah/article68954137.html.