Thomas Ratliff

 

Thomas Ratliff, Republican candidate for the Texas State Board of Education, today criticized the majority of the State Board of Education who voted to cut off public testimony at their January 13th hearing. Ratliff said, "This is an insult to the voters and a complete disregard for the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution which allows citizens to petition their government."

"What's worse is the fact that the majority of the board voted to adjourn at 6:00 pm when the public wanted to provide comment, but the very next day they stayed until after 10:00 pm to hear themselves talk.

"Ronald Reagan said, "education is the bulwark of freedom, but removed too far from the control of parents and local government, it can become a tool of tyranny." What the State Board did is exactly what President Reagan was warning us about. When ANY elected body cuts off the public's ability to provide input, that is a sign that they have lost touch with the people who elected them."

"I have said all along that I am not running for this office because I believe I have all the answers. But I do have one answer for the voters. I will never vote to cut off the public's ability to provide input. The parents, educators and school board members who are closest to our schools should be given more respect for their opinions and not be cut off from their State Board of Education."