Ron Maurer lists qualifications as state schools superintendent
From our weekly issue dated April 21, 2010
Ron Maurer (IVN file photo)
Rep. Ron Maurer (R-Grants Pass) has been crisscrossing Oregon during the past few months as he tries to dethrone Susan Castillo, the superintendent of public instruction.
And Maurer made a stop in his hometown of Grants Pass on Wednesday, April 14 for a fund-raiser with approximately 30 supporters.
The event, held at a restaurant, included attendance by Josephine County Sheriff Gil Gilbertson and former county Clerk & Recorder Georgette Brown.
Maurer gave a brief speech, and outlined his run for the statewide office.
“It“s been an experience to do this,“ Maurer said. “It“s been an interesting ride, to say the least.“
Running a statewide campaign is “surreal,“ Maurer observed. He said that one day, he spent the morning in Eugene talking to around 450 members of the Oregon Education Association, which represents teachers throughout the state. That night, Maurer said, he gave a speech at the Dorchester Conference in Seaside in front of some 750 Republican activists.
He said that he has been disappointed by the limited amount of media coverage that the superintendent race has received. This especially is so, he stated, because education funding comprises more than half the state“s general fund budget, and the position is one of only six statewide offices.
The first major article about the race appeared in The Oregonian newspaper. It focused mostly on Maurer naming his sons Remington and Winchester, he said.
“That did stir up a lot of debate,“ Maurer said. “Most of it, actually, is positive.“
Castillo has held the superintendent position for around eight years, Maurer said. He added that Oregon currently is ranked 43rd in the nation in educational outcomes.
Prior to becoming a state representative, Maurer served on the Grants Pass School District 7 Board of Education. Maurer also holds three degrees in education, and he said that makes him qualified for the superintendent spot.
“I think my resume pretty well speaks for itself,“ opined the candidate.
Maurer said that if elected, he plans to reform the Dept. of Education by changing its top leadership, which consists of political appointees. That is the only way to change the agency“s “culture,“ Maurer said.
Josephine County Deputy District Attorney Wally Hicks was introduced to the crowd by Maurer. Hicks, 33, is running unopposed for the post that Maurer now holds.
“I think Wally will do a great job,“ Maurer said.
The race between Maurer and Castillo will be decided in the May 18 primary election.
We want to hear from you!
Add your thoughts with the link below.
Comments returning soon!
Advertisement:
