Rep. Lawrence Lockman, R-Amherst, recently wrote an op ed in this newspaper criticizing the Cony Student Council for creating its own “report card” for Augusta’s high school. His column was intimidating, mean-spirited and inappropriate.

Gov. Paul LePage recently released his own report card grading every school in the state, including Cony. It is controversial, to say the least, but even the governor says his major goal is to spark a conversation about school quality among parents, students and taxpayers. That is why the three of us were proud to see the Cony Student Council address the issue head on. Although we may not agree with the particulars of their own grading system, this is just the kind of involvement in civic discourse we should all want our kids to engage in. Good for them. For Rep. Lockman to call it a “sad story,” mock them for “silly self-indulgence” and sarcastically make fun of their “bubbly self-esteem” sends in unfortunate message: you guys are obviously not mature enough to have a valid opinion.

Again, we may not agree with exactly how the student council set up its own report card for Cony, but we applaud them for the serious consideration they gave this critical issue and their courage for submitting their view into the public arena. Before long, some of these kids will fill the seats we currently hold in the Legislature. We think we will be in good hands.

 

Sen. Roger Katz (R-Augusta)

Rep. Matthew Pouliot (R-Augusta)

Rep. Corey Wilson (R-Augusta)