Running for Office

Friends, Colleagues, and Neighbors,
 
My name is Andrew Kemp.  I am a candidate for the Columbia County, Georgia, School Board—District 3.
 
As a candidate in a local election, I have become acutely aware of the reality of our political system.  It is complicated, frustrating, and much of it is filled with false bravado.  There are meaningless statements and vague promises.  Signs litter our roadways (of this I am guilty).  Catchy slogans pop up about being an outsider, a new voice, or aligned with current policies.  There is slick rhetoric about how a candidate can’t give specifics because there are too many issues, but they will all be addressed.  Others focus on popular sentiments about current trends. 
 
What does it all mean? 
 
At all levels, our political system has become a quagmire of falsities and vagaries.  We have become more interested in not saying the wrong thing instead of saying the right thing.  Or, heck, saying anything.  We don’t make statements that can be checked.  We don’t readily address issues that are controversial.  We don’t say things that beg people to ask us questions. 
 
Well, that has to stop.  It seems to me that people that get elected, many times, are the ones that we know the least.  They play to comfort.  They sit in the middle.  They try to be everything to everyone.  Well, that person does not exist. 
 
So, hello.  My name is Drew.  I was a public school teacher/program coordinator for 11 years.  I have two degrees in education (Master’s and doctorate).  I have been in higher education for almost 11 years researching, teaching, and promoting education.  Personally, I focus on the theories behind what we teach (which I believe is contextual).  I teach student-centered instruction.  I teach research methods.  I am a social justice educator.  I believe that all children have the right to learn.  I believe that our focus on testing and assessment has diminished our education system.  I believe that our schools need to reflect the community through what we teach.  I believe that there is an overreliance on textbooks.  I don’t believe that schools are failing, but don’t serve the best interests of our children.  I believe that now more than ever we need school counselors to be counselors. 
 
I do have a voice.  It isn’t a new voice.  It isn’t a vague voice.  It isn’t a voice that is going to tell you that I can’t commit to an idea because there are too many.  I am here.  I am open.  I am here to answer any questions that you have. 
 
If you want to know more about me, follow my blog at http://andrewtkemp.com/blog/.  I am going to start writing something almost every day.
 
If you have questions, ask.  If you have concerns, share.  If you want to talk, call.  If you want to help, donate. 
 
On May 22, 2018, vote for Andrew Kemp for the Columbia County School Board, District 3. 
 
Drew
 
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