ELECTION: Can't keep teachers out

Ann Seddon doesn't want Coeur d'Alene teachers to be involved with school board elections. (Letter to the editor-May 1). Apparently it is OK for her and her group to be involved in the democratic process but not teachers.

It is hard to understand the level of hysteria that would lead someone to refer to classroom teachers as "union bosses." It reminds me of Chicken Little running around the farm screaming "the sky is falling." As part of her wild conspiracy theories we're told to believe that Coeur d'Alene Education Association volunteers are actually Jimmy Hoffa types operating in a seedy underworld, preying on unsuspecting minions and promoting one world government.

The reality is that CEA has an interest in electing intelligent, well informed School Trustees. Invitations to meet with educators are sent to all candidates, along with questionnaires designed to promote thoughtful discussion and guide candidates through the interview process. Care is taken to select educators from a variety of grade and experience levels to take part in interviewing candidates. Interviews are conducted with the utmost integrity. Recommended candidates are chosen because they have expressed a genuine commitment to student success and see the value of attracting and retaining quality educators.

Ms. Seddon chooses to put a cynical spin on CEA's involvement. I see it as a thoughtful and important activity to strengthen the education of our children.

MARTY MEYER

Coeur d'Alene