More follow-up on our September 8 cover story on the Rush Holt-Scott Sipprelle congressional race: A reader wondered why we had presented Sipprelle’s position on education but not Holt’s.
The answer: No reason at all. Both candidates agreed to separate interviews with our reporter, who started out with the same questions but who also followed the resulting answers to the places they led. Our reporter covered a lot of ground with both candidates, but not identical ground.
Holt’s view on education, as stated on his website: “As a former educator and an employer, Rep. Holt believes it is critical that we make the necessary investments in education and sustain those investments over the long term . . . Rep. Holt has worked to craft comprehensive education policies that improve early childhood education, invest in teacher training, set high standards for our students, and help make college more affordable. As a senior member of the committee, Rep. Holt will take a leading role in the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.”
#b#To the Editor: Holt’s the Man#/b#
Over the 12 years that Rush Holt has been the Congressman for the 12th district of New Jersey, I have come to realize that he is a near perfect fit to my vision of an ideal congressman. He is focused on doing his best to represent all of the people in his district. He is not beholden to any particular group of supporters, or companies, or organizations.
I have the sense that he approaches each issue as a scientist, which he is, trying to understand what action will do the best job for all of his constituents and for the country. I also have the sense that other members of congress respect his analytical capabilities and look to him to help them understand the complex problems facing congress.
Let me mention just a few of his efforts. He has been very active supporting veterans by forcing the Department of Defense to provide support and vital services as they re-enter civilian life. He has supported measures to increase security at our ports and borders. He is active in efforts to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. He is an active supporter of Einstein’s Alley, an organization devoted to encouraging the establishment of entrepreneurial companies in his district. He voted to strengthen Medicare and close the prescription drug donut hole. He has supported increases in the minimum wage and equal pay for equal work.
From my understanding of the positions of Scott Sipprelle, he is determined to undo many of the things that Holt has supported that benefit large numbers of people in the 12th district. Voters need to reelect Rush Holt, so he can continue to represent all of us.
Jack Tomlinson, Princeton
