Riemer Protests Ehrlich's Cut for MoCo Schools

Hans Riemer, one of the Democratic Party's four nominees for council at-large, is protesting GOP Governor candidate Bob Ehrlich's proposed cut to MoCo's state education aid. Following is his press release.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, October 06, 2010
CONTACT: Alex Behrend, alex@hansriemer.com

Riemer Rejects Ehrlich’s Planned Education Cuts, Says “Writing Is On The Chalkboard” for Montgomery County

[SILVER SPRING, Maryland] -- Democratic nominee for Montgomery County Council At-Large Hans Riemer denounces Bob Ehrlich’s plan to cut education funding [1] and urges Montgomery County voters to support Governor Martin O’Malley to ensure continued strong funding of our schools.

In an interview with the Associated Press, Bob Ehrlich said he would not provide funding for schools in Montgomery County and other jurisdictions where cost of living is higher, in order to make room for additional tax cuts he is proposing. [2]

“The writing isn’t just on the wall in the choice between Governor O’Malley and Bob Ehrlich, now it’s on the chalkboard,” says Riemer. “The stakes couldn’t be higher for Montgomery County and our schools. Bob Ehrlich’s plan to cut education funds to pay for his tax proposal is irresponsible and would be devastating.”

During Governor O’Malley’s first term, Montgomery County schools were ranked #1 in the nation two years in a row. The Governor invested $2.4 billion into our schools with $30.2 million allocated for much-needed renovations for schools like Bells Mill, Cresthaven, Cashell and Carderock Springs. The percentage of Montgomery County elementary students scoring proficient or better in reading and math for has gone up 6 percentage points and the number of middle school students scoring proficient or better increased by an average of 10 percentage points.

“Governor O’Malley’s record on education is second-to-none, just like our schools in Montgomery County,” says Riemer. “We cannot afford Bob Ehrlich’s reckless education agenda. Parents, teachers, students and anyone who cares about the future of Montgomery County must support our Governor. Martin O’Malley’s record is clear, and so is Bob Ehrlich’s reckless rhetoric.”

Riemer, the former National Youth Vote Director for Barack Obama and operative for Rock the Vote, and his wife Angela live in Silver Spring with their pre-school age son, Henry. The Riemers have another boy due in January 2011.

“As parents, Angela and I decided to raise our family in Montgomery County because of the great school system,” says Riemer. “This is more than just a policy debate, it’s personal for me.”

“With a young son, another on the way and the countless number of students I’ve worked with over the years, protecting our schools and education system is a core value for me.”

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