Rep. Brian Bolduc, D-Auburn, has deceptively tried to appeal to both Republicans and Democrats with his far-reaching, one-lined argument against merit-based pay for teachers. Merit pay would not only strengthen unions, by putting salary incentives on top of negotiated benefits, but also boost special education programs and bolster finances in special education as well.
Bolduc does not disclose that successes in classrooms, both in traditional and special education, could come from a merit pay system. A teacher who plays politician fits the proud representative like a glove. To meet voters’ appeals, he also does not disclose that the federal stimulus package also applies to special education programs.
Bolduc deserves a recall vote, for being a representative who is trying to adjust the facts to fit his own reasoning.
Joseph Ziehm, Lewiston