For years, the League of Women Voters has held debates for candidates running for the Sparta Board of Education.
I understand a debate was again proposed this year but only three of the seven Sparta Board of Education candidates accepted the invitation.
It is important that people in a democracy are able to discuss controversial issues as it “encourages them to listen to each other and talk through their differences sensitively” and, of course, it helps guide voters in choosing those candidates who best support their beliefs.
A school board member takes on one of the most important citizen responsibilities: overseeing the education of our community’s youth.
Once candidates commit to running, there should be no excuse in agreeing to share their platforms, their reasons for running and their educational goals for our district.
I encourage all seven candidates to participate in this very important tradition.
Melva Cummings
Sparta