Yesterday, two Republican legislators accused Democratic State Superintendent Candidate and Peggs Superintendent Dr. John Cox of hypocrisy for asking for a state raise in teacher salaries because of his salary. In State and Federal politics, there is one thing you can always count on every year. If a candidate that should be winning,Hofmeister in this case, is losing or tied, they will get someone to sling mud, misinform, and disparage the other candidate. Yesterday was a great example, as Rep Todd Thomsen R-Ada & Lee Denney R-Cushing attacked Dr. Cox. Why? Because in a state that is as Republican as it gets a Democrat has a viable chance to win a State Office. Polls show a dead tie or a lead for Cox.
Misinformation? Peggs has more teachers and certified staff than was mentioned. Also, when talking about teachers pay they used a state average to make it seem that Dr. Cox was underpaying his staff. The truth is most rural small schools can't afford to pay teachers over the base minimum like larger and more local tax rich school districts. The other thing that is not mentioned is that Dr. Cox performs more than one job. Oh? They didn't mention that. Go to any larger school and find the salaries of the Superintendent, Counselor, and Athletic Director. I'll bet it is quite a bit higher than Dr. Cox's salary. They also don't mention the success that Pegg's has enjoyed while under Dr. Cox's leadership. Good school grades, Athletic, and Academic Successes. Any mention of Hofmeister's salary compared to her tutors at her Kumon centers? The average CEO makes 75 times what a typical employee makes. Were bashing Cox for making 4 times a teacher salary despite the fact he is performing more than one role.
Again, as I have said before, I have nothing against Joy Hofmeister. I have spoke with her and her staff, I have campaigned for her even. I was excited as anyone when she took down the wicked witch. I think she will be a major upgrade over Barresi. But this is just politics as usual and that's what plagues our system today. The bottom line is Dr. John Cox has the experience. If you want to talk about finance, he has had to make it through rough times when our Republican legislators and governor cut over $200 million in funding. If you want to talk about Accreditation, he has filled out the accreditation papers and been in the RAO meetings. If you want to talk about leading education, he was on the committees with CCOSA and OSSBA as they created For the People- A Vision for Oklahoma Public Schools. That was the real reason for the attacks yesterday. If you can't win on issues and experience, get someone to sling mud. Trust me, it won't be the last time in this race or any other state and federal race until the voters stop it.
