More on Merrifield

From the Center for Education Reform:

HALLOWEEN HAS NOTHING ON THIS GUY. Think Halloween is scary? Consider real-life-fright Colorado State Representative Michael Merrifield, who scares children, adults and fellow legislators with his stances on education. Merrifield's greatest hit was a forced resignation as Chair of the House Education Committee after he e-mailed a fellow legislator that "there must be a special place in hell" for parents who advocate for school choice. Unfortunately, like so many goblins this time of year, the representative has reappeared through a Denver Post letter to the editor. In it he calls math and science "left-brained" activities that "take the joy out of learning." Good for the Pueblo Chieftain and their willingness to call out this legislator for his severely poor judgment. Unfortunately for us, Representative Merrifield isn't just an aberration. Here's hoping more people in Colorado will see his beliefs for what they are - not so much ghostly as they are ghastly.

But then Rep. Merrifield had the temerity to write a letter to the Colorado Springs Gazette today refuting what Mike Rosen had written in his editorial about Merrifield last week. The Colorado Index has an excellent piece pointing out the facts.

Rep. Merrifield visited The Classical Academy (located in his district) after an invitation from Mark Hyatt. I suspect that Merrifield's statement, "Charter schools are great options for some families," means that his constituents may choose The Classical Academy, but he's been very clear -- on numerous occasions -- that he doesn't like charter schools in general. His voting record and statements made in committee hearings make it very clear.

I would assume that over the next few days, when charter school leaders from across the state gather for the annual charter school conference, Rep. Merrifield's letter to the Gazette will be discussed. I've heard talk of t-shirts with "I'm a charterizer!" printed on them.