Luckett going strong in governor’s bid
Luckett, the father of four, said he and his wife, Francine, have deep concerns about the future of public education in this state.
“Too many children simply are not ready for the first day of school,” he said. “Good jobs and a good education are inextricably linked. Not all our children are being offered this opportunity.”
But he said improvements, especially early childhood education, do not have to mean costly expenditures.
“We have to start thinking creatively about solutions,” he said, citing increased reliance upon existing local networks and volunteerism.
He linked the state’s high incarceration rate with its low educational attainments.
“I’m not soft on crime,” Luckett insisted, “but when our state spends two times per year per prisoner more than we spend per year on a student, something is wrong.”
He said some others who are lining up to run for governor have been in public office for decades.
“They’ve had their opportunity to change. They are the voices of the past,” Luckett noted.
“I am the voice of the future. It’s time for new ideas.”
Patsy Brumfield Column
NE MS Daily Journal
5/19/10
Magnolia Tribune
