Although I have never met Chip Baker, I have heard him on the radio, speaking and being interviewed. I have met Joe Dumas and heard him on radio.

Mr. Dumas is a person of extraordinary intelligence and dedication. He is a man devoted to principle.

I do not have to say a single word against Mr. Baker to be able to say that Joe Dumas is a rarity, a candidate a citizen can vote for, rather than voting against his opponent.

Mr. Dumas is also a rarity in that he is a candidate who believes in the sanctity of the individual and who believes in honor, even for holders of public office.

If Chattanooga and Hamilton County are ever to progress, to advance to the 21st century, then voters must turn out in huge numbers and elect Joe Dumas to the school board.

Michael Morrison

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We live in North Chattanooga, and contrary to what most believe, the public schools in this area are appalling. The zoned middle school within driving distant to our home was the former Chattanooga Middle, and other middle schools (scary) within a 30 mile radius are equally as bad. These schools are not appropriate learning environments, the gang painting and three fights per day speak to this. I believe that if I taught in such an environment, it would adversely impact me. These conditions send a statement to everyone that says, "we do not care about you."

A new group, and movement in our community, has collectively led an army of volunteers to create a middle school that reflects community interest and support at the former Chattanooga Middle. This army has brought new life into the community, you rock Normal Park. I had the pleasure of again meeting Joe Dumas at the middle school rehabilitation project. This is a man that understands higher education, because he is a professor at UTC. He took to time to listen and respond to every concern, and supported the community stepping up and taking control of schools that bear the cross of pure neglect and apathy.

While I agree that voting for Joe Dumas should not be a vote against Chip Baker, who I have heard is a fine person, the truth of the matter is that our public school system is decaying not improving. It is time to try a different venue with regard to our school board members. There has been no movement towards changing a very broken system, and like the Normal Park army of 500 volunteers, we want diligent work to improve these embarrassing schools.

Vote Joe Dumas on Aug. 7.

Allison Graham