FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                              CONTACT:    Beth Rizzi

                                                                                                            Press Officer

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STEVE RIZZI CAMPAIGN HEADQUARTERS

STEVE RIZZI PROPOSES BILL TO CREATE AN ACCOUNTABLE

AND QUALIFIED SCHOOL BOARD

GAMBRILLS, MD (JULY 6, 2002) – Today in a Letter to The Editor printed in The Capital newspaper, Steve Rizzi proposed the development of a bill to alter the composition of Anne Arundel County’s Board of Education.  In response to public outcries in Anne Arundel County,  Mr. Rizzi has proposed that future Boards of Education be comprised of four elected, three appointed, and one student member.

“The four elected members of the Board of Education would represent legislative districts in the county, and they would be fully accountable to the voters,” said Mr. Rizzi.  “The three appointed members would be required to meet specific qualifications that are appropriate for managing a large enterprise such as our Board of Education.  These members would be appointed by the County Executive, and they would serve terms equal in length to the elected members.”  Mr. Rizzi continued by saying, “the final member would continue to be a student member.”

Over the years, considerable debate has taken place in the media over how members of the Anne Arundel County school board should be selected.  This public debate has not resulted in any changes.  “I think that I can obtain a consensus in our Anne Arundel County delegation,” said Mr. Rizzi.  He continued, “I believe that the structure of this proposal would allow all parties to feel as though we can attract competent and accountable board members.”

Steve Rizzi is a conservative Democrat who is running for the open House of Delegates seat in District 33A.  Mr. Rizzi strongly believes that an accountable and qualified Board of Education is essential to educate our county’s children and make sound fiscal decisions.  Mr. Rizzi has served in advisory capacities to the U.S. Department of Education, as well as the Anne Arundel County Board of Education.

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By Authority, Steven O’Mara, Treasurer

STEVE RIZZI CAMPAIGN HEADQUARTERS

Friends of Steve Rizzi Campaign; 626-C Admiral Drive, #536; Annapolis, MD 21401

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