Meeks' Leverage

Rev. and state Representative James Meeks, a possible 3rd party candidate for Illinois governor is blunt about his conversation with Democrat Governor Blagojevich. Sun Times:

"One of the things, with the leverage I've created, is that he has to decide if we're going to fix the flawed [school funding] formula once and for all," Meeks said of Blagojevich.

The governor has tossed out the idea of privatizing the tollway system to raise funds for the state. Meeks does have leverage, but if he thinks money is the main answer that is very disappointing. Without merit pay for teachers and real school choice, or at least full implementation of NCLB to provide alternative schools and tutoring to kids now trapped in failing schools, the money will be wasted.

And Illinois is already an economic basket case without wasting one of its few marketable assets for short-term political expediency, to boost the careers of two politicians.

Don't waste your leverage, Rev. Meeks.