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[Letterhead]
April 21, 1997
Diana M. Fessler Dear Diana, Your report, and especially your visit to the Senate Education Committee, were a tremendous encouragement to me and my colleagues, as well as to scores of our constituents. Sometimes they shoot the messenger. Shame on us for failing to thank the messenger. Please forgive us for not communicating with you our sincere gratitude for everything you have done to expose the current reforms for what they truly are. We were unable to get the necessary support to repeal Washington's education reform statutes this session, but your presentation helped us slow it down considerably. We believe you helped pave the way for a 1997-99 Operating Budget that rejects Goals 2000 money. The budget is now on the Governor's desk; we're hoping we get out of this session with that provision intact. Churchill gave his book, Their Finest Hour, this theme: How the British people held the fort ALONE 'til those who hitherto had been half blind were half ready. Thank you for holding down the fort while the rest of us have been half-blind and half-ready. If we had tried to do the work you've done in our fashion, we would never have gotten anywhere. Thank you for the report you so selflessly complied and brought before our committee. As you know, Roxanne Sitler has put it together with a lot of other data which helps make it Washington-specific. Many people have seen the video of your presentation and have called our offices to thank us for bringing you to Washington. We deeply regret having made such tremendous use of your work without thanking you right away. If we can ever serve you in any way, please consider our offices at your disposal. Meanwhile, we remain.
Very truly yours,
Harold Hochstatter, State Senator |
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Diana M. Fessler
· 7530 Ross Road · New Carlisle, OH ·
45344 |