Promise Plan to be presented...Mack is Wrong!

Tomorrow at 3:15 the Pensacola Promise committee will submit the final report on the proposed plan and its costs. I am immeasurably proud of the work our committee has done in all 7 Council Districts and the plan we have developed.
Pensacola's Promise Plan:
1) guarantees City residents (after attending a minimum of 4 years)upon graduating from an Escambia County School (public, private & parochial)up to 100% tuition for PJC, UWF or George Stone.

2) will cost less than $400,000 per year of NON TAXPAYER FUNDS

3) will establish Pensacola as a City that is committed to improving our labor force, attracting good industry, giving back to its citizens and raising our education levels.

Our committee could not have done more to make this project a comprehensive low cost HOME RUN for Pensacola, yet before we have even been heard naysayers such as Councilwoman Mack (who obviously hasn't read or heard the actual plan) have come out against it. In her combination council member/candidate website, Ms. Mack states

"COMMENTARY -- When the Pensacola City Council agreed to consider a proposal from Councilwoman DeWeese regarding this scholarship concept, there were two elements that were clearly identified by at least several Council members as critical to a favorable consideration: (1) that the program must be equitable to all City students whether they attend public, parochial, or private schools, and (2) that the major source of funding for the program must be private funds. I am deeply disappointed to see that the final proposal discriminates against students in non-public schools and is dependent solely on City contributions, and I will therefore not support the program."

The councilwoman is WRONG on both counts. The plan does provide a means for private school kids to participate and get up to 100% of needed funds for PJC, UWF and George Stone. The committee was in fact thanked by the principal of Catholic High School for including their children in the program.

Second, NO TAX dollars are used to fund the program. All administrative costs will be borne by a not-for-profit and the City's ONLY responsibility will be its contribution.

I am concerned that this sort of uninformed decision making and lack of respect for our committee by not even listening to the presentation before passing her judgment shows a trait that may keep Ms. Mack from being an effective Mayor. A strong mayor should be deliberative, listen to the community, allow the process to be completed,analyze the facts and weigh all options before making a decision about a proposal like Pensacola Promise which will impact generations to come. At least listen to the proposal and discuss the Promise plan with your peers before passing such judgements.

My hope is for the remainder of my colleagues to see this opportunity for what it can do: Promise every child in Pensacola the chance to be whatever they dream!