sembly. “I know that’s a high priority of his

sembly. “I know that’s a high priority of his excellency’s (Robb’s) and I’d like to see more money for teachers, but if the money is distributed (to localities) through the basic school aid formula, some areas will get a higher percentage than others.

“The last time this came up, I argued on the House floor that 10 percent for teachers’ pay was not going to equal 10 percent when the funds were allocated and in my district (where high property values affect the basic aid formula to the detriment of the local school divisions), that was true.”

To remove that inequity, Guest called for revenue for increased teacher pay to be distributed on the basis of school age population. “That would bring us closer to an equal percentage for everyone,” he maintained.

“And there are other ways. For instance, the money can be tied to the number of teaching positions mandated by the Standards of Quality in each school division but that’s basically the same thing as doing it on a per student basis.”

Addressing another education issue, Guest described merit pay as a laudable goal. “I would like very much to examine various ways to approach that goal. I don’t have an ‘Andy Guest’ plan but I know there are proposals floating around out there and I’d like to review them.”

Roads

As to Highway Department complaints that budget reductions have brought reductions in force that will ultimately cost taxpayers more through expensive outside contracting for maintenance and snow removal, Guest maintained “the Highway Department will say that, but I don’t necessarily buy it.”

He expressed belief in the “free enterprise system,” pointing out that district offices already contract with outside crews for emergency snow removal with no increase in cost or decrease' in efficiency. “But I still pre