Wynn's Absence Doesn't Slow Edwards at Debate

Following a few polite chuckles, Edwards popped in: "We can't joke, because people's lives are in danger. Their job opportunities are in jeopardy. We face serious challenges. . . . I wanted to be here to answer your questions because I want to be a leader in the United States Congress."

The comment drew strong applause, but not everyone was convinced. Chamber secretary Kenneth D. Weiss said afterward that he was impressed with Edwards's knowledge of the issues but was concerned that she seemed too serious. "Not very personable," he said. He said, too, that he could forgive Wynn's absence: "If Congress is in session, members of Congress should be there. I believe in that."

Mitchell, a Temple Hills real estate agent, continued his quest to be seen as an equal choice to Wynn and Edwards. He noted that he was not invited to take part in the event initially but was quickly added when he reminded chamber officials of his existence.

At the event, he handed out literature in Spanish and joined Edwards in criticizing Wynn for his failure to appear. However, he drew some clucks from the crowd when he advocated physically closing the border as the first step to immigration reform, including using more fencing and checkpoints.

School Board Members Make Nice

After a contentious meeting Aug. 23, the Prince George's County school board returned to a state of tranquility last week. The meeting began with an apology by John E. Deasy, the superintendent, for snapping at board member Rosalind Johnson (District 1) during a discussion of a budget reassignment.

"I'm sorry that I didn't maintain my appropriate composure," Deasy said. Johnson didn't reply, but she had made it known in an earlier interview that as far as she was concerned, the argument was over.

"Do not think I will not kick the butt of anyone who wants to take down Dr. Deasy," Johnson said at a meeting of the board's curriculum and instruction committee. "I think he is terrific."

The board then postponed its vote on a bill that would take away the student school board member's right to vote on the board chairman and vice chairman positions. Because the meeting was held in the afternoon, students affected by the bill were unable to attend and testify; the next board meeting, Sept. 20, is at the usual 7 p.m.

Deasy's staff also gave a presentation on the superintendent's idea of creating schools that offer education from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The presentation outlined several potential scenarios for the idea, which would require changes in school boundaries.

Rather than tackle such a delicate issue right away, the board opted to write a list of questions for Deasy's staff to address at the next board meeting.