Mayoral candidate Don Cruz made headlines last Monday morning by announcing that he would be instituting a military training course for all district teachers if he were to be elected. His comments come after the many recent and tragic school shootings that have plagued the country in the last few months. His controversial comments have caused a massive uproar in the community, especially among educators in Lindeville.

7th grade math teacher, Candace Small, was particularly vocal about her disapproval and made these comments: “Cruz’s agenda is not only asinine, but dangerous and insensitive. Teachers train to be teachers, not members of the armed forces.”

President of the Teachers’ Union, Brooke McMan, agreed with Small stating, “Cruz’s comments are outrageous and show a true lack of knowledge and empathy on the issue of school safety. If he is to be elected and institutes this policy, the Teachers’ Union will be combating this policy with the full extent of the law.”

However, there are some teachers who fully support Cruz’s agenda such as P.E. teacher Rob Wiz. He went to Facebook to extend his support for Cruz by stating, “Hell yes!”, in response to this policy. This divisive plan will certainly be at the forefront of voters’ minds when they cast their ballots in November.