Sen. Starr’s remarks about our public schools are offensive, unacceptableWhen Charles Starr opens his mouth, some people listen.

That’s a pity, because some of the drivel to escape from his lips can have a harmful effect on our state.

North Coast residents will remember Starr as the Republican challenger in U.S. Rep. David Wu’s first re-election race in 2000. His campaign consisted of GOP platitudes and he lost handily.

Many hoped he would drift into oblivion. Not so. His public activities continue in the state Senate, representing the fine folks of Hillsboro.

His latest message, that people should “run – not walk – to remove their children from public schools,” would be merely unpleasant, though insignificant, if not for one small detail.

This earnest fellow is chairman of the Senate Education Committee.

No, he wasn’t misquoted. He confirmed his statement reflects his true views about public schools. The backer of charter schools, vouchers and home schooling made the remarks in a letter to constituents. (In the past, Starr has fought losing battles to post the Ten Commandments in schools and end bilingual education. This year, Starr has introduced bills to encourage home schooling and mandate English immersion classes.)

The man who once served on the Hillsboro School Board told The Oregonian that parents shouldn’t be concerned that someone with this view is leading the most important education committee in the state Senate. “They’re supposed to think that I care very much about their child’s education.”

We were not alone in feeling the bile rise.

This, after all, is the gentleman charged with fixing what might be wrong with the state’s public schools.

Susan Castillo, the state schools superintendent, was among those aghast. “I am very concerned about that message going out from a state senator to constituents about our public schools,” she told a reporter. “To me, the public schools are what this country is about. They’re the pathway of opportunity.”

Well put.

Rob Saxton, school superintendent in Sherwood, which is in Starr’s district, was similarly angered. “It isn’t that he’s advocating so much for home school or a private school,” he was quoted as saying. “It’s that he’s clearly stating that he has no faith in the public schools.”

We agree.

Astonishingly, Senate leaders said the controversy would not affect Starr’s leadership post. “He has the right to say what he wants. I don’t think he’s anti-school,” said Senate President Peter Courtney, D-Salem., whose response is almost as disturbing as Starr’s comments.

Our view is a little different. Take the gavel away from Starr right now. Put someone in charge of education issues who cares about Oregon public schools. They are our lifeblood. Our future.

There is nothing more important in Oregon right now

Let’s make sure we are all clear on that.

There is nothing more important.