Beach GOP chair defends military education of candidate

By Lauren Roth
The Virginian-Pilot
© October 24, 2008

VIRGINIA BEACH

The military experience of School Board at-large candidate Patrick Salyer is at least the equivalent of a master’s degree, Navy veteran and city Republican Party Chair Kenny Golden said Thursday.

In Thursday’s edition of The Virginian-Pilot, School Board member Ed Fissinger said Salyer is not qualified to replace him on the board, in part because of his educational background. Salyer has a GED and has completed coursework toward a bachelor’s and master’s degree.

Fissinger is not running for re-election and has endorsed attorney Erika Walker-Cash in the race for his seat. Two at-large seats are up for election Nov. 4.

Salyer, a 26-year Navy veteran, achieved the rank of senior chief petty officer before retirement. Golden said the skills required to understand a ship’s weapon systems and navigation systems are at least equivalent to master’s level work.

“A guy with Patrick’s level of education is probably equivalent to several master’s degrees,” said Golden, who attained the rank of captain but retired as a commodore.

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Sounds about equal

Submitted by jfr on Sat, 11/01/2008 at 6:13 am.

Guess a navy chief is about the same as a community organizer when it comes to education level!! hehe

truthteller

Submitted by johnmcmullen on Sat, 10/25/2008 at 6:22 am.

Sounds like the writer has been sheltered in the core of academia too long. A Chief Petty Officer has been exposed to more experience and common knowledge than many teachers, professors and lawyers of the elitist noses in the air, know it alls. I'll take the chief anytime and I won't be disappointed - Any Chief. What Pompous butt head would be so bold as to challenge the credentials of one of our Navy's seasoned Chiefs.
What utter Gall! Disgusts me!
GMCS/CWO3/Lcdr

Elites lack common sense

Submitted by Reid_Greenmun on Fri, 10/24/2008 at 3:12 pm.

You would think in a Navy towm like ours that a someone on the school board would have enough common sense to know that a 26-year Navy veteran that achieved the rank of senior chief petty officer is more than qualified to serve on our school board. Apparently that acadmic degree 'ole Ed hangs on his wall is an indication of his lack of real world knowledge or his lack of appreciation of just how difficult serving as a senior chief petty officer really is. Is there a actual degree required to serve on the ELECTED POSITION of school board - or is 'ole Ed making up his own "minimum requirements" for the job? I think our school board will benefit from having a few more navy chiefs to help lead with common sense and real world experience.

Submitted by Reid_Greenmun on Fri, 10/24/2008 at 3:10 pm.

You would think in a Navy towm like ours that a someone on the school board would have enough common sense to know that a 26-year Navy veteran that achieved the rank of senior chief petty officer is more than qualified to serve on our school board. Apparently that acadmic degree 'ole Ed hangs on his wall is not an indication of his lack of real world knowledge or his lack of appreciation of just how difficult serving as a senior chief petty officer really is. Is there a actual degree required to serve on the ELECTED POSITION of school board - or is 'ole Ed making up his own "minimum requirements" for the job? I think our school board will benefit from having a few more navy chiefs to help lead with common sense and real world experience.