Sandstrom distances self from flier that blasts opponent

OREM — Rep. Steve Sandstrom, R-Orem, issued a statement Monday denouncing an "inflammatory and negative" flier being circulated by a supporter about his Democratic opponent, longtime educator Steven Baugh.

"Personal attacks have no place in my message," Sandstrom said. "While I differ from my opponent on philosophies and issues, I will continue to show respect for him and this democratic process. I denounce negative campaigning, and I am committed to civil and respectful discourse."

The flier was the result of "one person's zeal to show support for me," he said, adding that he was unaware of the effort until he received calls characterizing it as "inflammatory and negative."

The page-long flier, written as a letter to Baugh supporters, states Baugh "has a socialist agenda" influenced by education researcher John Goodlad's work on the moral dimensions of teaching.

According to the flier, Goodlad's work backs a humanistic curriculum that calls for children to be "indoctrinated against the teachings of their parents" and "has a problem with patriotism."

The author of the flier, Linda Jardine, said her intent was "simply informational. I am concerned that some people may not be aware of Mr. Baugh's politics. I am not at all associated with Mr. Sandstrom."

Jardine said she's given out about 100 fliers at homes with yard signs supporting Baugh and hopes to do more. "I do not feel I am being uncivil to anyone," she said. "I am simply shining a light."

Baugh, director of Brigham Young University's Center for Improvement for Teacher Education and Schooling and a former Alpine School District superintendent, dismissed the flier.

"Half truths. Quotes out of context. Lack of references," he said. "Accusing me of being a socialist, that's nonsense. It's ridiculous."

Baugh said the principles he's adopted from Goodlad's work include providing access to knowledge for all children and fostering the civility "needed to live productively in our American form of government."

"They've been a part of me for many, many years. I just think they're fundamentally sound," Baugh said. "Because I adopt that doesn't mean I adopt everything (Goodlad) has ever written or said."

He said Sandstrom has told him he wants nothing to do with the flier. "I take Mr. Sandstrom at his word," Baugh said. "I think Mr. Sandstrom and I are both trying to run a positive race."

Goodlad is already controversial in the Alpine School District, with some parents concerned the district's mission statement, based on his work, calls America a democracy rather than a republic.

"What Goodlad believes is very troubling," Sandstrom said. But he said he did not believe "for a minute" that the school board members who put that language in the district mission statement are socialists.

Sandstrom said he'd asked his supporters not to bring up their issues with Goodlad to criticize Baugh. "It's unfortunate people do this," he said. "It does distract from the kind of campaign I'm trying to run."

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