I'm watching the replay of the business meeting, and it is amazing to see just how cocky and arrogant our bully Emperor is. Really. Just watch it. It's a great show in public, but on tape he really gets two thumbs up for most obnoxious performance by an elected official.
Isn't there someone out there who can give him some warm fuzzies? Anyone?
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Are Other School Districts Doing Better?
Doesn't seem like it...
Just go away
Regarding the March 1 article about the Neshaminy school board planning to have a workshop to enhance communications between members: This did not at all come as a surprise to me after watching the board meetings. After seeing board member William O'Connor operate, there is no question that the Neshaminy board is having problems.
From the moment that O'Connor was sworn in, he has been one-sided in his thinking. O'Connor's Web site is incredible with all the anonymous comments. If someone has something to say, he or she should put their name on the comment. Why doesn't he just try to do the job he was elected to do?
I hope O'Connor quits the board, as he has threatened, as a favor to the public.
Stop the whining
I was disturbed after reading the March 6 editorial, “Dissing Democracy.”
Neshaminy school board member William O'Connor stated he cannot see himself serving on the board any longer if the board could not work together to solve serious issues. O'Connor has only been on the board for three months and he is already talking about leaving.
It is hard to believe this because the O'Connors have been loyal board attendees for years and should know the ins and outs of board meetings. If O'Connor is thinking of leaving, then he apparently has his own personal agenda and is frustrated.
O'Connor must stop whining and represent the entire Neshaminy community. He should not get upset when events don't go his way.
Here's the original editorial. I really like the last lines. Too bad the Emperor does not tolerate public discussion and revelation of information.
Dissing democracy
Russia held an election this week and it was amazing that a nation so sprawling and diverse produced such a huge plurality of votes for one presidential candidate. That democracy is suffocating under the boot of resurgent totalitarianism might have something to do with the margin of victory. Conflicting points of view simply aren't welcome.
With that in mind, we turn to the Neshaminy school board and its plan to hold a so-called retreat.
The board has some big helpings on its plate, including the possibility of closing schools, teacher contract negotiations and a multimillion dollar deficit. In the interest of forging a spirit of cooperation and at the administration's request, board members have agreed to a workshop/retreat in order to “get everyone in place,” according to Superintendent Paul Kadri.
Seems that there's been disagreement among members and, God forbid, behind-the-scenes conflict. This has strained the cohesiveness of the board, some members complain.
“I cannot see myself serving on this board any longer if this continues,” member William O'Connor fretted.
Pardon us if we don't share O'Connor's alarm. But isn't disagreement — even conflict — part of democracy?
We don't elect anybody with the expectation that he or she will fall into lockstep agreement with their elected colleagues. If so, they're not doing much independent or critical thinking. Nor are they serving their constituents well.
In fact, doesn't a diversity of ideas produce a variety of solutions from which to pick? And aren't debate and compromise key elements of good government?
Speaking of good government, we note that the “retreat” will be a closed-door affair at an undisclosed time and location. It's worrisome, though not surprising, that this passes muster with Pennsylvania's woeful open meetings law. The only way anyone will know if board members discuss business that ought to be discussed openly is if a member has the conscience to come forward. We hope that's the case.
Meanwhile, Neshaminy residents should hope that board members aren't cowed into acquiescence despite their gut feelings or against their better judgment. Indeed, we encourage members to be vocal — whether they agree or disagree with their colleagues.
Discussion is a good thing. Public discussion is even better.
Just go away
Regarding the March 1 article about the Neshaminy school board planning to have a workshop to enhance communications between members: This did not at all come as a surprise to me after watching the board meetings. After seeing board member William O'Connor operate, there is no question that the Neshaminy board is having problems.
From the moment that O'Connor was sworn in, he has been one-sided in his thinking. O'Connor's Web site is incredible with all the anonymous comments. If someone has something to say, he or she should put their name on the comment. Why doesn't he just try to do the job he was elected to do?
I hope O'Connor quits the board, as he has threatened, as a favor to the public.
Stop the whining
I was disturbed after reading the March 6 editorial, “Dissing Democracy.”
Neshaminy school board member William O'Connor stated he cannot see himself serving on the board any longer if the board could not work together to solve serious issues. O'Connor has only been on the board for three months and he is already talking about leaving.
It is hard to believe this because the O'Connors have been loyal board attendees for years and should know the ins and outs of board meetings. If O'Connor is thinking of leaving, then he apparently has his own personal agenda and is frustrated.
O'Connor must stop whining and represent the entire Neshaminy community. He should not get upset when events don't go his way.
Here's the original editorial. I really like the last lines. Too bad the Emperor does not tolerate public discussion and revelation of information.
Dissing democracy
Russia held an election this week and it was amazing that a nation so sprawling and diverse produced such a huge plurality of votes for one presidential candidate. That democracy is suffocating under the boot of resurgent totalitarianism might have something to do with the margin of victory. Conflicting points of view simply aren't welcome.
With that in mind, we turn to the Neshaminy school board and its plan to hold a so-called retreat.
The board has some big helpings on its plate, including the possibility of closing schools, teacher contract negotiations and a multimillion dollar deficit. In the interest of forging a spirit of cooperation and at the administration's request, board members have agreed to a workshop/retreat in order to “get everyone in place,” according to Superintendent Paul Kadri.
Seems that there's been disagreement among members and, God forbid, behind-the-scenes conflict. This has strained the cohesiveness of the board, some members complain.
“I cannot see myself serving on this board any longer if this continues,” member William O'Connor fretted.
Pardon us if we don't share O'Connor's alarm. But isn't disagreement — even conflict — part of democracy?
We don't elect anybody with the expectation that he or she will fall into lockstep agreement with their elected colleagues. If so, they're not doing much independent or critical thinking. Nor are they serving their constituents well.
In fact, doesn't a diversity of ideas produce a variety of solutions from which to pick? And aren't debate and compromise key elements of good government?
Speaking of good government, we note that the “retreat” will be a closed-door affair at an undisclosed time and location. It's worrisome, though not surprising, that this passes muster with Pennsylvania's woeful open meetings law. The only way anyone will know if board members discuss business that ought to be discussed openly is if a member has the conscience to come forward. We hope that's the case.
Meanwhile, Neshaminy residents should hope that board members aren't cowed into acquiescence despite their gut feelings or against their better judgment. Indeed, we encourage members to be vocal — whether they agree or disagree with their colleagues.
Discussion is a good thing. Public discussion is even better.
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