Who knew there was a monthly magazine dedicated to public servants? I didn't. However, governing.com certainly does exist, and they have a monthly print magazine as well.
Their year end issue presents -- SURPRISE! -- the public officials of the year.
The major aspect of these stories is not what they do, but how they do what they do. There's leadership in their actions.
Keeping some measure of restraint, what about Morrisville's public officials? Who gets placed on Santa's list of good kids, and who gets put on the naughty list?
Putting aside the "I'm getting nothing but coal for Christmas" list, what does Santa's good list looks like in Morrisville?
I'd like to start off with some nominees to Santa's good list. From the Borough side, Mayor Tom Wisnosky, Code Officer Robert Seward, and Borough Manager George Mount.
From the school district side, the late Ed Frankenfield certainly deserves praise, but I'm holding off on naming any other current board members to either list. Dr. Beth Yonson is also on that good list.
How about those non-public official public people? There's really too many to list by name at the Rotary. Ditto at the Ivins House. There's compassionate civic leadership in action day after day.
Do you have any others? Tell us the people who make Morrisville not just a place to live, but HOME.
Every campaign season brings a raft of candidates who boast that they will take office ready to ask the tough questions about why their states, cities and counties stick to the same policies and strategies, instead of finding ways to perform better. They promise to poke into the dark corners of government and get the answers needed to improve the system. Unfortunately, a promise that looks simple in October becomes difficult to implement in January. More often than not, the toughest questions end up near the bottom of a long to-do list.
For a public official, asking tough questions is rarely fun. But it's doable, if somebody with brains and courage and persistence demands answers. Our eight Public Officials of the Year possess all those qualities. Their efforts have brought real results that have improved the lives of the people they represent. Governing is proud to honor their accomplishments.
“I think I gotta get a lot smarter between now and then!”
Country singer Tim McGraw, dismissing with a joke reports that he wants to run for governor of Tennessee in 2010 but saying that "if the time comes where there's something available and I think I can do some positive things, I'll be glad to do it"
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Hellmann Removes M.R. Reiter Without Authorization
Let's not forget this gem either.
On June, 12 companies submitted proposals to work on all three school buildings. Bill Hellmann, the board president, later cut that down to five and removed M. R. Reiter from the equation without consulting the rest of the board, said board member Robin Reithmeyer at Tuesday's board meeting.
She voted against going forward on the boiler replacements without a plan that included all three schools.
Where's all the "safety of the students" protests now?
District takes steps toward restoring schools
By MANASEE WAGH
Bucks County Courier Times
MORRISVILLE -- After several decades, it's time to initiate serious updates in Morrisville schools, say area residents.
The school board recently voted 7-1 to start preliminary work to replace the boilers in the high school building and Grandview Elementary.
Some school board members and residents call it the first step toward restoring the schools, which have been in need of repairs for years.
“This is the beginning of something. People should applaud this beginning,” said resident Sharon Hughes.
The district will use Vitetta, a Philadelphia-based architectural and engineering corporation, to begin assessing the work necessary to replace the boilers, as well as looking into two new burners for the elementary school.
Morrisville residents have been calling for a plan to get the deteriorating high school and both elementaries in better shape since the current board canceled plans to build a consolidated K-12 school.
But there's a problem with taking action on the boilers now, the board minority said.
Evaluating the needs of two schools, designing a custom boiler for each and completing installation could take six months. That would put the project's conclusion well into the heating season, according to Tim Lastichen, district facilities director.
The price tag for the boilers alone is more than $100,000, not counting the labor and any expenses that could crop up along the way, he said at the Tuesday board meeting.
Some residents and the board minority complained this is a poor time to start an expensive project without a long-term restoration plan that would take the schools' many other problems into account.
In May, the board voted to hire Wick Fisher White, an engineering firm, to do a $30,000 study of the work needed at the high school and two elementaries. The next step was to advertise for several companies to do that work.
On June, 12 companies submitted proposals to work on all three school buildings. Bill Hellmann, the board president, later cut that down to five and removed M. R. Reiter from the equation without consulting the rest of the board, said board member Robin Reithmeyer at Tuesday's board meeting.
She voted against going forward on the boiler replacements without a plan that included all three schools.
However, some board members and residents attending the meeting thought it was a bad idea to wait any longer.
“The reason for moving forward is to address an important item,” said board member Brenda Worob, referring to the boilers.
Plus, part of the original $30 million bond that the previous board borrowed to fund a consolidated school needs to be spent soon, Hellmann said.
Board member William Farrell suggested the district not delay the boiler project just because it would take a long time. Maybe the district wouldn't complete it in time for this year's cold season, but at least the preparation work would be done, he said.
As for the second elementary school, M. R. Reiter, Lastichen didn't think it was worth investing in a new boiler, though residents complained that it was too cold for comfort there during the winter.
“Reiter's so bad, I think it should be bulldozed. I wouldn't spend money on it,” Lastichen said during the meeting.
M.R. Reiter's future is still up in the air.
In May, Hellmann unveiled a tentative plan to save money by combining the schools somehow, but no clear action has been taken in that direction yet.
A temporary fix for providing heat in the winter may be to bring modular heaters into Reiter and the other schools, said board member John Buckman.
The district will hold a community action plan meeting at 7 p.m. July 22, in the LGI room of the high school to discuss the boilers and other issues. Residents are encouraged to participate.
Manasee Wagh can be reached at 215-949-4206 or mwagh@phillyBurbs.com.
July 19, 2008 6:27 AM
On June, 12 companies submitted proposals to work on all three school buildings. Bill Hellmann, the board president, later cut that down to five and removed M. R. Reiter from the equation without consulting the rest of the board, said board member Robin Reithmeyer at Tuesday's board meeting.
She voted against going forward on the boiler replacements without a plan that included all three schools.
Where's all the "safety of the students" protests now?
District takes steps toward restoring schools
By MANASEE WAGH
Bucks County Courier Times
MORRISVILLE -- After several decades, it's time to initiate serious updates in Morrisville schools, say area residents.
The school board recently voted 7-1 to start preliminary work to replace the boilers in the high school building and Grandview Elementary.
Some school board members and residents call it the first step toward restoring the schools, which have been in need of repairs for years.
“This is the beginning of something. People should applaud this beginning,” said resident Sharon Hughes.
The district will use Vitetta, a Philadelphia-based architectural and engineering corporation, to begin assessing the work necessary to replace the boilers, as well as looking into two new burners for the elementary school.
Morrisville residents have been calling for a plan to get the deteriorating high school and both elementaries in better shape since the current board canceled plans to build a consolidated K-12 school.
But there's a problem with taking action on the boilers now, the board minority said.
Evaluating the needs of two schools, designing a custom boiler for each and completing installation could take six months. That would put the project's conclusion well into the heating season, according to Tim Lastichen, district facilities director.
The price tag for the boilers alone is more than $100,000, not counting the labor and any expenses that could crop up along the way, he said at the Tuesday board meeting.
Some residents and the board minority complained this is a poor time to start an expensive project without a long-term restoration plan that would take the schools' many other problems into account.
In May, the board voted to hire Wick Fisher White, an engineering firm, to do a $30,000 study of the work needed at the high school and two elementaries. The next step was to advertise for several companies to do that work.
On June, 12 companies submitted proposals to work on all three school buildings. Bill Hellmann, the board president, later cut that down to five and removed M. R. Reiter from the equation without consulting the rest of the board, said board member Robin Reithmeyer at Tuesday's board meeting.
She voted against going forward on the boiler replacements without a plan that included all three schools.
However, some board members and residents attending the meeting thought it was a bad idea to wait any longer.
“The reason for moving forward is to address an important item,” said board member Brenda Worob, referring to the boilers.
Plus, part of the original $30 million bond that the previous board borrowed to fund a consolidated school needs to be spent soon, Hellmann said.
Board member William Farrell suggested the district not delay the boiler project just because it would take a long time. Maybe the district wouldn't complete it in time for this year's cold season, but at least the preparation work would be done, he said.
As for the second elementary school, M. R. Reiter, Lastichen didn't think it was worth investing in a new boiler, though residents complained that it was too cold for comfort there during the winter.
“Reiter's so bad, I think it should be bulldozed. I wouldn't spend money on it,” Lastichen said during the meeting.
M.R. Reiter's future is still up in the air.
In May, Hellmann unveiled a tentative plan to save money by combining the schools somehow, but no clear action has been taken in that direction yet.
A temporary fix for providing heat in the winter may be to bring modular heaters into Reiter and the other schools, said board member John Buckman.
The district will hold a community action plan meeting at 7 p.m. July 22, in the LGI room of the high school to discuss the boilers and other issues. Residents are encouraged to participate.
Manasee Wagh can be reached at 215-949-4206 or mwagh@phillyBurbs.com.
July 19, 2008 6:27 AM
What the MRR Explosion Looks Like From Grandview
Thanks to the emailer for this look inside Grandview while hosting the kindergarteners visiting from M. R. Reiter.
At GV the kindergarten kids in my daughters class have been doing a LOT of coloring this week simply because they are missing so many supplies there isn't much else to do. They are eating lunch in their classroom. On Gym day they were unable to have gym class because the fifth graders were using the lunchroom to eat during their normal lunch time. Instead Mr Campbell and Mrs Craig did an art project in the classroom. Yesterday they went outside for a brief walk to get some fresh air. The playground has been too wet to use. Today was library day and they were unable to check out library books for obvious reasons. On music day Mrs Plummer came tot he classroom and sang some songs and then they colored some more. A Letter came home two days ago asking for parents to send in books so the children will have some books to read/look at in the classrooms. If anyone out there has age appropriate books laying around that are no longer used and in good shape you may consider donating them to the K classrooms. There was also a request for tissues and hand sanitizer and cleaners for the tables. Teachers were unable to take anything like that from MRR. Only bare necessities were brought over....some manipulative toys...couple games...which explains all the coloring going on this week! The children seem to be doing ok but my daughter also wants to know "when can we go back to MRR? What's taking so long?" Traffic around GV has been a nightmare! Can't imagine what it would be like with trailers(excuse me...mobile classrooms) and 200 more students on the property.
At GV the kindergarten kids in my daughters class have been doing a LOT of coloring this week simply because they are missing so many supplies there isn't much else to do. They are eating lunch in their classroom. On Gym day they were unable to have gym class because the fifth graders were using the lunchroom to eat during their normal lunch time. Instead Mr Campbell and Mrs Craig did an art project in the classroom. Yesterday they went outside for a brief walk to get some fresh air. The playground has been too wet to use. Today was library day and they were unable to check out library books for obvious reasons. On music day Mrs Plummer came tot he classroom and sang some songs and then they colored some more. A Letter came home two days ago asking for parents to send in books so the children will have some books to read/look at in the classrooms. If anyone out there has age appropriate books laying around that are no longer used and in good shape you may consider donating them to the K classrooms. There was also a request for tissues and hand sanitizer and cleaners for the tables. Teachers were unable to take anything like that from MRR. Only bare necessities were brought over....some manipulative toys...couple games...which explains all the coloring going on this week! The children seem to be doing ok but my daughter also wants to know "when can we go back to MRR? What's taking so long?" Traffic around GV has been a nightmare! Can't imagine what it would be like with trailers(excuse me...mobile classrooms) and 200 more students on the property.
Who Needs a Referendum?
Apparently, the closing of an elementary school is not the same as the closing of the high school.
Board president William Hellmann said no decision about closing the high school would be made without going to referendum. He agreed to organize a meeting with all board members and community stake holders, including residents, students and teachers, to brainstorm ideas and discuss options for Morrisville going forward.
Ask the Emperor: Where's the referendum?
'It is our future'
By MANASEE WAGH
Bucks County Courier Times
An emotional crowd packed the Morrisville Middle/Senior High School auditorium Wednesday night in a show of support for keeping the 116-year-old high school together.
About 15 people spoke during the school board's public comment session, most giving impassioned statements against dissolving the school.
“We found a gem of a town,” William Martin said of his family's wish to move into Morrisville for its community and small school. If the students are sent to other, larger districts, like nearby Pennsbury, they would have little opportunity to join and excel in sports teams, the band, and other groups, said Martin, father of a student.
The large turnout at the meeting also included about 50 Middle/Senior High School students. Several, including student representative Kimberley Charles, expressed outrage at the board's unwillingness to allow them to speak longer after the end of the 45-minute public comment period.
“Let them speak!” was the often-repeated cry from students and other attendees.
Student Michael Leather said the school is too valuable to disband.
“The teachers here are our mentors for life,” he told the board. “Have a student poll and ask us what we want, since it is our future.”
John W. Jordan, the president of the Bucks County NAACP, also spoke during the public comment session, not only about keeping the school together, but also to point out a racial comment allegedly made by current Morrisville school board member Alfred Radosti.
“The NAACP is asking tonight for the resignation of Mr. Radosti,” said Jordan, whose speech elicited gasps from the crowd and sustained applause.
Jordan said Radosti made his comments in front of another former school board member, who did not want to be named. That member brought the matter to Jordan's attention, and he spoke to the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Civil Rights Division and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.
“Certain things will not be tolerated,” said Jordan, also vice president of the state NAACP and a former Morrisville school board member. Jordan said he was talking to the state Department of Education to “check on what the board is doing.”
Jordan also addressed concerns that programs might be cut to accommodate financial issues.
After public comment, Superintendent Elizabeth Yonson said that neither programs nor textbooks were slated to be cut at this point.
“We looked at the contingency fund of $120,000,” she said, adding that it could be used in place of raising taxes above the state mandated 4.4 percent index.
In an agenda meeting two weeks ago, the board decided to forego applying for state exceptions, which would allow the district to raise taxes above the index to cope with uncontrollable costs.
About two weeks ago it was revealed that some members of the new Morrisville school board majority contacted local school systems to see if they would be interested in accepting its high school students on a tuition basis. This was reportedly one option to relieve financial and other stresses in the district.
Board president William Hellmann said no decision about closing the high school would be made without going to referendum. He agreed to organize a meeting with all board members and community stake holders, including residents, students and teachers, to brainstorm ideas and discuss options for Morrisville going forward.
Staff writer Kate Fratti contributed to this article. Manasee Wagh can be reached at 215-949-4206 or mwagh@phillyburbs.com. Kate Fratti can be reached at 215-949-4179 or kfratti@phillyBurbs.com.
January 24, 2008 6:29 AM
Board president William Hellmann said no decision about closing the high school would be made without going to referendum. He agreed to organize a meeting with all board members and community stake holders, including residents, students and teachers, to brainstorm ideas and discuss options for Morrisville going forward.
Ask the Emperor: Where's the referendum?
'It is our future'
By MANASEE WAGH
Bucks County Courier Times
An emotional crowd packed the Morrisville Middle/Senior High School auditorium Wednesday night in a show of support for keeping the 116-year-old high school together.
About 15 people spoke during the school board's public comment session, most giving impassioned statements against dissolving the school.
“We found a gem of a town,” William Martin said of his family's wish to move into Morrisville for its community and small school. If the students are sent to other, larger districts, like nearby Pennsbury, they would have little opportunity to join and excel in sports teams, the band, and other groups, said Martin, father of a student.
The large turnout at the meeting also included about 50 Middle/Senior High School students. Several, including student representative Kimberley Charles, expressed outrage at the board's unwillingness to allow them to speak longer after the end of the 45-minute public comment period.
“Let them speak!” was the often-repeated cry from students and other attendees.
Student Michael Leather said the school is too valuable to disband.
“The teachers here are our mentors for life,” he told the board. “Have a student poll and ask us what we want, since it is our future.”
John W. Jordan, the president of the Bucks County NAACP, also spoke during the public comment session, not only about keeping the school together, but also to point out a racial comment allegedly made by current Morrisville school board member Alfred Radosti.
“The NAACP is asking tonight for the resignation of Mr. Radosti,” said Jordan, whose speech elicited gasps from the crowd and sustained applause.
Jordan said Radosti made his comments in front of another former school board member, who did not want to be named. That member brought the matter to Jordan's attention, and he spoke to the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Civil Rights Division and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.
“Certain things will not be tolerated,” said Jordan, also vice president of the state NAACP and a former Morrisville school board member. Jordan said he was talking to the state Department of Education to “check on what the board is doing.”
Jordan also addressed concerns that programs might be cut to accommodate financial issues.
After public comment, Superintendent Elizabeth Yonson said that neither programs nor textbooks were slated to be cut at this point.
“We looked at the contingency fund of $120,000,” she said, adding that it could be used in place of raising taxes above the state mandated 4.4 percent index.
In an agenda meeting two weeks ago, the board decided to forego applying for state exceptions, which would allow the district to raise taxes above the index to cope with uncontrollable costs.
About two weeks ago it was revealed that some members of the new Morrisville school board majority contacted local school systems to see if they would be interested in accepting its high school students on a tuition basis. This was reportedly one option to relieve financial and other stresses in the district.
Board president William Hellmann said no decision about closing the high school would be made without going to referendum. He agreed to organize a meeting with all board members and community stake holders, including residents, students and teachers, to brainstorm ideas and discuss options for Morrisville going forward.
Staff writer Kate Fratti contributed to this article. Manasee Wagh can be reached at 215-949-4206 or mwagh@phillyburbs.com. Kate Fratti can be reached at 215-949-4179 or kfratti@phillyBurbs.com.
January 24, 2008 6:29 AM
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