The first meeting with Mr. McCoy at the dais and a new era of openness is upon us. McCoy announced that tonight, there would be a sign-in sheet so that citizens could be kept abreast of issues brought before the County Ledge and resulting legislation....I like.
Public hearing segment of the meeting is, of course, expected to "go long." I welcome all my county ledge folks to my world as Common Council member Anton Konev delivers his "State of the Ward" speech as he requests that legislation be presented at the county level to match his legislation for "prayer in the chamber" at the city level. Koneve offers many more shout outs to "the lord" in his address as these folks unfamiliar with "Konevism" snickers as they hold their "awe" in check. (Unfortunately, Konev thinks that time limits don't apply to him as he has clearly ignored McCoy's prompting to end his filibuster.)
Konev is joined in prayer by Mr. Scavo who gives a shout out to the Lord in response to Mr. Konev's pleas. (Oh yeah, Konev went into overtime on the YMCA membership speech.) Update: Mr. Konev has snuck up behind me and read my entire Konev posts and has corrected me by adding that he not only called for prayer in the chamber and nursing home support, he gave a shout out to his favorite legislators, Domalowitz, McCoy and Higgins. (I'm sure they were pleased.) He also called for a downsizing of the county legislature. (Ya happy know Mr. Konev?)
Okay, I've stopped giggling now, we are back to the nursing home lament. Next up, pledge, next up, some woman calls for a "point of order" cause, well, she couldn't find a parking space...and, and, there were only two handicap spots....and and,...Mr. McCoy gets two points for pulling an ACO..."would you like to speak, is that what you're getting at?" he asks with a grand smile..."yes," she says..."step right up," McCoy invites her to speak. Well worth it, I get to hear about autism for the second time tonight. Apparently, there's some legislation on the agenda tonight that has to do with autism. I hate missing caucus.
We moved right along on the agenda until we hit number 28 which reinstated nine Social Services positions. Hey, I'm not against putting on nine folks to support the services we have are mandated to supply in this county, I've no problem at all. I have a problem with this wisdom presenting itself now rather than during the budget period. Odd, huh? Not really.
As Mr. Mendick has just pointed out, seems that when the budget was developed, we were $10 million short and just because the money for these positions is in the budget, we don't need to spend it. The county is already short.
Legislator Sean Ward, Green Island (who was apparently hiding behind a pole from me for my life at the county ledge as I don't believe I've noticed him before) points out that the county only has to come up with 22.3% of the total salary of the restored positions.
And the positions are restored with the split along party lines...no surprise there.
Local Law O is up for discussion...presented by my rep, Mr. Higgins, this legislation would prevent idling of motor vehicles for more than 3 minutes. (This Texan must say, that would limit my half hour warm up, huh?) Mr. Scavo rises to shout down Mr. Higgins legislation by saying "let's plant more trees!" Ms. Connolly, asked how to enforce such legislation, she's been against this from the beginning.
Here ya go folksies, it's apparent that our legislators have not read the legislation...this legislation doesn't prohibit folks from warming up their vehicle. Ya see, within this law, folks can still warm up their cars when the temperature is 32 degrees or below. Huh? So, why would anyone just idle their vehicle for fun. (cept for us folks "doin' it the Texas way.) Mr. Clenehan, voice of reason, states that, as written, the Law O is not enforceable and unprosecutable. (Oh, and apparently, he has read the law so I stand corrected.)
Mr. Steck disagrees, what's new? He agrees with aspects of Mr. Clenehan's criticism with the exception that lawyers always have discretion and prosecution can easily be declined. So, am I surprised that Mr. Steck is not too into prosecution but plea bargain. AND, we have a roll call vote. Seems that the folks that are concerned with the health issues involved with the idling are voting in favor of the legislation and the lawyers who breath a purer air, voting against. (And, I stand corrected again, Mr. Scavo just voted against Local Law O).
Local Law O fails 28-9. Mr. Higgins now asks to withdraw the vote and table it for later consideration...denied. Motions to sustain the chair...apparently, that shuts down Mr. Higgins. Between the Senate and the County Ledge, I'm learning way more than I ever expected regarding legislative procedure.
Next up, Nursing Home crap. Seems there is something called a "rule 11" which permits something to be introduced and voted on the same night it's introed. (I trust I'll stand corrected if I'm wrong.) Mr. Ethier is callin' for a "shovel in the ground." With a wild discussion happening while Ms. Connolly stands at the side awaiting adjournment...in her coat, Mr. Nichols suddenly says, "oh come on, Mary Lou's car is warming up." (For those scanning my writing...she didn't like the idling law, O, cause she likes to warm up her car.)
Thanks to Mr. Higgins, the citizens discover that there has been no procurement process for determining which consultant will provide the nursing home "diligence" services ($25K) to the county. Seems the awardee of the contract didn't compete and didn't provide their resume or background information for the legislature. Odd how so many of the folks looked carefully at the budget but now want to bypass the process for the first step of the nursing home development....priorities...ACO says with a hurumph.
Mr. Higgins states, and I agree, that it's unreasonable to ask the county legislature to vote on this contract without any background information on this consultant and without going through the procurement process. Again...why isn't this put out to bid the same way that every other contract is put out to bid. (Or are they? Maybe that's why there is limited scrutiny.)
Mr. Ethier clarifies his chant "when we gonna put the shovel in the ground" with, hey, we must figure out how to make this work with the County Exec. He says, "doing studies don't build a nursing home, someone must knock on the Exec's door."
The County Legislature just set a precendence...seems the county no longer needs to go through the procurement process to procure.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Ethics Reform Veto Overide: Fails
The irony, I'm in the Senate chamber watching a roll call vote with a perfect view of the four amigos....one of which has certainly seen the light today. (Espada's newly created legislation.)
I'm using all my fingers and toes to keep up with this roll call but, since I was so intrigued with Senator Monserrate's ability to make farting noises with his armpits (see below post) I didin't hear from my twitter friends that the roll call to overide the Guv's veto was going on until we got to the "Os".
Senator Skelos, my teflon man, got a little overzealous in his effort to explain his vote in against overiding the governor's veto. He even claimed that, because the TU and a whole lotta of papers I don't read, he was voting against the overide. Lordy, lordy, I never thought I'd see a day when my little Goppers would be going down swinging for the gov. Never! Joe must be rolling over in his grave...oh, sorry, Joe...prison cell.
Senator Thompson just predicted failure of the overide but voted in favor of it, two senators pointed out that, contradictory to Senator Skelos citation of several media outlets in support of the guv. (Yeah, I forgot to mention that the writers of the newspaper articles are a very small percentage of the citizenry...a minute percentage.)
And, after a lengthy roll call, the vote to overide the Guv's veto of the ethics reform legislation fails.
I'm using all my fingers and toes to keep up with this roll call but, since I was so intrigued with Senator Monserrate's ability to make farting noises with his armpits (see below post) I didin't hear from my twitter friends that the roll call to overide the Guv's veto was going on until we got to the "Os".
Senator Skelos, my teflon man, got a little overzealous in his effort to explain his vote in against overiding the governor's veto. He even claimed that, because the TU and a whole lotta of papers I don't read, he was voting against the overide. Lordy, lordy, I never thought I'd see a day when my little Goppers would be going down swinging for the gov. Never! Joe must be rolling over in his grave...oh, sorry, Joe...prison cell.
Senator Thompson just predicted failure of the overide but voted in favor of it, two senators pointed out that, contradictory to Senator Skelos citation of several media outlets in support of the guv. (Yeah, I forgot to mention that the writers of the newspaper articles are a very small percentage of the citizenry...a minute percentage.)
And, after a lengthy roll call, the vote to overide the Guv's veto of the ethics reform legislation fails.
A Day Of Reckoning
Surely, my readers have heard that tomorrow is the day that the Senate will make a decision regarding the when expulsion of Senator Hiram Monserrate from the Senate. Of course, many domestic violence groups have come out in support of expulsion rather than censure but Monserrate has a few supporters...I couldn't care less who they are.
Ya know how ya get when you're kinda nervous, all jumpy, loud...rather unconcerned with those around you. Well, that's how Senator Monserrate seems to be acting today. He is standing directly in front of me in the senate lobby area making farting noises with his armpit, pacing, clapping his hands and back slapping with journalists. He joked with "Liz" when she attempted to take his picture saying....hey, you didn't get my best side!! she joked back, as if to say "so long....farewell my fodder."
Omorrow, will be en entertainling one for everyone, most everyone...except for Senator Monserrate. I'm now in the chamber watching him try to bring his bud, Pedro into his nervous little world and even Pedro seems to be keeping him at arms length. This is the guy...the guy that is going to be fired and the rest of the "staff" is distancing themselves. Thanks for last summer's excitment Senator, don't let the door hit ya in the ass.
Ya know how ya get when you're kinda nervous, all jumpy, loud...rather unconcerned with those around you. Well, that's how Senator Monserrate seems to be acting today. He is standing directly in front of me in the senate lobby area making farting noises with his armpit, pacing, clapping his hands and back slapping with journalists. He joked with "Liz" when she attempted to take his picture saying....hey, you didn't get my best side!! she joked back, as if to say "so long....farewell my fodder."
Omorrow, will be en entertainling one for everyone, most everyone...except for Senator Monserrate. I'm now in the chamber watching him try to bring his bud, Pedro into his nervous little world and even Pedro seems to be keeping him at arms length. This is the guy...the guy that is going to be fired and the rest of the "staff" is distancing themselves. Thanks for last summer's excitment Senator, don't let the door hit ya in the ass.
Monserrate's Naughty Chair
So, this week Monserrate's future will be decided by the New York Senate. I say, last summer Monserrate's future was decided by Monserrate. Talk about in charge of one's destiny.
When I'm wandering the halls of the Capital, I'm amazed when I run into this guy, head held high, doing interviews, while he spent his summer as Judas' right arm. I often wonder, does he know the rules of this game of New York Politics?
Sure, he violated the rules of humanity when manhandling his woman. (Remember, what we saw while he was in view of the camera, more than likely, was mild in comparison to what happened in private...rule of domestic abuse, I know, I've been there.)My prediction, after the coup, Monserrate would be placed in the naughty chair until the next election, since then I've learned more than I ever want to know about "the process."
Unfortunately, in New York, violating the rules of humanity are secondary to violating the rules of the New York politics. My hope, of course, is to see that this "Senator" no longer haunts the halls of the Capital after this week, common sense tells me that this won't happen. While the panel put together to discuss Monserrate's future found him "unfit" to continue serving the community, my fear is that Senator Sampson will pay more attention to Monserrate's political supporters than he does the panel or those in the Senate with greater respect for the public who are calling for expulsion rather than censure.
I'm sure there is a worthy representative in Senator Monserrate's district who will be able to represent the people without abusing women. Sure, it's been noted that this all happened before the Senator was a Senator but, as we've all been taught, domestic abuse is not something that comes and goes...it's a personality issue. Once an abuser, always an abuser.
How can we trust someone who doesn't know right from wrong, how can we trust someone who can't control his emotions or his hands, how can we trust someone with the mental fortitude of a freshman on a binge...we are New York, the greatest state in teh country and we have a dysfunctional Senator walking the halls of the Capital.
While I certainly appreciate the Judicial and Executive branches of governement, the Legislative is the branch of the peeps, and I take personal offense to any contaminants in my favorite branch.
When I'm wandering the halls of the Capital, I'm amazed when I run into this guy, head held high, doing interviews, while he spent his summer as Judas' right arm. I often wonder, does he know the rules of this game of New York Politics?
Sure, he violated the rules of humanity when manhandling his woman. (Remember, what we saw while he was in view of the camera, more than likely, was mild in comparison to what happened in private...rule of domestic abuse, I know, I've been there.)My prediction, after the coup, Monserrate would be placed in the naughty chair until the next election, since then I've learned more than I ever want to know about "the process."
Unfortunately, in New York, violating the rules of humanity are secondary to violating the rules of the New York politics. My hope, of course, is to see that this "Senator" no longer haunts the halls of the Capital after this week, common sense tells me that this won't happen. While the panel put together to discuss Monserrate's future found him "unfit" to continue serving the community, my fear is that Senator Sampson will pay more attention to Monserrate's political supporters than he does the panel or those in the Senate with greater respect for the public who are calling for expulsion rather than censure.
I'm sure there is a worthy representative in Senator Monserrate's district who will be able to represent the people without abusing women. Sure, it's been noted that this all happened before the Senator was a Senator but, as we've all been taught, domestic abuse is not something that comes and goes...it's a personality issue. Once an abuser, always an abuser.
How can we trust someone who doesn't know right from wrong, how can we trust someone who can't control his emotions or his hands, how can we trust someone with the mental fortitude of a freshman on a binge...we are New York, the greatest state in teh country and we have a dysfunctional Senator walking the halls of the Capital.
While I certainly appreciate the Judicial and Executive branches of governement, the Legislative is the branch of the peeps, and I take personal offense to any contaminants in my favorite branch.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Charter School Reality Check
I couldn't help myself, I ran across Peter Murphy's (NYCSA) post tonight and just had to comment...ya see, he didn't permit comments on his blog so I had to take up some quality shelf space on ACO. (I shan't be providing a link to his post so don't bother clickin'.) Ya see, Murphy somehow had a completely different "takeaway" from the meeting the other night...from not knowing how many council people were in the room to speculating that the tabling of this nonbinding resolution from the City of Albany was going to help the continued expansion of Charters in Albany in any way. I wondered if he was even there.
The Albany Common Council, made up of 16 members (wrong, twinkletoes...15 members and a president elected city-wide...glad those charters teach civics so well), met last Monday evening to consider a resolution introduced by Councilwoman Cathy Fahey to call on the state legislature to impose a local limit on charter school enrollment in the city. (It was nonbinding!! Get a grip!!)
This resolution, filled with misinformation and bogus data provided directly by the Albany City School District, (yes ACSD provided the data...they provide accurate and supported information to the public...unlike the Charters) is another example of how citizens should never assume their elected officials take their actions based on accurate information. Often they don't. (This citizen verifies regardless of whether the elected official verifies.)
This resolution was all about protecting the school district. (AND the taxpayers!! The greatest good for the greatest number!) It had nothing to do with children and their needs. (It had everything to do with ALL the children in the city's needs!) It had nothing to do with parental demand (parental demand? WTF? Show me parent who wants their kid in a charter school but can't get in one...the demand has been met and exceeded.); nor about the quality of education in the district or charter schools (And that was not the intent as that can not be quantified....especially when one entity is not sharing supported data...geez, Charters secretly tape staff members how can they be trusted for anything?) The Common Council is loaded with self-proclaiming "progressives" who were poised to approve of this anti-progressive measure (I believe it's split on the progressive thing...but, then again, I'm sure you're much smarter, being a charter school grad and all.): protecting a school district establishment (no, protecting the Albany taxpayers, this isn't that confusing, is it?). This school district's failures have been felt particularly among low-income and minority families who have sought refuge and opportunity in charter schools. (No one is arguing there has been a place for charters...they are saying that they are out of hand and damaging the Albany School District and the City of Albany by forcing the taxpayers to support two systems...one of which is not held accountable to anyone or thing.)
None of that mattered to Cathy Fahey and the Common Council - until Monday evening.
Albany Charters Speak Out
The Albany charter school community, which now educates nearly one-quarter of Albany's public school students, rallied against this (nonbinding) resolution. Charter school parents, grandparents (including County Legislator, Wanda "whatever way the wind is blowing" Willingham), and school leaders packed the Common Council meeting and spoke out against the resolution. Other residents, mostly from the Albany's more suburban-like areas, spoke in favor of the resolution to stop charter expansion. (I think we should map out the addresses, I'll request them. Ya see, many of the speakers speaking against the resolution were not impacted with the taxes associated with paying for two school systems. Heck, one was from a failed Schenectady Charter School...that's really givin' ya a boost.)
After about four hours of public comment and member debate (don't forget filibustered gibberish, procedural confusion and bad behavior by charter supporters unschooled in civic engagement) the Council appeared split on the resolution. It was pulled from the floor and debate was ended. Clearly, Ms. Fahey, the Times Union reported, did not want to risk defeat or a bare majority approval, which would have sent a "mixed message to state Legislature." (Clearly...the first thing that's been clear to you cause it was what? Spelled out clearly in debate...duh.)
The tabling of this anti-charter school resolution is a victory for charter schools in Albany. (Don't hold your breath.) Their academic success and opportunities they represent for so many of the City's families was such that enough members of the Common Council did not want to be on record against them. (Now, if the behavior in that courtroom, the grasp of the English language exhibited by the educators or the knowledge of the legislative process exhibited by the Charter parents and administrators is any indication of what is going on inside of those schools...I say, shut the damn things down now!)
Councilwoman Fahey has not given up and she may resubmit her resolution. (Correction, she WILL resubmit her resolution...Charter supporters may need to spend more than one evening away from the television set.) She is misdirected, to say the least. (Ms. Fahey has NEVER been misdirected. She is a contemplative legislator with whom I may not always agree but with whom I continue to be impressed.) Instead, her focus and that of her colleagues on the Council ought to question why the school district kept increasing non-charter related expenses and remains the same size with the same number of employees during a period when when 25 of the students fled. (HUH?? Perhaps a little substantiated data from the Charters would help explain this goofy statement...I won't be holding my breath.) The district is the taxpayer money pit that has much to answer. (We have the answer, the excessive number of Charters is sucking the taxpayers dry by forcing the support of dual school systems...one accountable to the taxpayers, the other the flim flam scam of education.)
Peter Murphy
for The Chalkboard
The Albany Common Council, made up of 16 members (wrong, twinkletoes...15 members and a president elected city-wide...glad those charters teach civics so well), met last Monday evening to consider a resolution introduced by Councilwoman Cathy Fahey to call on the state legislature to impose a local limit on charter school enrollment in the city. (It was nonbinding!! Get a grip!!)
This resolution, filled with misinformation and bogus data provided directly by the Albany City School District, (yes ACSD provided the data...they provide accurate and supported information to the public...unlike the Charters) is another example of how citizens should never assume their elected officials take their actions based on accurate information. Often they don't. (This citizen verifies regardless of whether the elected official verifies.)
This resolution was all about protecting the school district. (AND the taxpayers!! The greatest good for the greatest number!) It had nothing to do with children and their needs. (It had everything to do with ALL the children in the city's needs!) It had nothing to do with parental demand (parental demand? WTF? Show me parent who wants their kid in a charter school but can't get in one...the demand has been met and exceeded.); nor about the quality of education in the district or charter schools (And that was not the intent as that can not be quantified....especially when one entity is not sharing supported data...geez, Charters secretly tape staff members how can they be trusted for anything?) The Common Council is loaded with self-proclaiming "progressives" who were poised to approve of this anti-progressive measure (I believe it's split on the progressive thing...but, then again, I'm sure you're much smarter, being a charter school grad and all.): protecting a school district establishment (no, protecting the Albany taxpayers, this isn't that confusing, is it?). This school district's failures have been felt particularly among low-income and minority families who have sought refuge and opportunity in charter schools. (No one is arguing there has been a place for charters...they are saying that they are out of hand and damaging the Albany School District and the City of Albany by forcing the taxpayers to support two systems...one of which is not held accountable to anyone or thing.)
None of that mattered to Cathy Fahey and the Common Council - until Monday evening.
Albany Charters Speak Out
The Albany charter school community, which now educates nearly one-quarter of Albany's public school students, rallied against this (nonbinding) resolution. Charter school parents, grandparents (including County Legislator, Wanda "whatever way the wind is blowing" Willingham), and school leaders packed the Common Council meeting and spoke out against the resolution. Other residents, mostly from the Albany's more suburban-like areas, spoke in favor of the resolution to stop charter expansion. (I think we should map out the addresses, I'll request them. Ya see, many of the speakers speaking against the resolution were not impacted with the taxes associated with paying for two school systems. Heck, one was from a failed Schenectady Charter School...that's really givin' ya a boost.)
After about four hours of public comment and member debate (don't forget filibustered gibberish, procedural confusion and bad behavior by charter supporters unschooled in civic engagement) the Council appeared split on the resolution. It was pulled from the floor and debate was ended. Clearly, Ms. Fahey, the Times Union reported, did not want to risk defeat or a bare majority approval, which would have sent a "mixed message to state Legislature." (Clearly...the first thing that's been clear to you cause it was what? Spelled out clearly in debate...duh.)
The tabling of this anti-charter school resolution is a victory for charter schools in Albany. (Don't hold your breath.) Their academic success and opportunities they represent for so many of the City's families was such that enough members of the Common Council did not want to be on record against them. (Now, if the behavior in that courtroom, the grasp of the English language exhibited by the educators or the knowledge of the legislative process exhibited by the Charter parents and administrators is any indication of what is going on inside of those schools...I say, shut the damn things down now!)
Councilwoman Fahey has not given up and she may resubmit her resolution. (Correction, she WILL resubmit her resolution...Charter supporters may need to spend more than one evening away from the television set.) She is misdirected, to say the least. (Ms. Fahey has NEVER been misdirected. She is a contemplative legislator with whom I may not always agree but with whom I continue to be impressed.) Instead, her focus and that of her colleagues on the Council ought to question why the school district kept increasing non-charter related expenses and remains the same size with the same number of employees during a period when when 25 of the students fled. (HUH?? Perhaps a little substantiated data from the Charters would help explain this goofy statement...I won't be holding my breath.) The district is the taxpayer money pit that has much to answer. (We have the answer, the excessive number of Charters is sucking the taxpayers dry by forcing the support of dual school systems...one accountable to the taxpayers, the other the flim flam scam of education.)
Peter Murphy
for The Chalkboard
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Albany's World Record Breakin' Dodgeballers
So you all know I enjoy hangin' with the Albany Society for the Advancement of Philanthropy (ASAP) folks for dodgeball night. Tonight was no different, well, maybe it was. I felt most at home cause the 16th council person, Vincent Riguso, hung with me. Yup, he was there, and enjoyed watching about 100 "kids" dodge balls. (Hey, they're all kids to us!!)
Mr. vonGuinness, my new favorite philanthropist, hung with us to explain a few things about the game and his upcoming big event. Ya see, on April 5th, the ASAP dodgeballers are going to break the Guinness World Book of Records for the duration of a dodgeball tourney (or game?). I'm sure I'll be corrected. Anyway, all these ASAP dodgeball guys are going to start one afternoon and end the next evening. Heck, go to Jason if you want the down and dirty details.
If there's anyone out there who wants to be a sponsor or get in the action to make this happen and bring a World Record to Albany...give Jason a call or shoot him an email...I'm sure he'll be happy to hear from one and all when it comes to bringing some cash to his philanthropic ventures. Oh, and remember, this fun is open to everyone so come on out and have fun for a cause.
Mr. vonGuinness, my new favorite philanthropist, hung with us to explain a few things about the game and his upcoming big event. Ya see, on April 5th, the ASAP dodgeballers are going to break the Guinness World Book of Records for the duration of a dodgeball tourney (or game?). I'm sure I'll be corrected. Anyway, all these ASAP dodgeball guys are going to start one afternoon and end the next evening. Heck, go to Jason if you want the down and dirty details.
If there's anyone out there who wants to be a sponsor or get in the action to make this happen and bring a World Record to Albany...give Jason a call or shoot him an email...I'm sure he'll be happy to hear from one and all when it comes to bringing some cash to his philanthropic ventures. Oh, and remember, this fun is open to everyone so come on out and have fun for a cause.
Albany Schools Cut $10 Million
I attended my first school board meeting tonight and I'm so glad to learn that they serve cookies and punch! The house was packed as it was Mark Barth's reception. Naw, I'm not even going to pretend I know who that is but, good cookies. In my immediate area, the ACT guy and Commisso the Younger.
I had flashbacks to my UAlbany meeting where I didn't have a clue as to the current issues of discussion. I must confess that I had no intention of staying for the whole meeting as my dodgeball gang was waiting so I soon became a bit irritated with the slowness of the progress.
First up, the superintendants's report...I could never find the Super...seemed my view was a bit limited. Anyway, coming to the mike were two folks who seemed rather excited about an essay contest. They brought two youngins to the podium who read their very nice essays about "the American Dream." I was doing okay until one of the introducers, a woman in pink and green (and I'm not saying that combo influenced me obsession with this aspect of the program at all), made the statement I hate to hear. Besides the two very nice essays read to the crowd, first and second places...EVERYONE got three certificates...ya see, they were all winners.
Now, isn't this a little bit of what's wrong with our country...we aren't all winnners. Some of us write better, some of us run better, some of us are prettier...we all have something. We don't all have to have the same number of certificates just because we tried. What's the sense of the two girls getting the two best of the best certificates. Okay, lost me with that one. My choice for the top essayist would have been the one that pointed out that "the American Dream is winning...not just trying."
Next up, not the public comment period, the six volunteer candidates for the empty seat on the board to be filled between March 6th and December 31st. I have my favorite...she was the first to speak. (I will apologize in advance...I don't know these folks so I don't know if I got their names right...work with me!)
1. Jennifer Howard - my selection. She was a transplant and kept being told the schools suck...she doesn't believe it and was optimistic.
2. Sue Kushner - not my choice by any stretch of the imagination. She struck me as the type of person who would force me to resign from a board.
3. James Lenbo (sp?) - Project manager and RPI grad...seemed like a good enough guy. He seemed a bit stiff for someone who was going to have to roll with the punches.
4. Edith Leet - She just made me uncomfortable. She seemed angry at not being elected when it was her chance.
5. Vincent Porferio - I liked him but I'm not sure...can't top the first chick on the sincerity list. I did like that he turned to the audience and apologized for speaking with his back to us. (I just hate that...ya think he knew?)
6. James Walston - nice enough guy, I just didn't feel the passion.
I must say, I am a little prejudiced against folks who just keep talking until the buzzer rings...come on, learn how to be succinct, if you don't have an elevator speech for your life...get one.
I forgot to mention that the superintendent mentioned that the draft budget presented later in the evening would be a hard one...cutting $10 million this year...and the cuts would be hard. Of course, person after person (16 in all) approached the mic...each with their own pet program they wanted to ensure be preserved. Of course, they want music, music and art. Geez...who doesn't...but come on...where are your priorities...shall we give up English and Math for Music and Art? Yup, that would be a great improvement! Oh, one woman even suggested that Albany stop providing Pre-K classes so that her kids could have their music and art classes. Yup, that sums up so much.
We've got to really think about our priorities this year. Ya know, when I was going to school in George Bush's education state (Right!) one year we didn't have money for books. Yup, books. I was in a high school with a graduating class of nearly 700 students and two of my freshman classes didn't have books. I learned and retained more that year than any other year of my education. I can still win bar games with the knowledge I gained in my freshman year. Yup, priorites.
Unfortunately, my mind was not in this game. My mind was on my evening of dodgeball (oh, and I must apologize for missing the County Ledge caucus...I'm sure you all behaved yourselves, right?) I didn't get to stay for the entire evening but I was there for nearly two hours and just moved beyond the public comment section. So, all you folks out there with a vote, attend the school budget presentations and go to the polls on May 18th...I'll see ya there.
Update: Someone who didn't go to dodgeball has a few of the proposed cuts here.
I had flashbacks to my UAlbany meeting where I didn't have a clue as to the current issues of discussion. I must confess that I had no intention of staying for the whole meeting as my dodgeball gang was waiting so I soon became a bit irritated with the slowness of the progress.
First up, the superintendants's report...I could never find the Super...seemed my view was a bit limited. Anyway, coming to the mike were two folks who seemed rather excited about an essay contest. They brought two youngins to the podium who read their very nice essays about "the American Dream." I was doing okay until one of the introducers, a woman in pink and green (and I'm not saying that combo influenced me obsession with this aspect of the program at all), made the statement I hate to hear. Besides the two very nice essays read to the crowd, first and second places...EVERYONE got three certificates...ya see, they were all winners.
Now, isn't this a little bit of what's wrong with our country...we aren't all winnners. Some of us write better, some of us run better, some of us are prettier...we all have something. We don't all have to have the same number of certificates just because we tried. What's the sense of the two girls getting the two best of the best certificates. Okay, lost me with that one. My choice for the top essayist would have been the one that pointed out that "the American Dream is winning...not just trying."
Next up, not the public comment period, the six volunteer candidates for the empty seat on the board to be filled between March 6th and December 31st. I have my favorite...she was the first to speak. (I will apologize in advance...I don't know these folks so I don't know if I got their names right...work with me!)
1. Jennifer Howard - my selection. She was a transplant and kept being told the schools suck...she doesn't believe it and was optimistic.
2. Sue Kushner - not my choice by any stretch of the imagination. She struck me as the type of person who would force me to resign from a board.
3. James Lenbo (sp?) - Project manager and RPI grad...seemed like a good enough guy. He seemed a bit stiff for someone who was going to have to roll with the punches.
4. Edith Leet - She just made me uncomfortable. She seemed angry at not being elected when it was her chance.
5. Vincent Porferio - I liked him but I'm not sure...can't top the first chick on the sincerity list. I did like that he turned to the audience and apologized for speaking with his back to us. (I just hate that...ya think he knew?)
6. James Walston - nice enough guy, I just didn't feel the passion.
I must say, I am a little prejudiced against folks who just keep talking until the buzzer rings...come on, learn how to be succinct, if you don't have an elevator speech for your life...get one.
I forgot to mention that the superintendent mentioned that the draft budget presented later in the evening would be a hard one...cutting $10 million this year...and the cuts would be hard. Of course, person after person (16 in all) approached the mic...each with their own pet program they wanted to ensure be preserved. Of course, they want music, music and art. Geez...who doesn't...but come on...where are your priorities...shall we give up English and Math for Music and Art? Yup, that would be a great improvement! Oh, one woman even suggested that Albany stop providing Pre-K classes so that her kids could have their music and art classes. Yup, that sums up so much.
We've got to really think about our priorities this year. Ya know, when I was going to school in George Bush's education state (Right!) one year we didn't have money for books. Yup, books. I was in a high school with a graduating class of nearly 700 students and two of my freshman classes didn't have books. I learned and retained more that year than any other year of my education. I can still win bar games with the knowledge I gained in my freshman year. Yup, priorites.
Unfortunately, my mind was not in this game. My mind was on my evening of dodgeball (oh, and I must apologize for missing the County Ledge caucus...I'm sure you all behaved yourselves, right?) I didn't get to stay for the entire evening but I was there for nearly two hours and just moved beyond the public comment section. So, all you folks out there with a vote, attend the school budget presentations and go to the polls on May 18th...I'll see ya there.
Update: Someone who didn't go to dodgeball has a few of the proposed cuts here.
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