Week of March 24greenspun.com : LUSENET : Diversity coalitions : One Thread |
Week of March 24
-- Anonymous, March 23, 2002
"I get up every morning determined to both change the world and have one hell of a good time. Sometimes, this makes planning the day difficult." --E. B. White
-- Anonymous, March 23, 2002
Please see the end of last week's thread for info about Bob Wilkens. Tobe
-- Anonymous, March 24, 2002
Well...I went down to the Boiceville Inn last night...it was a big annual dinner for Trout Unlimited (which I didnt know about) but Maurice Hinchey was there and Rob Parete and I campaigned a bit.John P. knows Bob Wilkens really well. He said he was VERY popular...but was "out of his league" with the school board. He said he thought I would "trounce him" lol
Anyway...everyone who I mentioned it to was shocked, but agreed that it changed the campaign significantlay making it a lot more political. He is known for his rambling answers to questions and actually never really answering them.
I arranged for John to provide food for the event. It will cost between $4-$5 a head (not an actual count but an estimate, and not including every kid ect. ) He said if we get 100 people in there and its a good turnout...around $450. If its less its less...but he'll plan on that. He'll provide Ziti, meatballs, coldcuts, bread, salads...etc. and free soda for the kids. He said he would have to pay someone to come in and help bring out the food and stuff, but I told him we could cover that with volunteers.
Thats a very fair deal. I think we should agree to it.
Thats all for now.
-- Anonymous, March 24, 2002
The last try was wacky...here's another shot at the same posting....sorry for doing it twice if it really went through.Well...I went down to the Boiceville Inn last night...it was a big annual dinner for Trout Unlimited (which I didnt know about) but Maurice Hinchey was there and Rob Parete and I campaigned a bit.
John P. knows Bob Wilkens really well. He said he was VERY popular...but was "out of his league" with the school board. He said he thought I would "trounce him" lol
Anyway...everyone who I mentioned it to was shocked, but agreed that it changed the campaign significantlay making it a lot more political. He is known for his rambling answers to questions and actually never really answering them.
I arranged for John to provide food for the event. It will cost between $4-$5 a head (not an actual count but an estimate, and not including every kid ect. ) He said if we get 100 people in there and its a good turnout...around $450. If its less its less...but he'll plan on that. He'll provide Ziti, meatballs, coldcuts, bread, salads...etc. and free soda for the kids. He said he would have to pay someone to come in and help bring out the food and stuff, but I told him we could cover that with volunteers.
Thats a very fair deal. I think we should agree to it.
Thats all for now.
-- Anonymous, March 24, 2002
It has been suggested (twice) that signatures be collected by all three candidates at the Onteora school bus garage ...do this before you are official candidates, and meet and greet the folks there as you gather signatures.Wilken's entry does raise the political temperature...Can we find out his voting record in the legislature? Is it relevant? I have heard that once he ran and lost for the school board...since he was in the legislature, he must have some political enemies...do we know who they are?
Meg ran into Ward Todd at a county event and he thanked her for serving on the board and said if he could help, to let him know...now this may have been only Ward's being nice, but I am inclined to take him up on this, and ask for his strong support to get Republicans to vote with us...any thoughts? Neil? Now that Wilkens is in the race, this could be a good counter move...if Ward will really try to help it could be significant in the district. Maybe he'd even endorse our slate (??) or write a leter of support that we can distribute. Tobe
-- Anonymous, March 24, 2002
Because our sons went to school together and are neighbors, I have a personal relation with Ward Todd. Personal enough, anyway, to call him and ask for his support. Let me know and I happy to.
-- Anonymous, March 25, 2002
I dont know Ward. I dont know if he knows I work for Kevin Cahill, and I'm not sure if he would hold that against me politically...but if not, great.I am going to write a letter to the editor today for the Woodstock Times to announce my candadacy. I'd like to announce before anyone from the "other" side...
Other than that...I'll also be posting my philosophy and bio for the brochure asap.
-- Anonymous, March 25, 2002
"Out of his league" -- got any sense of what he means here? Onteora school board takes more brains and/or street smarts than Ulster County Legislature?
-- Anonymous, March 25, 2002
I personally can't say what he meant, but I do believe that there is a different set of skills required for the School Board then there is for the Legislature. I think it helps to have kids in school so you are more tuned into whats going on...Less people turned out for the public hearings on the building of the new $90 million jail than turned out for the last school board meeting.
-- Anonymous, March 25, 2002
Yes, Neil I think it's good timing to do that now. Thanks for waiting.I think what John Parete may have been suggesting is that the republican legislature, of which Wilkens was a part, was a walk in the park compared to the mudslinging old Onteora board races. Simply being a Republican was enough to get one elected in the UCL. Just my conjecture though...
Let's think about a the Ward Todd endorsement...Does that hurt us or help us? We have many friends in Shandaken who wouldn't vote for Mr. Todd. I would wait on approaching him this early especially since Wilkens is on board.
-- Anonymous, March 25, 2002
If we want politcal endorsements, let's be sure to get endorsements from both Republicans and Democrats, as many of each as possible, and be sure that the endorsements are for all three of our candidates.
-- Anonymous, March 25, 2002
Here's what I'm sending to the Woodstock Times. By the way....I doubt Ward would support me. Bob Wilkens was a MAJOR public supporter of his is Ward's last election, according to my sources.Why I’m running for the Board of Education By Neil Eisenberg
I am formally announcing my candidacy for the Onteora Board of Education. Why am I running? Quite simply I am running because of the kids. Sure, that sounds like a cliché, but in reality it was my own children, who attend Onteora High School, and their friends who originally got me interested in Board meetings. Inspired by students like Rachel Hernandez, Jenny Ogg and Laura Kandell, I attended meetings in an effort to support these kids, who time after time express themselves with eloquence, grace, and clarity.
Sadly, Board meetings have become more of an entertainment event then a productive environment where leaders are inspiring and supporting our children and each other to achieve greatness. It is one job of the School Board to set the tone for the collective code of conduct for the students, teachers, and in the end the community. I aspire to do just that. I have been giving back to my community for over 20 years, in one form or another, and I feel it is time to offer my skills at the Board of Education level.
What is my background? Having served on over 11 boards, including being elected to three terms as Chairman of the Board of the March of Dimes, Junior Achievement, where I also taught in the Newburgh City Schools, Hudson Valley Philharmonic, The Mid Hudson Civic Center, The Orange County Chamber of Commerce and Pius XII Youth and Family Services, I feel comfortable in the Board setting. I also co-founded Sunshine for HIV Kids, worked for years with the Orange Ulster and Sullivan County Associations for Retarded Citizens, and have organized, as well as performed as a musician in over 50 local benefits for every cause imaginable, including Phoenicia Schools Environmental Field Trip. I served for 5 years as Chairman of the Healthy Grants Executive Committee, which awarded numerous grants to the Onteora School District including the “sound baffles” in the Woodstock Elementary School cafeteria ceiling, among others. I have received numerous awards and citations for my community service including a commendation from the United States Congress, as well as several from the New York State Legislature. Currently, I serve as District Representative for Assemblyman Kevin Cahill in his Kingston office.
I can be opinionated yet I know how and when to build a consensus and do what’s best for the group. I make my share of mistakes, but I am willing to admit them, just as I am willing to accept the mistakes of others, and move on. I believe in teamwork first, and foremost, and I will never let my personal feelings interfere in the ultimate responsibility of a Board Trustee to put the students first. My goal is to renew a process of listening, healing, and growing that begins on the Board level.
Only by involving parents, students, teachers, administrators, and every member of the community in the process will we ever accomplish our goals. Moreover, our goals should always focus on education, inclusiveness, and understanding.
I learn everyday from my children and their friends, and I intend to keep listening. It’s hard enough to provide a basic education for our kids in times where funding sources are drying up, and budgets become increasingly harder to pass, let alone operate under. We need to open our minds, recognize the talent pool that we have here in our own district and set an example for the students who look to us for their future.
It’s time to work together and put the divisiveness behind us. Yes, I do come away from Board meetings feeling proud of the things I hear. Unfortunately, too often it’s coming from the “Students be Heard” portion of the meeting. Maybe we’ll be OK after all. Please remember to vote on May 21st.
Neil Eisenberg Mount Tremper, New York
-- Anonymous, March 25, 2002
I also spent some time this morning at the Bus Garage, and Mike told me there was some phone calling over the weekend about Bob Wilkens and if someone should sign his petition. He is telling everyone NOT to sign it, and I understand a number of people have refused.
-- Anonymous, March 25, 2002
OK, sorry, this was my final draft. The may deem it too long....but at least I'm giving it a shot. There have been several very long letters recently...we'll see.Why I’m running for the Board of Education
I am formally announcing my candidacy for the Onteora Board of Education. Why am I running? Quite simply, I am running because of the kids. Sure, that sounds like a cliché, but in reality it was my own children, who attend Onteora High School, and their friends who originally got me interested in Board meetings. Inspired by students like Rachel Hernandez, Jenny Ogg and Laura Kandell, I attended meetings in an effort to support these kids, who time after time express themselves with eloquence, grace, and clarity.
Sadly, Board meetings have become more of an entertainment event then a productive environment where leaders are inspiring and supporting our children and each other to achieve greatness. It is one job of the School Board to set the tone for the collective code of conduct for the students, teachers, and in the end the community. I aspire to do just that. I have been giving back to my community for over 20 years, in one form or another, and I feel it is time to offer my skills at the Board of Education level.
What is my background? Having served on over 11 boards, including being elected to three terms as Chairman of the Board of the March of Dimes, Junior Achievement, where I also taught in the Newburgh City Schools, Hudson Valley Philharmonic, The Mid Hudson Civic Center, The Orange County Chamber of Commerce and Pius XII Youth and Family Services, I feel comfortable in the board setting. I also co-founded Sunshine for HIV Kids, worked for years with the Orange Ulster and Sullivan County Associations for Retarded Citizens, and have organized, as well as performed as a musician in over 50 local benefits for every cause imaginable, including Phoenicia Schools Environmental Field Trip. I served for 5 years as Chairman of the Healthy Grants Executive Committee, which awarded numerous grants to the Onteora School District including the “sound baffles” in the Woodstock Elementary School cafeteria ceiling, among others. I have received numerous awards and citations for my community service including a commendation from the United States Congress, as well as several from the New York State Legislature. Currently, I serve as District Representative for Assemblyman Kevin Cahill in his Kingston office.
I can be opinionated yet I know how and when to build a consensus and do what’s best for the group. I believe in teamwork first and foremost, and I will never let my personal feelings interfere with the ultimate responsibility of a Board Trustee to put the students first. I believe in accountability, not blame.
My goal is to renew a process of listening, healing, and growing that begins with the Board. Only by involving and listening to the parents, students, teachers, administrators, and every member of the community will we ever accomplish our goals. Moreover, our goals should always focus on education, inclusiveness, and understanding.
I learn everyday from my children and their friends, and I intend to keep listening. It’s hard enough to provide a basic education for our kids in times where funding sources are drying up, and budgets become increasingly harder to operate under. We need to open our minds, recognize the talent pool that we have here in our own district and set an example for the students who look to us for their future.
It’s time to work together and put the divisiveness behind us. Yes, I do come away from Board meetings feeling proud of the things I hear. Unfortunately, too often it’s coming from the “Students be Heard” portion of the meeting. Maybe we’ll be OK after all. I respectfully ask for your support when you vote on May 21st.
Neil Eisenberg Mount Tremper, New York
-- Anonymous, March 25, 2002
Here's my edited bio and philosophy for the brochure....Bio
Neil Eisenberg is the District Representative for Assemblyman Kevin Cahill in his Kingston office. Prior to that he worked for nearly 14 years in the health field. He has served on over 11 boards, including being elected to three terms as Chairman of the Board of the March of Dimes, Junior Achievement, where he also taught in the Newburgh City Schools, Hudson Valley Philharmonic, The Mid Hudson Civic Center, The Chamber of Commerce of Orange County and Pius XII Youth and Family Services. Comfortable in the board setting, he also co-founded Sunshine for HIV Kids, worked for years with the Orange Ulster and Sullivan County Associations for Retarded Citizens, and has organized, as well as performed as a musician in over 50 local benefits for every cause imaginable, including Phoenicia Schools Environmental Field Trip.
He also served for 5 years as Chairman of the Healthy Grants Executive Committee, which awarded numerous grants to the Onteora School District including the “sound baffles” in the Woodstock Elementary School cafeteria ceiling, among others. Neil has received numerous awards and citations for his community service including a commendation from the United States Congress, as well as several from the New York State Legislature. A Mount Tremper resident for nearly 20 years, Neil has 2 children, both of whom attend Onteora High School.
Philosophy
My goal is to renew the process of listening, healing, and growing that must begin with the Board. Only by involving the parents, students, teachers, administrators, and every member of the community will we ever accomplish this. Moreover, our goals should always focus on education, inclusiveness, and understanding.
I believe in teamwork first and foremost, and I will never let my personal feelings interfere with the ultimate responsibility of a Board Trustee to put the students first. I believe in accountability, not blame, and I believe that quality education can be achieved while still maintaining fiscal responsibility.
I learn everyday from my children and their friends, and I intend to keep listening and learning. We need to open our minds, recognize and celebrate the talent pool that we have here in our own district, and set an example for the students who look to us for their future. It’s time to work together and put the divisiveness behind us.
-- Anonymous, March 25, 2002
I have quotes from our last year's printer.1.For the pamphlets, to have them ready for 4/12 he would LIKE the disks delivered by THE END OF THIS WEEK. He would like to know beforehand what software is being used. Prices: For 10,000 pieces -$420. Every 2,000 extra-about $80. The price break comes at 20,000.
2.For signs: Up to 2000 signs, approximately $2 each Over 2000, approximately $1.65 each This price includes metal stands.
3.He will get back to me on mugs. Says that he has an excellent deal on them.
-- Anonymous, March 25, 2002
I have been speaking to several people who are unaware of the details of the board issues, but seem to be focused on the dissension and anger issuing from the board. I wonder if it would be good for our candidates to focus on how they would strive for peace and calm in their deliberations rather than focus on causes. I'm just suggesting a focus on board processes, not to exclude issues.
-- Anonymous, March 25, 2002
hello everyone, i would like to introduce myself to those who do not know me from last year.My name is valerie fanarjian, and i was your treasurer/bookkeeper last year, and it seems you have welcomed me back to do the same this year. THANK YOU.
i do not have any children in the school system, i just believe you cannot complain about the state of the world, if you have things that need attention in your own backyard, well, in my case it is the front yard, as i live across from the high school , BEHIND the wilber bank at Boiceville Lumber.
OKAY, a few business items...
If you need to drop off money, or a deposit slip, and cannot find jim, you can always call me and we can arrange something.
The same applies for a bill that needs to be paid, as long as it has been approved by whatver consensus you have come up with..
Please.. if you get cash, regardless of whether or not the donation is ANONYMOUS, please GIVE and GET a receipt. I CANNOT STRESS THIS STRONGLY ENOUGH. This can be on any kind of paper, and should include the DATE and the AMOUNT. In accounting practices, this is a must, in order to assure you that i am held accountable for all the cash received.
If you cannot figure this out, please call me, i will explain it.
You are welcome to see the books by appointment, and the same goes for anyone who donates.
I am sorry i will not be able to make most meetings but i will get an accounting to you via Jim, if not in perso, in a timely manner.
well , thats all for now,
GOOD LUCK NEIL AND KATHY
valerie 657-2828
-- Anonymous, March 25, 2002
Neil hits the right tone...we do want cooperation, open and reliable dealing with colleagues and the district community. Not blame...Blame rhymes with Doan, and that ain't us!Not surprised that Wilkens will have some Republican support, but can we pick off his "natural" voters to stay home or at least NOT VOTE for Doan?? I still think a friendly conversation with Ward, and a sharing with him of some of the details (of which I'm sure he's unaware) of the board majority's actions will at least give him pause. Tobe Tobe
-- Anonymous, March 25, 2002
was there a plan to get the candidate pictures taken? Did Jim ever get to do them on Saturday?Who will be actually putting the copy into the pamphlet design? Are we leaving it to the printer? or ...??? Even if we don't have the pamphlet completely ready we must have a sheet for each of the candidiates available...
and we must have more fundraiing happen...I'll put out another plea to nme email list...I hope others can do the same...we'll need about $6000 if last year's campaign is any indication...
Tobe
-- Anonymous, March 25, 2002
Here's a list of SOS members that have attended meetings in the past. Be sure to contact all the SOS members for the upcoming meeting. I will be away and this is a chore I often do before meetings. Many can be reached via email or the bbs but several need to be called. Here's the list with phone numbers for everyone's perusal:Beth Bliss and Dennis Yerry
Home: 845-657-2714
Irene Brody
Home: 845-657-6360
Susan Buckler and Alan Carey
Work: 845-336-2616 Home: 845-679-2800 Other: 845-679-5131
70 Erika's Wk. Mount Tremper, NY
Tobe and Meg Carey
Home: 845-657-2914
PO Box 194 Glenford, NY 12433
Ned Cassedy
Home: 845-679-9620 E-Mail: ecassedy@worldnet.att.net
22 Meher Circle Woodstock, NY 12498
Sharon Celzo
Home: 845-657-4664
PO Box 1982 Kingston, NY 12402
Marino D'Orazio
Work: 845-331-9434 Home: 845-679-2528
Neil Eisenberg President Code Crew
Work: 845-688-5653 Home: 845-688-7330
Valerie Fanarjian
Home: 845-657-2828
PO Box 178 Boiceville, NY 12412
Rachel Hernandez
Home: 845-679-6635 E-Mail: Raquelitah35@hotmail.com
Kathy and Rick Hochman
Home: 845-657-9911
Elizabeth Holland Kern
Home: 845-688-7314
Terry Leroy
Home: 845-679-7320
74 Broad Street West Hurley, NY 12491
Carol and Ted Maltby
Home: 845-657-7057
Maureen Millar
Home: 845-688-5634
Debra and David Osherow
Home: 845-657-8083
Bruce Parker
Home: 845-679-5464 E-Mail: BruceShea@aol.com
Melissa and Rick Rebock
Home: 845-688-5393
312 Fox Hollow Shandaken, NY 12480
Curry and Cinnamin Rinzler
Home: 845-679-2949 Fax: 845-679-8668
2359 Glasco Turnpike Woodstock, NY 12461
Tom, Phyllis, Enrica, Cara and Thomas Rosato
Home: 845-688-2214 Pager: 800-283-2255-pin 6783 Mobile: 914-489-0564 E-Mail: trosato@mhric.org carar.ulster.net
501 Broadstreet Hollow Shandaken, NY 12480
Note: OCS BOE
Morty and Amy Schiff
Home: 845-657-5758
PO Box 1517 Olivebridge, NY
Barbara Shapiro
Home: 845-657-6502 E-Mail: Beejabarb@juno.com
6 Croswell Manor Shokan, NY 12481
Pat Stroh
Home: 845-657-8171
65 Piney Point Rd. Boiceville, NY
Dorothee and Noah Telson
Home: 845-679-5677 E-Mail: TE-MA@ulster.net
Betsy Wise
Home: 845-657-6315
25 Tulip Tree Lane Shokan, NY 12481
Francine Xavier
Home: 845-679-5357
-- Anonymous, March 25, 2002
I had my picture taken yeasterday at Beth's house.....FYI....Thanks Beth!!!
-- Anonymous, March 25, 2002
I will contact Irene Brody and Elizabeth Kern about meeting.
-- Anonymous, March 25, 2002
Uh, that's "Carol Maltby and Edward Ripley-Duggan." I let him keep his own name when we got married.
-- Anonymous, March 25, 2002
Adopted fromaa GOP campaign site i found today...TobeTwelve Things a Campaign Must Do to Raise Big Bucks
Imagine buying a shiny new car with all the latest features - but spending so much money you couldn't afford to buy gas. Doesn't make much sense, does it? Unless, of course, you just like sitting in the driveway hoping your neighbors don't notice that your new car hasn't moved an inch in three months.
The same is true for political campaigns.
You can have the best candidate, the perfect campaign plan, and all the latest techniques, but if you don't have the money to put them all into action, you'll spend the entire campaign sitting in the driveway - and probably listening to your supporters complain that your campaign hasn't moved an inch in three months.
That's what will happen if you focus all your attention on running your campaign instead of the raising the "gas money" you need to make it go.
Sure, fundraising isn't easy. As a matter of fact, most candidates will tell you it's the thing they hate most about running for office. But you have to do it. And the better you are at it, the better your chances of winning.
Here are twelve simple guidelines you can use to help you raise money for your campaign. The more of them you use, the more gas you'll have for your campaign.
1.Ask. The best approach is the direct approach. Remember, the best way to get money is to ask for it - and the more people you ask, the more money you're going to raise. 2.Plan. Take time to develop a winning plan with goals and deadlines. Remember the rule, "If it's not written down, it doesn't exist." 3.Be specific regarding amount. Tell potential contributors exactly how much you expect them to give. If not, a potential donor may decline to give because he is afraid he'll give too much or too little. It's better to ask for $50 and receive $25 than to ask for $25 when the donor might be willing to give $50. 4.Make repeated appeals. Give everyone multiple opportunities to contribute. And, once they have given, ask them to contribute again and again. Do this until they can no longer afford to give or they have reached the legal contribution limits. 5.Create a sense of urgency. Express a critical need for a potential contributor's financial support and suggest time constraints. Be convincing and express how their contribution can make the difference in your campaign and in their future. 6.Diversify fundraising techniques. Design your fundraising efforts to complement your political, organizational and communication efforts. Develop a broad financial base and avoid depending solely on one method to raise all the money. A combination of approaches works best. 7.Research. The more information you know about a potential donor, the more successful your fundraising efforts will be. Did you go to the same university? The same church? The same service club? 8.Stick to proven methods. Design a fundraising program by using methods that have worked in your district in the past. Be willing to introduce new ideas to the "tried-and-true" approaches, but don't depend solely on unproven methods for your results. 9.Get advice. Ask people familiar with fundraising, perhaps the fundraiser for the state party or the best fundraiser in your district, to help you develop a comprehensive fundraising plan for your campaign. Conduct basic research and design a plan based on the needs of your political plan and overall budget. 10.Know the law. Read and understand the requirements of your state and local election laws as they pertain to campaign finances. Above all else, obey these laws. 11.Always say "thank you!" Regardless of the amount, always thank your contributors and make sure they feel appreciated. Prompt acknowledgement in the form of personalized letters will help develop a habit of regular giving among your contributors. 12.Make your own contribution first. A candidate's contribution to the campaign shows potential contributors and others that the candidate seriously believes the race is winnable. Don't expect people to make the financial sacrifice and give, if you haven't.
-- Anonymous, March 26, 2002
Now that Jim's gone...he he he...seriously, We need to get all copy and photos to Ted ASAP, so thnat we can get this pamphlet into shape for ther printer.Glad Neil has had his picture taken...Kathy? Marino???
Anyone else notice the flash photos at the meeting that went unremarked??? Guess it matters who is taking them... Beth wasn't there and I wonder if it was planned that way...
I have calls in for ad prices from Ulster Townsman and trying to contact Ph Times...no answers yet. t.
-- Anonymous, March 26, 2002
I'm off to FL!Please be sure to follow up on getting all the printed material together for the SOS fundraiser even if it is not the pamphlets and signs. I feel we need SOMETHING about the candidates for the event. I suggest all the material and photos be gathered ASAP from the candidates and Beth Bliss. Please help with editing this material via the bbs for the candidates. Collectively we are one hell of an editing machine. This edited material should be forwarded to Carol's husband, Ted Ripley--Duggan, at 657-7057 so he can do the layout for the pamphlet. This is a long process and needs to be actively pushed forward. Meanwhile we can work, via the bbs, on the bullet section of the brouchure.
The other issue that needs to be addressed is someone needs to do a layout for the signs. Ted does NOT have time for that this year and is being gracious enough doing the brouchure for us. ANY takers?? If none of this can be achieved by the fundraiser than a "B" plan should be instituted with handouts of a cheaper and quicker form.
Thanks for all the hard work. Remember that it has a big payoff in the end!
Please keep the money solicitations coming to SOS, POB 7, West Shokan, NY 12494. Currently we have close to $1,100 in the bank but the fundraiser alone will be about $500. Let's hopoe we can raise more before the event. Candidates can help by asking friends for contributions and Tobe's mass email solicitation got many responses.
Thanks again. Jim
-- Anonymous, March 26, 2002
I can do the sign layout no problem. I need sign dimensions again though. Just give me the deadline and consider it done.
-- Anonymous, March 26, 2002
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THE PRINTER WANTS THE PAMPHLET LAYOUT DELIVERED BY FRIDAY TO MAKE OUR DEADLINE NEED!
-- Anonymous, March 26, 2002
Note: Anything to go directly to Edward Ripley-Duggan (AKA Ted Duggan) should go straight to him, not through me or on the board. His email is erd@wilsey.net . The 657-7057 phone # we use is both our business and personal one (the one under our names in directory is connected to the fax) and will be answered as Wilsey Rare Books, but is just us there. If you need to call him, you can generally reach him 9AM-9PM.
-- Anonymous, March 26, 2002
Good News!! My signatures were officially tallied today, and after submitting 163, I barely squeaked by with 85!!I'll probably turn in more (Tom still has a sheet for me) but according to Wendy, I'm officially a candidate!
-- Anonymous, March 26, 2002
Congratulations Neil!!!! Anything interesting happen at board meeting? Did Indie Works program come up? Great article in Woodstock times about it.When and where next SOS meeting please. I'm somewhere between Philadelphia and spring break :)
Happy Spring everyone!
-- Anonymous, March 27, 2002
Congratulations, Neil!
-- Anonymous, March 27, 2002
Hurray, Neil!! And, everyone:NEXT SOS MEETING IS TUESDAY, APRIL 2, 7 PM AT THE BOICEVILLE INN
Bring new people if you can.....and don't forget to raise those funds!!
-- Anonymous, March 27, 2002
Hurray, Neil!! And, everyone:NEXT SOS MEETING IS TUESDAY, APRIL 2, 7 PM AT THE BOICEVILLE INN
Bring new people if you can.....and don't forget to raise those funds!!!
-- Anonymous, March 27, 2002
Ok..on my way to pick up our German exchange student at the High School!!! here's the latest: I went out of my way to meet Bob Wilkins today. He said he is getting signatures (did he even pick up a ballot?) and that a couple of his main issues are the bus garage (privatization - he's still talking about Dennis Geisler and he has some formula from when he ran a bus business) and most important - The Pledge of Allegiance!!! To quote him "If you dont say the pledge of allegiance there's no point even having a flag, right?" I said, Well, I dont know about that....(Oh man)...anyway I was running late so I wished him well.. AGHHHHHNext I spoke to Peter Kraft. He'll arrange a meet the candidates at the West Hurley Fire House. We have to let him know whether to invite both sides or not. We figured right after the fund raiser.
I also spoke to Elizabeth Kern, and she'll do one at her house.
Other than that....nothing much going on.....
-- Anonymous, March 27, 2002
Oh yes....and a little birdie told me as we speak the Kingston School Board is voting to get rid of their Superintendednt Litchka.....we can read about it in the papers I guess....
-- Anonymous, March 27, 2002
Let's hope Wilkens goes that route...privatization will (I believe) havea big hole blown in it when the new transportation study comes out. Sounds like we have to get ready with "The Record" showing how the board majority's (Doan's) move to privatize has already cost us in money and bad feelings and flexibility...Pleade Allegiance as an educational priority? Go for it Big Bob.I believe WE should have the meet our candidates days and let THEM do their own thing...We do NOT need to give them a platform... Tobe
-- Anonymous, March 27, 2002
hi, tried this before and ended up kicked off by my server because i type too slow. had my picture taken by beth monday- thanks again beth! also brought my 120 signatures to wendy and have 64 verified so i'm still collecting. make sure if you're getting signatures for marino or i, the person signing the petition uses their legal name not nickname, and they use their street address not po box. i e- mailed my bio/philosophy directly to ted and curry because i couldn't type fast enough here, maybe they know how to transfer it. i'm still working on figuring this internet thing out.kathy
-- Anonymous, March 27, 2002
Oh, please, just let me vent for a moment, will you?Didn't our foremothers and father abandon all they knew so they could exist in a land where they no longer were forced/coerced to pledge allegiance to ANYTHING or ANYONE (religious or political). Loving your country is a personal and private matter that should be allowed to be displayed in whatever way one chooses.
Reciting a scripted declaration is just one way. FORCING someone to recite such a pronouncement does not instill a sense love for one's country/community/school/family. Love and allegiance are earned. If our children feel cared for by these institutions, they will in turn love them, ally themselves to them and possibly pledge their allegiance, if they so choose, without coercion or force.
This discussion is related to when we instruct our children not to engage with strangers, to not "go off" with one just because s/he says so. Public displays of declaration do not always feel safe for all children. Let the children discern, in a safe and nurturing environment, what feels safe and comfortable for them.
Let's remember:
Free speech includes the right NOT to speak.
-- Anonymous, March 28, 2002
Let me also try to put your minds to rest about the actions the majority of the Kingston School Board is taking. Firstly, those 5 members who voted to oust Litchka are former/current educators and school administrators who have finally put a stop to his Lone Ranger antics supported by the locally entrenched Old Boys Network. Secondly, Mr. Litchka was never a superintendent before, but was yet offered a $50K increase over his then current pay.If you remember, the board members who the voters voted out last Spring insisted on choosing this candidate a week before turning over their seats to the new board members, and deliberately excluded them from the process. He was chosen because he wasn't "as strong" as another candidate who they feared would take control.
The teachers and administrators are tired of Mr. Litchka's empty "carry the torch of education" rhetoric and want more substance to the solutions they require (curriculum, resources, safety). How could the Board be the last to know that 150 9th graders are failing with no recourse before school year's end?
His language and stance in addressing serious issues is sophomoric and his main accomplishment to date is his elitist A-Plus Team, which some would say he implemented just for his doctoral thesis, concurrently in progress. Mr. Litchka also never even sold his home in Georgia, so how dedicated could he be to staying in our community and building a strong, long-lasting school district?
All that the Board wanted was daily communication. He refused. When Mr. Litchka did call Board President Jean Jacobs at her place of employment (totally inappropriate), he did so only to loudly and abusively complain about her attempt to access public records to help her make an informed decision. His tone was vile and intimidating and Ms. Jacobs was convinced he had been drinking. Her call to the police was only a matter of record to protect herself should future reference be needed. The Freeman thought and printed otherwise.
With the recent academic focus on the prevention of bullying, you'd think the school Superintendent would be the first to set the tone.
I could go on, but I'd rather focus on our own matters.
-- Anonymous, March 28, 2002
Kathy,If you'd like, I'd gladly take a pass at your Bio/Philosophy copy.
Laurel
-- Anonymous, March 28, 2002
Ted has been valiantly working on the brochure. With copy in hand from Neil, Kathy and Marino, plus great photos from Beth, we are geting close to completion.For those with PDF readers, I am sure Ted would be able to send you an email version...try him at erd@wilsey.net
We are also closing in on the bullet points for the brochure...here's my suggested list...please take part and let Ted know if you have any others to add, or to take away.
Restore Board cooperation, trust, and respect Support value-based fiscal responsibility Revitalize community-based Shared Decision Making Support Academic Intervention Services Support innovative academic programs Support staff development to enrich teaching
The clock is ticking...We still need to focus on what the ads in newspapers & inserts will look like...as well as any hand-outs. Yard signs are in the works, and we have ordered 600...hopefully available on April 14th a the fund-raiser.
We need donations. The $1100 we have is committed already, so we need another $5000! call your friends... Tobe
-- Anonymous, March 30, 2002
While what everything Laurel is saying about the Pledge of Allegiance is absolutely right and true, this is a hot button for a lot of people in the district, and matters to them. It probably matters enough to some of them to make sure they come out and vote to keep the godless commie pinkos off our school board. Do any of our candidates have a problem with saying the pledge, or at least going through the motions under the circumstances? I haven't said it since 1970, but I'm not (and won't ever be) a candidate for the Board of Ed.The last point on the brochure: "revitalize the shared decision making process" or whatever. Ted points out (as Joe Average Voter), that he doesn't know what Shared Decision Making is, or why it needs revitalizing. I don't know much about it myself, and as I recall it's been several years since Bennett even spoke about it in any official way. Candidates, would you like to do a little rap on this for us, to bring us all up to speed on this point?
We need to discuss what our really vulnerable points are with the voters, issues where candid and rational answers may be political quicksand. I recall a couple of years ago, when Meg said the absolutely true thing about Board members needing to be committed to the children rather than the taxpayers, and getting clobbered for it.
What are some of the hot buttons, and what are some good sound bites that will turn away wrath? (I'll repeat this tomorrow when we start the new week's thread, so that we can be talking about it in the weeks to come)
The Indian mascot may still be an issue for some people (hey, it is for me), and the question may come up. What about senior citizens on fixed incomes who can't handle any increase in school taxes? The argument that it will make their property more valuable to have a desirable school system won't wash with them, as most won't be selling at this time in their lives.
-- Anonymous, March 30, 2002
Regarding the Pledge of Allegiance...Doan, Ostrander, and Wilkins will have to run for a much higher office if they intend to make the pledge of allegiance compulsory. The following article FYI refers to the landmark Supreme Court Decision prohibiting compulsory recitation of the pledge.I did some research on this a while back after Sept 11th when the board voted to make every school SAY the pledge over the loudspeaker. Students can not be required to participate.
I have no problem with saying it myself, but I certainly do not forget what country I live in if I don't recite it on a daily basis. Apparently current policy works, evidenced by the fact that the AVERAGE age of our troops in Afghanastan is 19!!
NEW YORK -- The New York City Board of Education unanimously adopted a resolution last night to require all public schools to lead students in the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of every school day and at all schoolwide assemblies and events, The New York Times reported.
According to the Times, the resolution, which also states that students and staff members will neither be compelled to participate nor disciplined if they choose not to recite the pledge, is essentially a copy of a state education law already on the books.
But the requirement to recite the pledge has been all but ignored at most New York City schools for much of the last 30 years, since the waning days of the Vietnam War, education officials say.
Ninfa Segarra, the president of the Board of Education and the sponsor of the resolution, said, "It's a small way to thank the heroes of Sept. 11 and let them know they won't be forgotten in our public schools."
Schools Chancellor Harold O. Levy said yesterday afternoon that he also supported the resolution, but he cautioned that citizens have a greater responsibility to guard against discrimination and to tolerate dissenting views.
But the New York Civil Liberties Union objected strongly to the proposal, noting that the New York City school system has many students who are not American citizens. Those students are likely "to be scapegoated or targeted for harassment" if they do not participate, said Donna Lieberman, interim director of the NYCLU.
In 1943, the United States Supreme Court ruled in West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette that public school students could not be compelled to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. In that landmark decision, Justice Robert H. Jackson wrote, "To believe that patriotism will not flourish if patriotic ceremonies are voluntary and spontaneous instead of a compulsory routine is to make an unflattering estimate of the appeal of our institutions to free minds."
The resolution comes as school districts around the country grapple with the issue of what displays of patriotism are appropriate at a time of both national pride and mourning.
When Segarra announced at an afternoon session of the board that the resolution was likely to be adopted later that evening, a crowd of nearly 100 students, teachers and others attending the meeting burst into applause.
Levy, who will be responsible for making sure the resolution is put into effect, was cautious in his support.
"At every opportunity," he said, "we should make sure that tolerance is something that we teach, both by example and by reminding people what's important."
Teachers and children should also be reminded "to be protective of particularly the Muslim children and children who wear traditional garb," Levy said. "This is what it is to be an American, as well as saluting the flag."
The resolution also sets a goal for schools to display the American flag outside the building and in as many classrooms as is practical, and it encourages schools to form color guards to present the flags of the city, state and nation at assemblies.
State education law already has similar requirements, going so far as to set out the sizes of flags and the materials of which they should be made.
But both the state and the new city regulation make implicit note of the Supreme Court's ruling in saying that neither teachers nor students can be compelled to participate in the pledge. The state regulation specifically notes a lower court's ruling that those refusing to salute the flag may not be required to stand or to leave the room.
Source: The New York Times, October 18, 2001
As far as shared decision making...I need to study more on it. The mascot IS still a hot issue, but it is an OLD issue and I will avoid commenting on it if at all possible. My personal opinion is that it is up to the State Education Department at this point to make a ruling, and we should be focusing on other matters pertaining to Education, infrastructure, curriculum, and staff development.
-- Anonymous, March 30, 2002
Yes, _we_ know that about the Pledge. But on a pragmatic level, being willing to repeat the Pledge of Allegiance publicly at every board meeting (whether in the audience or on the Board) may mean the difference between electability and losing. I'm just checking to make sure everyone's on the same page here.
-- Anonymous, March 30, 2002
Sorry, Carol. I guess I should have said...Yes, I always recite the pledge publicly.
-- Anonymous, March 30, 2002
Carol is right pointing out that cadadates will try to make mandatory pledge a hot issue. The attempt to arouse emotions over an issue that is impossible to change or implement is crazy, but the tactic seems effective. Just like the mascot issue. Any rational person should see that exsisting laws will not support forcing students to say the pledge.Phoenicia School has it spoken every morning over loud speaker, kids can't wait to do it because of the novelty. Will Jahova Witnesses be required to participate? I personally feel freedom of choice is most important. An empty robotic ritual is meaningless.
Next Prayer in School? Look out! Condoms were only tip of iceburg (no pun intended).
Our candidates need to be careful not to appear unpatriotic or insensitive. Especially because of 9/11. The individuals who can't think inclusivly are going to jump on these issues and run with them.
I really dislike it when people think patiotism is whoever waves the flag the most or spiritualism is whoever says the most prayers.
-- Anonymous, March 31, 2002
The answer to the "super patriots" on the pledge issue is simply, there is no issue. The schools comply fully with the spirit and intent of the law...all rights of those wishing to say the pledge are honored, and those not wishing to participate are fully protected. End of story...Next issue please! Tobe
-- Anonymous, March 31, 2002
Sorry Tob. I, too, say the Pledge whenever the opportunity presents itself, and get teary-eyed doing so. It is the issue of FORCE that I take issue with.Here's a solution: Let's, in a somewhat alternative way, agree with them. Not with mandated recitations, but how about suggesting a district-wide student project of thoroughly researching the process of how the Pledge came to be. What was the impetus? Who were the original authors? Like the drafting and multiple editings of the Declaration of Independence (and our brochure), what records exist to portray that initial process? I'm sure all of you could add to my list of questions. With a demonstration of consensus, maybe we could take some steam out of their
-- Anonymous, March 31, 2002
I get moved when I say "Liberty and Justice for All." Now if I could see that carried out in everyday life in the US of A, I'd get even more moved.It's a great idea to call for study of the pledge, or any other issue, but the reality I think is that the issue is being dredged up only to cause dissension and in a hope they can get their troops out for this, like they did two years ago. Remember, they havn't brought it up in public for a while, and they are probably trying it out as a trial baloon first. If they keep talking to their loyal troops, they'll go this way.
We should not give them a chance to label us ant-patriotic nor should we allow them to wrap themslves in the flag...It's our flag, too.
It's a despicable tactic...and one I think we do best with by simply yawning and repeating that there is NO problem with pledge saying anywhere in the district...
I also think this is a stalking horse for the right wing agenda to get prayer in the schools. I predict they will call for placing the Ten Commandments in the schools...It's a tactic that is being used other places around the country...and follows along with the Doan- Ostrander Condom/Abstinence caper. Tobe
-- Anonymous, March 31, 2002
Here's a reply I've drafted to the latest Clare attack in the Woodstock Times...Has her letter appeared in the Phoenicia Times or Ulster Townsman (I haven't seen these papers yet.)??Comments welcome...deadline is Monday early PM
To The Editor:
Barbara Clare's latest letter in support of Joe Doan shows the same misinformation and attempts at a smear campaign that has afflicted Onteora for the past three years. It's called the Doan Deal. In this case Ms. Clare purposefully ignores the results of Mr. Doan's attempt to drag State Comptroller Carl McCall into his schemes. Mr. McCall asked Mr. Doan to send him specifics about any areas of concern before his office would get involved. Mr. Doan didn't cite any specifics, so the matter was dropped. After Mr. McCall didn't give Mr. Doan what he wanted, Mr. Doan decided to try his favorite tactic: expensive investigations with the taxpayers footing the bill.
The record shows that these investigations cost the taxpayers $10,000, and yielded nothing of value. But, as Mr. Doan has shown so often, when reality doesn't match his own preconceived notions, he simply calls for additional wasteful spending on yet more investigations. In this case, after the first $10,000 didn't get the results he wanted, he rammed through a series of six more investigations, going over the same old ground. These investigations are now costing taxpayers $165 per hour for lawyers, with no cap on spending and no end in sight.
It's also interesting to learn from Ms. Clare's letter that Mr. Doan not only wanted to be the district's "Condom Cop," but now he wants to be the "Smut King" as well. Way to go!
Onteora residents ask me when the "School Board Madness" will end. I tell them simply: the madness ends with the elections on May 21st, when we oust Mr. Doan and his supporters.
Call 657-2914 for information on what you can do to help us restore board cooperation, trust, and respect. Focus on Education.
Tobe Carey Glenford
-- Anonymous, March 31, 2002