Week of May 26

-- Anonymous, May 25, 2002

Answers

I was on the Yahoo Indian mascot private board, and saw that Freddie Blue Fox has posted the news about the Onteora election. Judging from his letter, he fully expects the new board to roar right in and ditch the Indian, in accord with Commissioner Mills' vague and toothless handwavings about what districts should do about ethnic mascots.

I would suggest that given that there still are a few more meetings left with Doan sitting there mad as a hornet (or a March hare), that someone have A Little Talk with Freddie quite soon, and make sure he doesn't make this more difficult than it already will be.

-- Anonymous, May 25, 2002

At SOS meetings with the candidates we discussed this issue at length. It is not on the agenda of the new majority to change the mascot. It was felt that the issue was too divisive for change on the local level.

Personally I feel it is time for us all to concentrate on healing the community and bringing people together. We need to build trust and cooperation.

I haven't read it yet but I understand that Blake Killen from the UC Townsman slammed the win in his editorial. Poor loser. He mentioned that now we will bring back the mascot issue as well as increase spending, blah, blah, blah...

-- Anonymous, May 26, 2002

I posted something in that vein on that board after reading your posting, and strongly sugggested he talk with the new board members privately before making any public moves. Figured that might also head off any possible letters to the editor from interested activists bringing it up.

-- Anonymous, May 26, 2002

The reference that Blake made to the mascot issue is not even in the editorial, it is in the article regarding the election.

-- Anonymous, May 26, 2002

Blake also mentioned that Doan vows to keep going...this should be a clear signal that he won't go away quietly. Sam Mercer on his woodstock cable show tonight also mentioned we may be hearing from "Spitzer" (the attorney general) soon...I expect that Doan WILL sue Hal, the district etc in a vindictive mode to "prove" he was right.

Batten down the hatches, the sailing's not clear yet. Tobe

-- Anonymous, May 26, 2002

Other concerns I have are the donation of the OTA to SOS and the alleged donation to SOS brought to the high school office. The OTA did check with the lawyers as to the feasibility to support candidates. Seems like a first amendment right although it is the issue which hampers down national campaign finance reform.

The SOS contribution was never forwarded or received by SOS. But the donation was dropped by the high school officer directly into the hands of Sharon Langling, a Doan supporter. So we may hear more on that issue. I never did follow up on it as the thinking was to let sleeping dogs lie.

But who knows...Doan is nuts. It could be anything.

-- Anonymous, May 27, 2002

Hi everyone! I got set up with a new computer...it's wonderful, but was out of touch for a while.

I'm getting so many hugs and thank yous in Shandaken. The memorial day parade was brief, as usual, but very nice. Great turn out. I love the new uniforms in the marching band.

I got a call from editor of Phoenicia Times asking for payment of campaign ads. I referred him to Jim.

I personally don't think the mascot should be brought up again...not until the state makes a clear stand. The community needs time to heal and come together.

I'm assuming the next board seats are up in 1 year. I would love to keep in touch with everyone on bbs just to keep on top of issues. it will be interesting to see who wants to run.

A heart felt thank you to all. I'm so proud to be part of SOS and will remember all your support.

-- Anonymous, May 27, 2002

Article on sup erintendent salaries in the Times Herald Record. Useful to remember some of this when it comes time to replace Hal.

-- Anonymous, May 29, 2002

I heard that at a meeting for the mentoring program at the high school the other night a parent got up and lavished praise on the newly elected board. Rose was in attendance grimmacing! Opps!

Nice letters in the WT this week especially from Neil.

-- Anonymous, May 31, 2002