Put Up Your Duqs!
Political talk that's not for the faint of heart.
30 minutes of Jerold Duquette, no censors, no rules, no standards of decency.
Tune into the premiere on June 30th at 6:30pm, right before the Longmeadow Select Board meeting. My commentary will relate to a previous LongmeadowBuzz post from Tuesday, June 10th, regarding free speech in Longmeadow (see below).
If you miss the show on LCTV, don't despair. It will be available 24/7 at www.jeroldduquette.org. The first episode is NOW AVAILABLE to view online. Click HERE to watch.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Analysis of election returns - 10 June 2008
Here is my brief and partial examination of the election returns for School Committee in the 10 June 2008 Longmeadow Election.
School Committee
Precinct A B C D E Total
Weigand 177 169 123 180 144 793 Second
Bruns 201 170 100 140 126 737 Third
Fitzgerald 202 171 129 161 138 801 First
Kiernan 97 65 55 142 70 429 Sixth
Sweeney 92 70 83 116 80 441 Fifth
Wray 133 153 121 160 94 661 Fourth
Blanks 164 204 137 199 157 861
Write-ins 2 2 1 5
Totals 1068 1002 750 1098 810 4728 Note: 3 ballots per voter. 3 x 1576 = 4728
Total number of voters was 1576. Turn out = 13.89% 11,349 voters were eligible.
Fitzgerald - First in A, B and C. Second in D and E. 50.8%
Weigand - First in D and E. Second in C. Third in A and B. 50.3%
Bruns - Second in A and B. Third in E. Fourth in C and Fifth in D. 46.8%
Wray - Third in C and D. Fourth in A and B and E. 41.9%
Voters A B C D E Total
356 334 250 366 270 1576
Fitzgerald
% by Pct. A56.7% B51.2% C51.6% D44.0% E51.1%
Thank you to all the voters who participated, and a thank you to all the candidates who competed.
Comments invited.
Regards,
John J. Fitzgerald
School Committee
Precinct A B C D E Total
Weigand 177 169 123 180 144 793 Second
Bruns 201 170 100 140 126 737 Third
Fitzgerald 202 171 129 161 138 801 First
Kiernan 97 65 55 142 70 429 Sixth
Sweeney 92 70 83 116 80 441 Fifth
Wray 133 153 121 160 94 661 Fourth
Blanks 164 204 137 199 157 861
Write-ins 2 2 1 5
Totals 1068 1002 750 1098 810 4728 Note: 3 ballots per voter. 3 x 1576 = 4728
Total number of voters was 1576. Turn out = 13.89% 11,349 voters were eligible.
Fitzgerald - First in A, B and C. Second in D and E. 50.8%
Weigand - First in D and E. Second in C. Third in A and B. 50.3%
Bruns - Second in A and B. Third in E. Fourth in C and Fifth in D. 46.8%
Wray - Third in C and D. Fourth in A and B and E. 41.9%
Voters A B C D E Total
356 334 250 366 270 1576
Fitzgerald
% by Pct. A56.7% B51.2% C51.6% D44.0% E51.1%
Thank you to all the voters who participated, and a thank you to all the candidates who competed.
Comments invited.
Regards,
John J. Fitzgerald
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Political Speech in Longmeadow
Last month during our town’s annual celebration of Longmeadow, known as Long Meddowe Days, the committee that organizes the event informed members of the Democratic Town Committee that the campaign signs on our Long Meddowe Days booth had to be taken down because they violated a “no political signs” policy of the committee. The fact that the Town Democratic Committee has always had a booth with signs at the event escaped the committee members recollection. In addition, the committee members at the scene claimed to have made a verbal agreement with our group not to display signs when we paid our $15 fee for the privilege of having a booth at the event.
It turns out that no such verbal agreement was made with the Town Democratic Committee or its representative, but there was some sort of arrangement between the event organizers and the Town Republican Committee. Why would the LDTC agree to pay $15 for a booth at which campaign signs were forbidden? The whole point of having a booth at the event is to introduce candidates to voters. It is the signs that attract passersby to the booth. They are, in fact, the least intrusive and most important aspect of such operations.
What were the organizers of the Long Meddowe Days event thinking? The answer to this question becomes even more difficult to understand when you consider that “signage” at the booth was the only prohibition the organizers sought to enforce. They did not say that candidates could not campaign or hand out literature or any other political activity. Allowing these other political activities, but not the display of campaign signs is very bizarre, irrational even; until you consider the agreement they made with the Town Republican Committee, who apparently agreed to confine their activities to the Community House and did not pay to have a booth at the event. This information combined with very high likelihood that it was a prominent local Republican who complained about our signs to the committee, reveals the possibility that the committee was acting out of a misplaced notion of fairness, at best, or at the behest of a prominent town Republican, at worst. Maybe the Long Meddowe Days Committee assumed incorrectly that their status as a private organization allowed them total control over the time, place, and manner of signage on the green that day. Regardless of motive, the committee’s mistake resulted in a serious violation of constitutional rights that must never be tolerated again.
Arguably just as upsetting was the very sad statement about the appalling lack of civic knowledge and civic mindedness that this incident may have revealed. The irony of a Memorial Day ceremony honoring those who have given the “last full measure of devotion” at an event where the organizers had hours earlier trampled on the very principles our military men and women fought and died for was almost too much to bear. The blank stares looking back at me when I explained this to the Long Meddowe Days committee members on the green made me feel like I was in an episode of the Twilight Zone. I only wish this frightening ignorance of the duties of citizenship were rare. Sadly, distaste for and ignorance of politics in the United States is all too common.
In my three years living in Longmeadow and serving on the School Committee I have frequently noted and expressed concern about a tendency in our small town to avoid political conflict, to suppress serious disagreements about how to run our town instead of fully airing and discussing these conflicting ideas. Too many people active in running this town simply do not want to “cause a scene” or “make a fuss.” When the president of the Long Meddowe Days Committee asked me to lower my voice because I was drawing a crowd, I had to laugh (to avoid crying) as I loudly replied that DRAWING A CROWD IS WHAT FREE SPEECH IS FOR! The idea that drawing attention to political issues is untoward or perverse is itself perverse. Heaven forbid Longmeadow families be exposed to the people who are volunteering to oversee the education of their children. In what universe could signs for school committee candidates be considered “not family friendly,” as the organizers claimed at the scene?
Immediately after the organizing committee had the Longmeadow Police confiscate the signs, I phoned an attorney who has since provided a comprehensive legal analysis of the matter. While the legal analysis fully supports the position I tried to make clear to the police and the organizers at the scene, I am more outraged at the attitude of the committee members who seemed to sincerely believe that political campaign signs at the event were “inappropriate.” The fact that the Green was littered with unattended commercial signage, that were explicitly for private profit and NOT the public interest, raised no concerns for the members of the organizing committee. What kind of community suppresses democratic political speech by people willing to serve the community as members of an unpaid School Committee, but facilitates and encourages the sale of goods and services with no discernable merit for individuals or the community? If politics is not an important and welcomed part of an event that purports to celebrate our town’s place in the American mosaic, then we have surely lost our way.
I believe our town needs to do some hard introspection. We need to have a public discussion of this incident, not only to set the record straight and insure that next year’s Long Meddowe Days event really is family and Democracy friendly, but also to generate some badly needed civic involvement in our town. Too many of our residents find politics distasteful, something particularly dangerous in a town meeting form of government. The acceptance of an anti-politics mentality by many Longmeadow residents allows a small group of insiders to dominate local political decision making, something that is very unhealthy for the long term vitality of our community. Longmeadow faces very serious political problems that cannot be effectively navigated without greater participation by town residents. More of our neighbors have to do more and know more about town governance, if we are going to succeed in maintaining our town’s high quality of life.
As I write these words votes are being counted at the Community House. It appears that of approximately 11,000 registered voters in Longmeadow, only 1500 or so fulfilled the most basic responsibility of citizenship in a democracy. Im starting to think we should say to the voters; if you can't stand the heat, move to a dictatorship.
Town Election Results
Below are the final election results....
Preliminary totals show only ~ 15% voter turnout... a disappointment for such an important election. The School Committee (and Select Board) are facing some difficult decisions in the next 2-3 years.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
School Committee Candidate Debate
Here is the video if you are not able to view the School Committee Candidate debate originally shown LIVE on LCTV on June 4. Video was provided to LongmeadowBuzz through courtesy of LCTV. Click on link below to view with your favorite video viewer.
School Committee Candidate Debate
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Meet the School Committee Candidates week
Longmeadow’s Annual Town Elections will be held on Tuesday, June 10. The only contested race is for School Committee for which there are three open seats and there are six candidates running.With a large number of important issues including adequate funding of school services and the possible renovation/ construction of a new high school facing both our town and schools, it is essential that we elect qualified people who can meet these challenges.
For the past couple of weeks LongmeadowBiz has sponsored a Meet the School Committee Candidates forum wherein each of the candidates provided a biosketch and answers to four questions. We hope that town residents have taken the time to review this information.
In addition, LongmeadowBuzz invited each of the six SC candidates to post information of interest to voters but only one candidate has so far taken that opportunity. Hopefully, as the election draws closer, we hope that we will see some commentary by the other five candidates. Comments to postings on the LongmeadowBuzz can be made by anyone with a Google account. Additional information is available for anyone interested in contributing to LongmeadowBuzz.
This coming week there are two debates with the candidates that are geared to providing town voters with additional information to make an informed vote on June 10. These events include:June 4/ 7 PM: Face-to-face debate LIVE on LCTV- channel 12- moderated by Arlene Miller. Rebroadcast on June 5 at 7 PM, June 7 at 2 PM and June 8 at 5:30 PM. A web replay of this debate will also be available on the LongmeadowBuzz blog- by June 7.
June 6/ 2 PM- Greenwood Park Center/ Longmeadow Adult Center- Face-to-face debate moderated by Patricia Camerota
Please take the time to become an informed voter and then stop by the Longmeadow Community House between 8 am and 8 pm to cast your vote. If you cannot make it on election day, stop by the Town Hall before noontime on June 9 and cast your absentee ballot.
Let’s get a 50% voter turnout for this important election.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Division without Conquest
There was an excellent article in this week’s Longmeadow News (May 29, 2008) called “The Making of a Politician” by Alex Grant, a Longmeadow resident who once applied to fill a School Committee vacancy. The first insight in the piece, in my view, is that we are all prone to the habits of politicians; the same habits that often frustrate and annoy us as voters – pandering and conflict avoidance.
Grant describes his interview with the Select Board and School Committee when he was seeking to fill the vacancy on the School Committee left by Paul Santaniello’s election to the Select Board. The boards will be engaged in a similar process in just a few weeks as a result of Bobby Barkett’s election to the Select Board this year.
Grant skillfully describes the ease with which we all fall into the pattern of saying what our audience wants to hear (or at least not saying what they do not want to hear), and how office seekers do so by making only the most general of promises and claims, such as the improvement of “collaborative working relationships” or “getting more aid from the state” in the case of local elections. Heaven forbid we take positions that will generate criticism or cause “divisiveness.”
Grant’s insight here that our urge to please and avoid conflict may cause us to miss the big picture would have been enough to make me think, but he goes further by describing his own encounter with “[t]he School Committee member given to histrionics” who asked him at his interview if he was “comfortable with discomfort.” He describes his inability to resist the urge to equivocate on this question in the hopes of appeasing even this School Committee member whose approach to the job he dislikes and would not seek to emulate. In so doing, he has illuminated his point with artful precision. He has shown us both how easy it is to be unintentionally ineffectual and has acknowledged the dangers of learning this lesson too well. Pointing out that too much passion can lead to “histrionics” (which may do more harm than good) makes his firsthand account at once more subtle and more instructive.
I agree with Mr. Grant that we must redouble our efforts to clarify “larger truths” and worry less about losing support. I also agree that we must be as vigilant about not trampling the trees in our drive to illuminate the forest. The task for our would-be leaders is to speak hard truths without hardening their audience’s prejudices. As the now “former” member of the School Committee “given to histrionics,” I appreciate the opportunity Mr. Grant’s thoughts have given me to reflect on these fundamental aspects of political leadership and hope that this year’s candidates and voters take time to consider them as well. I intend to devote considerable energy to the study of the question: Can political leaders divide without seeking to conquer?
Monday, May 26, 2008
Questions and my ANSWERS- Comments invited.
BELOW ARE MY ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS THAT I POSED TO ALL THE CANDIDATES FOR SCHOOL COMMITTEE. MY RESPONSES ARE IN CAPITAL LETTERS.
Why would anyone in their right mind want to run for a seat on the Longmeadow School Committee? Why are you running?
SERVING ON THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE IS A CHALLENGE. THERE CAN BE A NUMBER OF FRUSTRATIONS. IT IS A FORM OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND THE STUDENTS NEED TO HAVE SOME ONE TO LOOK OUT FOR THEIR BEST INTERESTS. THAT IS WHY HORACE MANN ADVOCATED FOR THEIR CREATION.
Do you believe that the Longmeadow schools are clean and healthy buildings?
I DO NOT THINK THEY ARE BEING CLEANED ADEQUATELY. THIS ENTAILS HEALTH RISKS.
Is our custodial coverage adequate to the task?
NO. THERE HAVE BEEN CUTS IN THIS COVERAGE.
If not what do you propose to do about the problem?
I BELIEVE WE WILL NEED TO HIRE MORE CUSTODIANS.
Do you believe that the MCAS tests are worthwhile?
I DO NOT SUPPORT MASS TESTING. WE SHOULD SPEND MORE TIME DOING DISCUSSIONS, DEBATES, WORKING ON RESEARCH SKILLS, SPEAKING SKILLS, ESSAY WRITING AND CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS.
Do they promote "teaching to the test" rather than more worthwhile classroom interactions.
YES, THEY DO. I DON’T THINK SCHOOLS SHOULD BE ABOUT PREPARING STUDENTS TO TAKE TESTS. SCHOOLS SHOULD BE PREPARING STUDENTS FOR COLLEGE, ADULT LIFE AND THE WORLD OF WORK AND LEISURE. I THINK WE SHOULD TRY TO CULTIVATE DEMOCRACY AND CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS. MOST STUDENTS FORGET WHAT WAS ON A TEST A FEW DAYS AFTER TAKING IT. EDUCATION IS NOT THE SAME THING AS INDOCTRINATION.
To what extent do you think teachers should rely on a textbook for their course?
I THINK TEXTBOOKS ARE OVER-RATED. THEY ARE USEFUL FOR REFERENCE AND PROBABLY SHOULD BE KEPT IN A CLASSROOM OR AT HOME FOR HOMEWORK REFERENCE. STUDENTS SHOULD BE BRINGING A NOTEBOOK TO CLASS AND SHOULD HAVE A PORTFOLIO OF THEIR WORK. STUDENTS SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO DO “COMPARE AND CONTRAST” PROJECTS. TEXTBOOKS TEND TO DEVELOP THE NOTION THAT THERE IS ONE SOURCE FOR TRUTH. AT THE END OF A COURSE OF STUDY A STUDENT SHOULD HAVE A PORTFOLIO OF COMPLETED PROJECTS THAT SHOW REAL GROWTH IN SKILLS FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE COURSE TO THE END.
Do you believe that class size is important for student learning?
DEFINITELY. SMALL CLASS SIZES SUPPORT STUDENT INTERACTION AND LEARNING. LARGE LECTURE CLASSES ENCOURAGE DICTATION NOT COMMUNICATION. WHEN DISCUSSING CLASS SIZE WE SHOULD NOT INCLUDE GUIDANCE COUNSELORS IN THE TEACHER TALLY. WE SHOULD HAVE A BETTER RATIO OF GUIDANCE COUNSELORS TO STUDENTS.
Many prep schools focus on class discussion skills and research skills and critical thinking skills, to what extent do you think Longmeadow schools should emphasize such learning?
I BELIEVE THAT IS THE DIRECTION IN WHICH WE SHOULD BE HEADING.
What role do you think the Commonwealth of Massachusetts should play in the funding of our local schools?
THE COMMONWEALTH HAS NOT BEEN SHOULDERING ITS BURDEN. THEY SHOULD FUND SPECIAL EDUCATION FOR ALL SCHOOL DISTRICTS. UNFUNDED MANDATES ARE A PROBLEM. THE COMMONWEALTH HAS THE POWER TO RAISE FUNDS ADEQUATE TO THE TASK. THIS MIGHT REQUIRE AN INCREASE IN THE SALES TAX OR THE INCOME TAX, BUT IT WOULD BE WORTHWHILE. WE SHOULD NOT BE GIVING CORPORATIONS AND HOLLYWOOD FILM COMPANIES TAX BREAKS TO OPERATE IN MASSACHUSETTS.
Do you see a role for the federal government in the funding of our public school system?
THE NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND PROGRAM WAS SUPPOSED TO DO THAT. ALONG CAME THE INVASION AND OCCUPATION OF IRAQ AND THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION STOPPED TALKING ABOUT AID TO SCHOOLS. WE ARE SPENDING MORE THAN $4,000.00 A SECOND ON THE IRAQ WAR. THE PENTAGON IS STILL THE BIGGEST BENEFICIARY OF THE US TREASURY.
Do you believe the Iraq war and its related costs have anything to do with the problems local school systems are currently facing? Please explain your position.
BESIDES NOT FUNDING SCHOOLS PROPERLY BECAUSE THE MONEY IS GOING TO THE DEFENSE DEPARTMENT NOT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, SO-CALLED DEFENSE SPENDING IS BOOSTING INFLATION. INFLATION IS A HIDDEN TAX ON SCHOOLS. DOLLARS FOR FISCAL 2009 ARE WORTH LESS THAN IN FISCAL 2008. STOP AND THINK HOW MUCH FUEL THE DEFENSE DEPARTMENT BURNS TO KEEP SHIPS SAILING, PLANES FLYING AND TANKS ROLLING. THE COST OF THAT FUEL IS GOING UP AND THE VALUE OF THE DOLLAR IS GOING DOWN.
How do you stand on environmental questions? Do you support recycling in our schools? How would you enforce it?
I SUPPORT SOUND ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS. THE PLANET IS OUR HOME AND WHAT WE DO TO IT HAS AN IMPACT ON US AND OUR FUTURE. I THINK WE SHOULD HAVE MANDATORY RECYCLING IN ALL OUR SCHOOLS. THE CUSTODIANS AND TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS MUST BE MANDATED TO PARTICIPATE IN IT. IT SHOULD BE PART OF CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS. IT CAN’T JUST BE A VOLUNTEER EFFORT OF A STUDENT CLUB. PAPER IS EXPENSIVE AND IT CAN BE RECYCLED.
Should we build a new high school? Should we renovate the old one?
I BELIEVE IT WOULD BE WISER TO BUILD A NEW HIGH SCHOOL. WHAT WE DO WITH THE OLD BUILDING IS A VERY GOOD QUESTION. PERHAPS WE COULD CONVERT IT INTO LOW INCOME HOUSING FOR SENIOR CITIZENS. THE TOWN SHOULD GIVE SOME THOUGHT TO THIS PROJECT.
If we build a new high school will you support a "green architecture model?
GREEN ARCHITECTURE IS THE WAY TO GO FOR THE 21ST CENTURY. IT SHOULD CONSUME VERY LITTLE ENERGY AND WASTE NONE. IT SHOULD INCLUDE SOLAR AND PHOTO-VOLTAIC ENERGY COLLECTION SYSTEMS.
Are you a candidate for the School Committee or the Finance Committee?
I AM A CANDIDATE FOR THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE. WE ARE ELECTED BY THE VOTERS. THE FINANCE COMMITTEE IS AN APPOINTED BOARD. WE LISTEN TO DIFFERENT DRUMMERS.
How do you view the relationship between the School Committee and the Finance Committee?
I THINK THE FINANCE COMMITTEE IS OVERLY CONCERNED ABOUT EXPENDITURES. IT WOULD BE BETTER TO THINK ABOUT WISE EXPENDITURES VERSUS FOOLISH ONES.
How do you view the relationship between the School Committee and the Select Board?
IT WOULD BE WORTHWHILE TO SHARE A COMMON AGENDA. SOME PROGRESS IS BEING MADE IN THAT DIRECTION.
Do you believe that the high school and the middle schools have an adequate number of guidance counselors?
NO I THINK WE SHOULD ADD SOME GUIDANCE COUNSELORS. THERE IS NOT ENOUGH COMMUNICATION WITH STUDENTS UNDER THE CURRENT RATIO.
Do you support a health program at the high school? Are you happy with the status quo with respect to health education at the high school?
I SUPPORT BRINGING BACK A HEALTH COURSE AT THE HIGH SCHOOL. IT IS A WORTHWHILE INVESTMENT.
How do you stand on the question of fees that students are asked to pay for athletics, clubs, parking, etc.?
I DO NOT THINK WE CAN GO ANY FURTHER WITH IMPOSING FEES. I WONDER WHY WE ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO DRIVE THEIR CARS TO THE HIGH SCHOOL. WALKING IS EXCELLENT EXERCISE.
If you have children in the school system, what school(s) do they attend?
I DO NOT HAVE ANY CHILDREN IN THE LONGMEADOW PUBLIC SCHOOLS. I THINK I CAN LOOK AT THE LARGER PICTURE AND ASSESS WHAT WILL BE OF BENEFIT TO THE ENTIRE DISTRICT.
Why would anyone in their right mind want to run for a seat on the Longmeadow School Committee? Why are you running?
SERVING ON THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE IS A CHALLENGE. THERE CAN BE A NUMBER OF FRUSTRATIONS. IT IS A FORM OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND THE STUDENTS NEED TO HAVE SOME ONE TO LOOK OUT FOR THEIR BEST INTERESTS. THAT IS WHY HORACE MANN ADVOCATED FOR THEIR CREATION.
Do you believe that the Longmeadow schools are clean and healthy buildings?
I DO NOT THINK THEY ARE BEING CLEANED ADEQUATELY. THIS ENTAILS HEALTH RISKS.
Is our custodial coverage adequate to the task?
NO. THERE HAVE BEEN CUTS IN THIS COVERAGE.
If not what do you propose to do about the problem?
I BELIEVE WE WILL NEED TO HIRE MORE CUSTODIANS.
Do you believe that the MCAS tests are worthwhile?
I DO NOT SUPPORT MASS TESTING. WE SHOULD SPEND MORE TIME DOING DISCUSSIONS, DEBATES, WORKING ON RESEARCH SKILLS, SPEAKING SKILLS, ESSAY WRITING AND CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS.
Do they promote "teaching to the test" rather than more worthwhile classroom interactions.
YES, THEY DO. I DON’T THINK SCHOOLS SHOULD BE ABOUT PREPARING STUDENTS TO TAKE TESTS. SCHOOLS SHOULD BE PREPARING STUDENTS FOR COLLEGE, ADULT LIFE AND THE WORLD OF WORK AND LEISURE. I THINK WE SHOULD TRY TO CULTIVATE DEMOCRACY AND CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS. MOST STUDENTS FORGET WHAT WAS ON A TEST A FEW DAYS AFTER TAKING IT. EDUCATION IS NOT THE SAME THING AS INDOCTRINATION.
To what extent do you think teachers should rely on a textbook for their course?
I THINK TEXTBOOKS ARE OVER-RATED. THEY ARE USEFUL FOR REFERENCE AND PROBABLY SHOULD BE KEPT IN A CLASSROOM OR AT HOME FOR HOMEWORK REFERENCE. STUDENTS SHOULD BE BRINGING A NOTEBOOK TO CLASS AND SHOULD HAVE A PORTFOLIO OF THEIR WORK. STUDENTS SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO DO “COMPARE AND CONTRAST” PROJECTS. TEXTBOOKS TEND TO DEVELOP THE NOTION THAT THERE IS ONE SOURCE FOR TRUTH. AT THE END OF A COURSE OF STUDY A STUDENT SHOULD HAVE A PORTFOLIO OF COMPLETED PROJECTS THAT SHOW REAL GROWTH IN SKILLS FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE COURSE TO THE END.
Do you believe that class size is important for student learning?
DEFINITELY. SMALL CLASS SIZES SUPPORT STUDENT INTERACTION AND LEARNING. LARGE LECTURE CLASSES ENCOURAGE DICTATION NOT COMMUNICATION. WHEN DISCUSSING CLASS SIZE WE SHOULD NOT INCLUDE GUIDANCE COUNSELORS IN THE TEACHER TALLY. WE SHOULD HAVE A BETTER RATIO OF GUIDANCE COUNSELORS TO STUDENTS.
Many prep schools focus on class discussion skills and research skills and critical thinking skills, to what extent do you think Longmeadow schools should emphasize such learning?
I BELIEVE THAT IS THE DIRECTION IN WHICH WE SHOULD BE HEADING.
What role do you think the Commonwealth of Massachusetts should play in the funding of our local schools?
THE COMMONWEALTH HAS NOT BEEN SHOULDERING ITS BURDEN. THEY SHOULD FUND SPECIAL EDUCATION FOR ALL SCHOOL DISTRICTS. UNFUNDED MANDATES ARE A PROBLEM. THE COMMONWEALTH HAS THE POWER TO RAISE FUNDS ADEQUATE TO THE TASK. THIS MIGHT REQUIRE AN INCREASE IN THE SALES TAX OR THE INCOME TAX, BUT IT WOULD BE WORTHWHILE. WE SHOULD NOT BE GIVING CORPORATIONS AND HOLLYWOOD FILM COMPANIES TAX BREAKS TO OPERATE IN MASSACHUSETTS.
Do you see a role for the federal government in the funding of our public school system?
THE NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND PROGRAM WAS SUPPOSED TO DO THAT. ALONG CAME THE INVASION AND OCCUPATION OF IRAQ AND THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION STOPPED TALKING ABOUT AID TO SCHOOLS. WE ARE SPENDING MORE THAN $4,000.00 A SECOND ON THE IRAQ WAR. THE PENTAGON IS STILL THE BIGGEST BENEFICIARY OF THE US TREASURY.
Do you believe the Iraq war and its related costs have anything to do with the problems local school systems are currently facing? Please explain your position.
BESIDES NOT FUNDING SCHOOLS PROPERLY BECAUSE THE MONEY IS GOING TO THE DEFENSE DEPARTMENT NOT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, SO-CALLED DEFENSE SPENDING IS BOOSTING INFLATION. INFLATION IS A HIDDEN TAX ON SCHOOLS. DOLLARS FOR FISCAL 2009 ARE WORTH LESS THAN IN FISCAL 2008. STOP AND THINK HOW MUCH FUEL THE DEFENSE DEPARTMENT BURNS TO KEEP SHIPS SAILING, PLANES FLYING AND TANKS ROLLING. THE COST OF THAT FUEL IS GOING UP AND THE VALUE OF THE DOLLAR IS GOING DOWN.
How do you stand on environmental questions? Do you support recycling in our schools? How would you enforce it?
I SUPPORT SOUND ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS. THE PLANET IS OUR HOME AND WHAT WE DO TO IT HAS AN IMPACT ON US AND OUR FUTURE. I THINK WE SHOULD HAVE MANDATORY RECYCLING IN ALL OUR SCHOOLS. THE CUSTODIANS AND TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS MUST BE MANDATED TO PARTICIPATE IN IT. IT SHOULD BE PART OF CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS. IT CAN’T JUST BE A VOLUNTEER EFFORT OF A STUDENT CLUB. PAPER IS EXPENSIVE AND IT CAN BE RECYCLED.
Should we build a new high school? Should we renovate the old one?
I BELIEVE IT WOULD BE WISER TO BUILD A NEW HIGH SCHOOL. WHAT WE DO WITH THE OLD BUILDING IS A VERY GOOD QUESTION. PERHAPS WE COULD CONVERT IT INTO LOW INCOME HOUSING FOR SENIOR CITIZENS. THE TOWN SHOULD GIVE SOME THOUGHT TO THIS PROJECT.
If we build a new high school will you support a "green architecture model?
GREEN ARCHITECTURE IS THE WAY TO GO FOR THE 21ST CENTURY. IT SHOULD CONSUME VERY LITTLE ENERGY AND WASTE NONE. IT SHOULD INCLUDE SOLAR AND PHOTO-VOLTAIC ENERGY COLLECTION SYSTEMS.
Are you a candidate for the School Committee or the Finance Committee?
I AM A CANDIDATE FOR THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE. WE ARE ELECTED BY THE VOTERS. THE FINANCE COMMITTEE IS AN APPOINTED BOARD. WE LISTEN TO DIFFERENT DRUMMERS.
How do you view the relationship between the School Committee and the Finance Committee?
I THINK THE FINANCE COMMITTEE IS OVERLY CONCERNED ABOUT EXPENDITURES. IT WOULD BE BETTER TO THINK ABOUT WISE EXPENDITURES VERSUS FOOLISH ONES.
How do you view the relationship between the School Committee and the Select Board?
IT WOULD BE WORTHWHILE TO SHARE A COMMON AGENDA. SOME PROGRESS IS BEING MADE IN THAT DIRECTION.
Do you believe that the high school and the middle schools have an adequate number of guidance counselors?
NO I THINK WE SHOULD ADD SOME GUIDANCE COUNSELORS. THERE IS NOT ENOUGH COMMUNICATION WITH STUDENTS UNDER THE CURRENT RATIO.
Do you support a health program at the high school? Are you happy with the status quo with respect to health education at the high school?
I SUPPORT BRINGING BACK A HEALTH COURSE AT THE HIGH SCHOOL. IT IS A WORTHWHILE INVESTMENT.
How do you stand on the question of fees that students are asked to pay for athletics, clubs, parking, etc.?
I DO NOT THINK WE CAN GO ANY FURTHER WITH IMPOSING FEES. I WONDER WHY WE ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO DRIVE THEIR CARS TO THE HIGH SCHOOL. WALKING IS EXCELLENT EXERCISE.
If you have children in the school system, what school(s) do they attend?
I DO NOT HAVE ANY CHILDREN IN THE LONGMEADOW PUBLIC SCHOOLS. I THINK I CAN LOOK AT THE LARGER PICTURE AND ASSESS WHAT WILL BE OF BENEFIT TO THE ENTIRE DISTRICT.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Some questions for my fellow school committee candidates
Here are some questions for my fellow school committee candidates:
Let's have some fun with an old fashioned civics debate!
Why would anyone in their right mind want to run for a seat on the Longmeadow School Committee? Why are you running?
Do you believe that the Longmeadow schools are clean and healthy buildings?
Is our custodial coverage adequate to the task?
If not what do you propose to do about the problem?
Do you believe that the MCAS tests are worthwhile?
Do they promote "teaching to the test" rather than more worthwhile classroom interactions?
To what extent do you think teachers should rely on a textbook for their course?
Do you believe that class size is important for student learning?
Many prep schools focus on class discussion skills and research skills and critical thinking skills, to what extent do you think Longmeadow schools should emphasize such learning?
What role do you think the Commonwealth of Massachusetts should play in the funding of our local schools?
Do you see a role for the federal government in the funding of our public school system?
Do you believe the Iraq war and its related costs have anything to do with the problems local school systems are currently facing? Please explain your position.
How do you stand on environmental questions? Do you support recycling in our schools? How would you enforce it?
Should we build a new high school? Should we renovate the old one? Could it be used for elderly housing?
If we build a new high school will you support a "green architecture model?
Are you a candidate for the School Committee or the Finance Committee?
How do you view the relationship between the School Committee and the Finance Committee?
How do you view the relationship between the School Committee and the Select Board?
Do you believe that the high school and the middle schools have an adequate number of guidance counselors?
Do you support a health program at the high school? Are you happy with the status quo with respect to health education at the high school?
How do you stand on the question of fees that students are asked to pay for athletics, clubs, parking, etc.?
If you have children in the school system, what school(s) do they attend?
Let's have some fun with an old fashioned civics debate!
Why would anyone in their right mind want to run for a seat on the Longmeadow School Committee? Why are you running?
Do you believe that the Longmeadow schools are clean and healthy buildings?
Is our custodial coverage adequate to the task?
If not what do you propose to do about the problem?
Do you believe that the MCAS tests are worthwhile?
Do they promote "teaching to the test" rather than more worthwhile classroom interactions?
To what extent do you think teachers should rely on a textbook for their course?
Do you believe that class size is important for student learning?
Many prep schools focus on class discussion skills and research skills and critical thinking skills, to what extent do you think Longmeadow schools should emphasize such learning?
What role do you think the Commonwealth of Massachusetts should play in the funding of our local schools?
Do you see a role for the federal government in the funding of our public school system?
Do you believe the Iraq war and its related costs have anything to do with the problems local school systems are currently facing? Please explain your position.
How do you stand on environmental questions? Do you support recycling in our schools? How would you enforce it?
Should we build a new high school? Should we renovate the old one? Could it be used for elderly housing?
If we build a new high school will you support a "green architecture model?
Are you a candidate for the School Committee or the Finance Committee?
How do you view the relationship between the School Committee and the Finance Committee?
How do you view the relationship between the School Committee and the Select Board?
Do you believe that the high school and the middle schools have an adequate number of guidance counselors?
Do you support a health program at the high school? Are you happy with the status quo with respect to health education at the high school?
How do you stand on the question of fees that students are asked to pay for athletics, clubs, parking, etc.?
If you have children in the school system, what school(s) do they attend?
A short explanation of Proposition 2 and 1/2
I have been asked a number of questions about Proposition 2 and 1/2.
It is a proposition that was passed by initiative in 1980.
It passed narrowly in Longmeadow. 4,330 YES and 4,155 NO - 412 BLANK
8,897 citizens voted on the question.
Parts of the initiative have been changed by the legislature. What is left of it primarily has an effect on local property taxes.
The law limits the levy limit of a particular town. The levy is the term for the amount of money that a town is able to collect in taxes. To illustrate the principle let's use a simple example. Suppose that in fiscal 2001 the levy limit is $1,000,000.00. Under the terms of the law the most that the town can collect in fiscal 2002 is 2 and 1/2% above what they collected in 2001.
So if fiscal 2001 was $1 million, the legal limit for fiscal 2002 is $1 million plus 2 and 1/2% which equals. $1,025,000.00.
This is the new legal levy limit.
If the town decides that it wants to raise more money than allowed by the 2 and 1/2 formula, it must take the question to the voters and ask for an override.
This is a simple majority vote YES or NO.
For our example, let's say that the town government wants to set the levy limit at $1,300,000.00, instead of the $1,025,000.00 allowed by the law. Again following the law, it must place the question before the voters for their approval. In this example the voters would be asked to approve an override of $275,000.00.
If this override passes, the levy limit base for fiscal year 2003 will be $1,300,000.00 plus a 2 and 1/2% increase.
$1,300,000.00
plus $32,500.00
Total $1,332,500.00
Proposition 2 and 1/2 does not forbid tax increases on property. It limits their increase, unless a majority of the local tax payers want to raise them to a higher level.
Why would people vote to raise their taxes higher than the minimum? They would vote to raise their taxes if they wanted to see more services provided by the town. They might want to increase the library budget, the school budget or the public works budget. Or they may vote to raise the level of services of all three departments. They might want to add teaching staff, raise wage or benefit packages (as a result of collective bargaining with labor unions).
The important thing to remember is that the town government can not raise taxes above the 2 and 1/2% limit without asking the town's voters for their approval.
Whether the voters wish to approve of an override is up to the wisdom of the voters. It is their judgement that will be passed on the wisdom of the expenditures.
A rational voter will not reject an override request out of hand.
Instead he or she should ask what the money is going to be used for and what benefit would accrue to the town. He or she could then weigh that benefit against the cost of the tax increase. People in different economic circumstances might perceive the benefits and the costs differently.
One final comment-
There are a number of costs that the town can not control. Oil prices, inflation, and health insurance increases are just some examples of costs that a town can not control. An increase in the school age population would probably also require the hiring of more teachers and the purchase of more supplies. If a town wishes to maintain a level service budget, as opposed to a level funded budget, it will probably have to ask for more revenue from its citizens to match that level of service.
John J. Fitzgerald
It is a proposition that was passed by initiative in 1980.
It passed narrowly in Longmeadow. 4,330 YES and 4,155 NO - 412 BLANK
8,897 citizens voted on the question.
Parts of the initiative have been changed by the legislature. What is left of it primarily has an effect on local property taxes.
The law limits the levy limit of a particular town. The levy is the term for the amount of money that a town is able to collect in taxes. To illustrate the principle let's use a simple example. Suppose that in fiscal 2001 the levy limit is $1,000,000.00. Under the terms of the law the most that the town can collect in fiscal 2002 is 2 and 1/2% above what they collected in 2001.
So if fiscal 2001 was $1 million, the legal limit for fiscal 2002 is $1 million plus 2 and 1/2% which equals. $1,025,000.00.
This is the new legal levy limit.
If the town decides that it wants to raise more money than allowed by the 2 and 1/2 formula, it must take the question to the voters and ask for an override.
This is a simple majority vote YES or NO.
For our example, let's say that the town government wants to set the levy limit at $1,300,000.00, instead of the $1,025,000.00 allowed by the law. Again following the law, it must place the question before the voters for their approval. In this example the voters would be asked to approve an override of $275,000.00.
If this override passes, the levy limit base for fiscal year 2003 will be $1,300,000.00 plus a 2 and 1/2% increase.
$1,300,000.00
plus $32,500.00
Total $1,332,500.00
Proposition 2 and 1/2 does not forbid tax increases on property. It limits their increase, unless a majority of the local tax payers want to raise them to a higher level.
Why would people vote to raise their taxes higher than the minimum? They would vote to raise their taxes if they wanted to see more services provided by the town. They might want to increase the library budget, the school budget or the public works budget. Or they may vote to raise the level of services of all three departments. They might want to add teaching staff, raise wage or benefit packages (as a result of collective bargaining with labor unions).
The important thing to remember is that the town government can not raise taxes above the 2 and 1/2% limit without asking the town's voters for their approval.
Whether the voters wish to approve of an override is up to the wisdom of the voters. It is their judgement that will be passed on the wisdom of the expenditures.
A rational voter will not reject an override request out of hand.
Instead he or she should ask what the money is going to be used for and what benefit would accrue to the town. He or she could then weigh that benefit against the cost of the tax increase. People in different economic circumstances might perceive the benefits and the costs differently.
One final comment-
There are a number of costs that the town can not control. Oil prices, inflation, and health insurance increases are just some examples of costs that a town can not control. An increase in the school age population would probably also require the hiring of more teachers and the purchase of more supplies. If a town wishes to maintain a level service budget, as opposed to a level funded budget, it will probably have to ask for more revenue from its citizens to match that level of service.
John J. Fitzgerald
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