Action not words

I didn't watch the debate. I really didn't have any desire to do so. Over the years, I've come to believe that debates are overrated for several reasons.

1. Many people who watch them have made up their mind already.
2. Anybody can say anything. The word of most Politicians isn't worth much and it is worth absolutely nothing when they speak in "political speak" which is nothing but platitudes.
3. Most don't watch them.

Debates do have their uses, but more at the local level. That's because many candidates on the local level have little to no known record and will finally get put on the record with statements. On the local level, they are less apt to be coached up, and less apt to speak in political speak and say nothing.

On the national level, I don't think they are really needed, because debates are talk. Talk is cheap. Money talks, BS walks. I don't want to know what politicians say. I want to know what they have done.

The two biggest issues this campaign are these. The economy. Credibility. The first issue is obvious. When the economy tanks, the people in power are blamed. "Throw the bums out." If the economy is bad in 2012, Obama is done unless the GOP nominee beats himself (or herself). That gets to the other issue credibility. This issue is overlooked often because the political class and media don't care. Grass roots supporters, as well as independents, do care about credibility.

I'm going to ramble a bit here, but the stupidest term I hear from the media and the political class is that "so and so" is the electable candidate. Usually the so called "electable" candidate is called that because of current name recognition, money, next in line turn, supposedly appeals to independents (whether reality is true or not), etc. It's often a US Senator that is tagged with this label, which is irony because few senators win. People just do not like US Senators. They have long voting records, and it usually sucks.

16 Senators became president. 8 Senators were elected after the Civil War. 7 Were elected after the war. Andrew Johnson never was elected. Only three senators elected were sitting senators. Obama, Kennedy, and Harding. The history of senators wanting to be president is usually not kind, and usually they only defeat other senators. Here's the post Civil War election history for senators.

Obama (Senator) defeated McCain (Senator)
Bush (Governor) defeated Kerry (Senator) and Gore (VP, ex-Senator)
Clinton (Governor) defeated Dole (Senator)
Reagan (Governor) defeated Mondale (Ex-VP, ex-Senator)
Nixon (Ex-VP, ex-Senator) defeated McGovern (Senator) and Humphrey (VP, ex-senator).
LBJ (VP, ex-Senator) defeated Goldwater.(Senator)
JFK (Senator) defeated Nixon
Truman (VP,Ex-senator) defeated Dewey (Governor)
Harding (Senator) defeated James Cox (Governor)
Cleveland (Governor) and Harrison (senator) defeated each other.
Cleveland defeated Blaine (Senator)
Grant (Military) defeated Greeley (Senator)

I don't remember who the "electable" candidate was in 1992. The electable candidate in 1996 was Bob Dole. In 2000, Bush and Gore were the "electable" candidates. Gore's an ex-senator. In 2004, John Kerry was the "electable" candidate. In 2008, it was generally viewed as McCain being the most electable in a general election. Now it's supposedly Romney (no way) or Huntsman (I have my issues with Huntsman, but a case could be made there).

The media perceived electable candidate is often viewed as being "presidential" whatever that means, or that he has gravitas. Dole had that. He lost. He was a Henry Clay in some ways, the great compromiser. Sometimes too much was compromised and he couldn't be counted on. Where did he stand. Bush and Gore were both weak candidates IMO. Bush was the "compassionate conservative" and Gore reinvented himself into a faux populist. John Kerry was a joke as a person and as a senator with no credibility and questionable loyalties at best to the U.S. He was the worst "first tier" candidate they ran. He was considered "presidential" in the eyes of the media and political class. McCain couldn't even win Indiana. That's all that needs to be said there.

Credibility is important. When you say something, does it match your record? If it doesn't then I can't trust you. I can't count on you, and you lost any chance of my vote in the primary. In the general, you then better hope that the democrat pissed me off to the point where I'll hold my nose against my better wishes (ie McCain in 2008). With Rick Snyder's tax scheme (and the disappointing reps who followed him just because he's governor), and Bush's spending policies 04-08 leading to Obama, my tolerance is less and less for nose holding. I don't have to necessarily agree with a candidate. Rudy Giuliani and I don't see eye to eye on a lot of issues. I know what I'm going to get from him. Ron Paul is closer to my views than Giuliani, although I don't always agree with him either. I voted for him in 2008. I know where Ron Paul stands. I know where Gary Johnson stands. I know where Michelle Bachman stands. I probably know were Herman Cain stands, although he doesn't have a voting record. I think I know where Rick Santorum and Tim Pawlenty stand. I have no idea where Newt Gingrich or Mitt Romney really stand.

My big fear are these two issues. The first is that a flip-flopper will be the nominee. Romney to be specific. His big weakness is credibility - or lack of it. That's an easy way to lose. In addition if he wins, will he enact RomneycareII and other big government schemes like we'd get with Obama's second term? That's what he was as Massachusetts governor. I haven't even gotten to the social issues yet, either.

In the age of the internet, it takes less than five minutes to find a candidate's past history, including voting records on issues. It is easier than ever to find out the credibility of a candidate when he or she speaks on a particular issue. Money talks and BS walks. We need our candidate, whoever it is, to make sure he or she is credible and has a good record on the economy, credibility, and competence. Else, Obama wins - or more accurately, the republican candidate defeats himself.

Updates (Primaries, budgets, debates)

I was sick as a dog, so I missed some developments. Here's a brief summary.

First off - the debates. I missed them. I'm not all that sorry I did outside of the fact that it took place in Michigan. I saw two debates already and was up at Mackinac so I already know the basics of the candidates. I'm still undecided and have not made a decision on who I am backing. I'm looking for specifics and am balancing out my ideological side and my pragmatic side. I don't care about the soundbytes, and did not feel like spending 100 minutes listening to politispeak for 20 minutes of meat and potatoes stuff I'm waiting to see.

Secondly - Our senator Valde Garcia had a town hall meeting about his tax votes. I'll give him credit for showing up and explaining himself. It's gutsy decision to do so. I'm sure he thought that tax increase was the right thing to do. I happen to disagree with him on that. One common saying is that "Good policy is good politics." I agree with that, and it's flip side is true as well. "Bad policy is bad politics." Let's not forget why the tax increase is so unpopular. It's bad policy. With businesses closing, lost jobs, high gas prices, and tigher budgets, a tax increase is not what our state needs.

Thirdly - The DNC and democrat candidates for president have all flipped Michigan the bird. "No guts" Barack Obama, John Deadwards, gun grabber Joe Biden, and Bill Richardson all requested to be withdrawn from the January primary ballot. Dennis Kucinich said he wanted to remove his name from the ballot but missed the deadline. Hillary Clinton said she wasn't going to campaign here (woo hoo!) but she's remaining on the ballot. Chris Dodd's also going to be on the ballot, as is Mike Gravel. So what does that mean for this state. If this stays the way it is, here are the winners and losers.

Winners:
Hillary Clinton - Cements her status as a frontrunner in Michigan. Even though she wants it both ways and isn't campaigning here, just not taking her name off the ballot here helped her. It's a win by default
Chris Dodd and Mike Gravel - Lesser knowns are now the "Anti-Hillary" candidates here in Michigan.
Rudy Giuliani - A pro-abortion candidate may siphon off moderate democrats who don't like Hillary and are irked at this move by the democrats.
Mike Huckabee and Duncan Hunter - Will organized labor members look at those two candidates, particulary Hunter on trade?
Ron Paul - The War in Iraq. He opposed it from the beginning. The Patriot Act. However, he's pro-life and supports the 2nd Amendment, something that many democrats despise.



Losers:
John Edwards - For someone who is trying so hard for union support, this is the worst move possible. What the hell is he thinking? Organized labor was born here.
Barack Obama - The four most democrat counties in the state have two of his main targets - blacks and academia. Wayne County is 42% black and home of Wayne State University. Washtenaw County is the home of U-M and EMU. Genessee County is 20% black. Ingham County is the home of MSU. Michigan itself is 15% black, and that vote swung the last two presidential elections here, as well as the 02 gubenatorial election.
Joe Biden and Bill Richardson. I'm glad Richardson isn't here, since I think he's their strongest candidate in a general election. Biden and Richardson are lesser knowns, and with Edwards and Obama sitting out, this gave them a chance to exploit a chance for momentum.
Democrats in Michigan in general - obvious reasons.

Brighton School Board Debates

Brighton School Debates
I was just at the Brighton School Board Debates. The biggest contrast I saw compared to Howell is the level of tension in the atmosphere. It was a lot more relaxed and businesslike in Brighton than it was in Howell. The level of animosity in the room was much lower here.

The debate format was 2 minutes for opening/closing statements with 1.5 minute answers. The debate was recorded and will be on local public access stations. I typed as quick as I could on the answers and they are as close to verbatum as possible, although as with Howell, much of this was shorthand and I apologize for the difficulty in reading this. I did my best.

Overall, while I think all of the candidates would do a good job on the school board, I hope that Irene Besancon and Greg Rassel win. I don't think anyone needs to vote "against" any of the candidates here as none of these candidates have shown poor judgment, have axes to grind, or bad decision making ability. There are no incumbents running here either so there will be new people on the board, no matter who wins.

Opening Statement (2min)
Irene Besancon – 13 years in Brighton. Daughter teacher. Grandchildren in Brighton Schools. We need to educate our children so they can take care of the world. Unique skills with Mathematics background. Balanced books and treasured many orgs. Teaches at Schoolcraft/Eastern.

Patti Bradley – 22 years in Brighton. Reporter Children in Brighton. PTO President at formerly, Spencer, now Scranton. Small business owner. Public schools educate 90% of schoolchildren in states. We need more than inadequate funding from state. We let Lansing decide with budget cuts.

Winnie Garrett – Livingston County resident 17 years. Training in human relations. Director of Human resources. Lifelong commitment to community service. Passion for quality schools, Brighton has excellent reputation. Use good skills to maintain and enhance schools. Concerned about funding equity.

Jared Geist – Make community better. Born and raised in Brighton. K-12 product of Brighton schools. Whole life involved in Brighton community.

Beth Minert – Moved to Livingston County in 1972, 1980 in Brighton. Teacher in Brighton 31 years. Retired. Been on several negotiation teams. Been on two school redistrict committee and one other (missed it). Went to Lansing in 2005 for school equity rally. Believe in public education system. Time for another educator on school board.

Greg Rassel – Director of Public Service, Royal Oak. Marine Corps. 13? Years in Brighton. Kids in system. Frustrated at boards kick the can approach currently. Need to take responsibility. Live within our means, not fund balance. Don’t bow to single issue groups. Maintain high level of excellence in school. We need to make community decisions based on long term. State level is important, but don’t expect much short term.

Keith VanHentenryck – Moved to Livingston in 1988. Self-employed and run business. Too much of adversial relationship with all parties. Compromiser. Stay within budget. Enhancing revenue good idea, but unrealistic goal right now.

Q1 – If you had one change, what would it be.
Irene Besancon – Agree with Bradley with planning long haul and with technology. Was involved in Dearborn Schools Engineering program. Taught students to think for themselves with original ideas and manufacturing. Apply tech as well as learn it. Need finances to do that.

Patti Bradley – Lack of future planning. Had to work on year/year basis. Need to look 3 years ahead. Cirriculum – not enough staff to accolplish updates. Tech needs updating.

Winnie Garrett – Lack of equity in funding. Optimistic it can happen. Control of state leglisature. Education not getting enough recognition that it needs. Need to focus on that. Brighton has excellent schools, but we can not be complacent.

Jared Geist – Strengthen and better and find better ways to communicate with district. The rest comes from that, including funding, etc. We need to inform public. Public relations. Public must be on same page as board. One of two candidates with website. It’s important and set up in FAQ format with questions. Phone number and email on website for all communications.

Beth Minert – Wants to piggyback off of Geist’s interest. Former Super Dennis McMahon had partners in education program. Wants to bring that back. New state required curriculum. Needs to make it relevant for students to business community. Arizona has radio program each week related to schools. Need to publicize more.

Greg Rassel – 1. Balancing the budget. 2. Look at upgrading facilities including technology. More reliant on schools of choice and need to compete with South Lyon, Howell, Walled Lake. Facilities must compete.

Keith VanHentenryck – Everything hinges on money. Budget is number one issue. Number of items not well capped.

Q2 – Would you support request for millage increase or headlee override for budget.

Irene Besancon – No. Moving companies having problem and can not get trucks back. Doesn’t seem fair to put more tax burden on residents here. However, we can use school of choice to get revenue. Keep good curriculum to keep students here and attract students. Can bring 1 million to our districts by filling slots.

Patti Bradley – Proposal A flawed due to millage. Need to get other districts to agree to seek money. Millage was defeated two years ago when we tried. Would not support millage at time.

Winnie Garrett – not tax raiser . Local districts not allowed to have millage so puzzled by question. Continue for advocate of funding equite. County does not support taxes.

Jared Geist – Short answer – no. Worst thing can do right now is millage. Looking at it wrong way. Do better with money we have right now. Amazing amount of for sale signs right now. Economy not greatest right now. Defecit right now. Not spend more money than have. Control spending and not ask for money since no guarantee money won’t get spent same way as current.

Beth Minert – not asking for headlee override right now. Would support it. Millage – reviewing Super Craig’s review. Increase of 500K in special ed budget. All these programs mandates, but not funded. Need to help these students.

Greg Rassel – Short answer no. Not right now. We must restructure first. That never happens.

Keith VanHentenryck – Short answer no. State can’t resolve it, not addressing next years. Too many foreclosures right now.

Q3 – Opinion of MESSA

Irene Besancon – I have advantage to live under teacher benefits. Teachers deserve good benefits, but we need to look at all options and truly feel Board has to say “We can afford to pay so much, not more than that. What’s best you can find for teachers under that dollar amount” We don’t know what budget will be, but prepare for worst case so we don’t cut what kids need.

Patti Bradley – Be careful. Insurance is part of collective bargaining agreement. Everything up for grabs with contract.

Winnie Garrett – Labor relations background. I don’t have enough information right now. Not familiar with what costs are. Not equipped to make decision.

Jared Geist – Referred to Howell declaring selves policy hold. We need to wait and see how that plays out. If we can provide benefits at cheaper costs, no reason not to do so. It may backfire, so we need to watch Howell first. Can’t spend more money than we have. If there’s other companies not affiliated with MEA, we need to look at it.

Beth Minert – Unlike Howell, brighton paid to keep MESSA. Will look at others and save money, but be careful. Do not let people go by wayside with pre-existing conditions. Look at history of company and premiums to see they do low cost first and double them within a year.

Greg Rassel Part of Structural change. We can’t prove we get best costs. In private sector, premiums are changing all time. Need to bid out competitive.

Keith VanHentenryck – Has to be looked at. Many school districts dropped MESSA, which is 3rd party admin, not provider. Lakeview, saved 500K. Blue Cross/Blue Shield repackaged, easily less expensive with same benefits.

Q4 – Regarding Brew haha relating to literature at Howell.

Irene Besancon – Policy establishment sounds good. Is the material best to deliver for curriculum?

Patti Bradley – We hire on teachers expertise for this. Parents had access to AP list. Availible to all parents in Brighton. Shouldn’t be issue.

Winnie Garrett – We need processes to avoid it and up to date and followed. Staff needs training. Committees – need to include different views so all are listened to. Chain of command needs to be followed. We need good conflict resolution skills, need to be respectful, return phone calls, etc. Total package will make it work.

Jared Geist – I don’t have lit or teacher degree but law, poly sciece, . Teachers need to do their jobs. We go down slippery road if we micromanage. Good policy right now.

Beth Minert – Brighton has way to deal with this. In HS, Teachers choose book, work with dept heads, discuss it, vote, give it to super and board. Look at other districts and goes to committee. Committee can read, discuss, and vote. May use as pilot or right away. Parents bring it to treacher, may offer alternative, and if more challenge, can go to board. AP – requested by college board. Different criteria.

Greg Rassel – Satisfied with Brighton process. We haven’t had that controversy,. Knock on wood. Fall back on Supreme Court statement. I know it when I see it.

Keith VanHentenryck – Works well now. Always be some book that pushes someone’s button, but right now no changes.

Q5 – Labor relations good, adequate, bad, at Brighton schools.

Irene Besancon – Adequate. Don’t like to see disagreements in last year or two, comes from mutual respect. At least people are courteous to each other. Need healthier respect for one another. We have good people and need to remember we are negotiation with good people and in best interest. That gets lost in conference. Both sides need to know what’s needed going in and be able to articulate it. Communication.

Patti Bradley – Adequate, need work. Super said 2.5 million. Head of union doesn’t believe it says Cried wolf. More communications needed.

Winnie Garrett “Traditional” – lose opportunities for win/win outcomes.

Jared Geist – Inadequate. We have to look at end result of what we have – budget defecit.End result needs to be good. Part of process did not work to good result, which is not adequate for me. It’s harsh, but we need to be tough with end result.

Beth Minert – Are adequate. Yes, tough times and some layoffs. Teachers are problem solvers and want to solve problems facing district.

Greg Rassel – Adequate. Contact to contract for a couple of years. Work to be done. Can’t go out until long term contracts are in place. We aren’t doing all we can to keep house in order fiscally.

Keith VanHentenryck – Adequate. Issues in past lead to situation where both parties unsatisfied. More compromise necessary. Conflicting interests.

Q6 – Have you been endorsed by PACS, unions, etc?

Irene Besancon – If you ask me to come, you are part of community. Endorsed by Taxpayers Group and Right to Life. I said things I concurred with their point of view, but it’s MY point of view. I did not say what they wished to hear. I’ve not received contributions outsides of people putting signs out. All money my own.

Patti Bradley – No. No endorsements. I did received contribution from graphic artist. Else, my own money. Not spending $1000 (Waiver)

Winnie Garrett – No endorsements or financial contributions.

Jared Geist – Piggyback on what Irene said. All of this is community service. Invited by RTL, Teachers Union, Argus, and Taxpayers. I’ll tell them what I say. I have beenendorsed by RTL. No contributions from PACs/Special interests. Campaign contributions from family and friends. I’m in debt. I’ll take that. Am under $1000 (waiver).

Beth Minert – Not seeking endorsements. Neutral. Nonpartisan. Checks from friends for yard signs. $100-175 range. Spent under $400

Greg Rassel – Interviewed with same groups. Endorsement of Taxpayers Group. Spend my own money.

Keith VanHentenryck – No. No endorsements. Low impact approach with low spending. Not taking contributions.

Q7 – Should negotiaton team have board member on it.

Irene Besancon – I’m surprised we don’t have one. Should have one there.

Patti Bradley – Board should have one there. We’re responsible for approving contracts.

Winnie Garrett – No. What happens, Board sets parameters for management with support of super on what issues are. Financial/non financial. Board has closed meeting as a group.

Jared Geist – Critical to have board member or two members. Board has duty to do
best we can. If most important is financial, need proactive approach and have members in process.

Beth Minert – On each negotiation team I was on, board was there.

Greg Rassel – No. Code of silence. Too many biases of individual. Hire admin for reason. More important financial advisor there.

Keith VanHentenryck – No as well. Board designed to run business of district in overview fashion. Micromagement – too many hands in pot and spoil the stew. Agree with Greg.


Q8 – Selcra relationship

Irene Besancon – They do outstanding job. Grandkids involved. Don’t incur costs because of them, maintains good facilities for community.

Patti Bradley – Should continues. Don’t know fee schedule, but need fee to use schools or soccer fields. Relationship should continue.

Winnie Garrett – Tradional. Agreed, but needs to know fee structure.

Jared Geist – Absolutely. Community theme. Selcra great for community. Well balanced education critical. Biased – as I’m soccer referee from selcra at one point. A lot of people see Selcra as postitive. Could factor through school of choice.

Beth Minert – Agree. Something should be paid toward.

Greg Rassel – Selcra does great job. Report to board several weeks ago. 80% self-funded. Bounced number to management he uses at Royal Oak. Great numbers. Facilities are heavily overused and needed upgrade to lower maintence costs.

Keith VanHentenryck – Good program. If it doesn’t cost too much, and needs to be close to self-sustaining.

CQ9 – Abscincence – support? (State requirement)
Irene Besancon – Follow mandate

Patti Bradley – Follow mandate.

Winnie Garrett – Support being in complice with state guidelines.

Jared Geist – Agreed with Garrett due to mandates. School board job isn’t to change mandate but to manage school. Not my job to alter what mandate is on that level. I have my own beliefs. Own believes sometimes best, sometimes not. Will be professional. Need to follow mandate.

Beth Minert – Follow mandate.

Greg Rassel – Parent of 17 year old. Great policy.

Keith VanHentenryck – Can’t follow Greg. Have to follow mandate. Need to teach well rounded course.

Closing Statement (2 min)

Irene Besancon – I’ve had experience in Livonia on school board advisory. Strong curriculum provider. I’ve been and produced two teachers. Want to be positive image for Brighton schools. Great community. Need to balance budget to grow, equity to staff, accountability to those paying bills.

Patti Bradley – I’m running for schools since I have kids that had good education in Brighton. So caught up in budget cuts that forget what the cuts affect. Has 6th? Grader.

Winnie Garrett – 17 years in community. I have expertise regarding community in Leadership Livingston, BHS volunteer. Part of BHS planning committees. Strong set of skills in leadership. Brings plaque of leadership award to confirm what she said.

Jared Geist – Communication is what this is all about. Anyone has more questions, I’ll stay and answer them afterward. I’ll talk to TV watchers. Gives Cell number - 810-210-9192 – will answer questions from public. I have fresh perspective, BHS graduate K-12. I have brothers in school as well.

Beth Minert – School is a foundation of community. Brings history of district, contracts to board.

Greg Rassel – 3 legged approach. Revenue. Reductions. Restructure. In reverse order. We need to look at what they’ve done in lansing. Unfunded mandates need to be addressed. Don’t need people at top of hill telling us to teach our children.

Keith VanHentenryck – I have a lot to offer to community whose board is supposed to look at business to district. I can do good job, but others here can do so as well.

Argus story and audio from Howel debates

From the Argus

Howell Public Schools Board of Education candidates sounded off Monday about the district's financial situation, teachers' contract, special interest groups and the superintendent at a forum held at the Paul Bennett Recreation Center in Howell.
All the candidates — incumbent Jeannine Pratt, Dan Fondriest, Bill Harvey, attorney Edwin Literski, Doug Moore and high school student Phillip Nichols — agreed that settling the teachers' contract is a top priority and that the district needs to work within a budget.

The audio from the debates are also posted online at the same page of the article.

School Board Debate in Howell

I was at the school board debate (actually candidate forum) in Howell. All six candidates were there. In my opinion, they all brought something to the table.

I thought Bill Harvey won. He had a strong presence, displayed his experience, and did the best overall job.
Doug Moore had the strongest answers in and of themselves. His answers were all substance. I am biased as I support Bill Harvey and Doug Moore, as do the Concerned Taxpayers Group.
I thought Ed Literski had some good comments on negotiations.
I hope Jeannine Pratt does not get any heat for her answer regarding MESSA. The board is in negotiation and considering that fact, she gave a professional answer that was needed for someone in her position.
I thought Fondriest had a couple of good answers, particulary with the bond and Parker High. It was a good counterpoint based on another answer and shows he has ability to think on his feet.
Phil Nichols is gutsy and determined. He got a raw deal by the election laws as he turned 18 after the filing deadline in early February. He could not file to be on the ballot, but can run as a write in. It would have been easy for him to pack it in and quit, but he's still running and is running a legit campaign as well. I wish him well.

These are shorthand notes and are as close to accuracy as I can come based on constant typing during the speaking. I'll warn you that they are hard to understand. The actual audio will be on the Argus website. I recommend the primary sources themselves when they are open to the public. I'll admit it's a lot better than what I've written here.

Opening Statement
Bill Harvey – Coach, Father of kids in school (valedictorian), good overshadowed with needless controversy. Won’t wait for state to bail out. 2.1 million increase by simply increasing students. Will listen to teachers.
Doug Moore – 25 years of global engineering experience. Parent of students. Taxpayer. Respect for everyone blueprint of success. Asking right Qs. Gathering information. Bring them to table. Discuss and come up with solutions.
Jeannine Pratt – Incumbent. District needs experience and consistency. Served on committees including PTO and bond committees.
Ed Literski – Taught before coming at attorney. Kids in schools. Long time resident. Special interests in schools. Teachers without contact. Immediate problem. No board member negotiating. Lobby lansing for funding.
Dan Fondriest – Everyone should vote. Father of 4, were in Howell. Take a careful ponder and decide.
Phil Nichols – Write in candidate (deadline). Teacher tudored him in math. Young perspective needed. Nervous. A+ for guts.

Q1 - End of school need, state not decided revenue cuts. Given state budget not in school fund. How does board address issues.
Bill Harvey - Somebody smarter than any one of us is all of us. Open up books. Opprotunities for community input and innovative solutions. Schools of choice $7000 to bring in. 1 student per classroom. No overhead costs. 300 students – 2.1 million. Losing students to Horning elementary (Brighton) – gifted students. Bring revenue in this way.

Doug Moore – Schools are business, but more than cuts. Revenue. Evaluate every expendidure. Ask community to do same. Amazing what light can be done. Information why students leaving – know to get students and revenue back. Contingency plan NOW to address budget cuts. No good negotiating with gun. Ask right Questions.

Jeannine Pratt – Know what has to be done. Has cut. Eliminated 73 staff positions. Several insurance. Did not add programming. Hands cuffed by state. Fought for answers and stonewalled by Lansing.

Ed Literski – Prop a objective. Worked for few years, fell apart. Long term equity in funding. 80% budget staff. First, contract and MESSA insurance. I’m attorney and mediator. Settle MESSA. Not complicated. Teachers offer pay difference. Acceptable solution.

Dan Fondriest – Michigan was mecca of manufacturing. Changed. Be awhile before additional funds. Work and continue to work to leverage lansing to get funding change. Long solution. Short term, run like company. Not easy. Tighten belts. Get contract settled. Been in contracts. Not acceptable.

Phil Nichols – With stare cuts, created problem with budget. Teachers need contract. Bring best teachers in so people want to go to school. School of choice.


Q2: - Compensation package – reason Howell worked without new contract. Board is district policy. MESSA coverage. Trade wage for benefits. How do you get both together.

Bill Harvey - Shocked that board member is not part of committee. I’ll do it if no one else available. I’m here to support education. Stability is needed. Don’t care who provides insurance. Different amounts for different benefits. Power to individual teachers. Bring revenue to schools. 290-400 students leave districts. Some willing to come back if we put controversy behind us. Replace students we lost. We do what more money from state but won’t happen soon. Bring students. We need change of board and image.

Doug Moore – I’m not privlidge to info. It IS board responsible to set amount of compensation. From there is negotiation. Board Concerned of total costs. Happy to offer compensation within framework to suit needs. Should be choice offered. Proposal for insurance pooling from state. Bipartisan.Where Lansing can help. What teachers see as their preference within that should be fine.

Jeannine Pratt – Board doesn’t want power over district. Same coverage under different carrier. Can’t say what I want due to unfair labor practice complaint. Board member can not be negotiatior due to full time jobs.

Ed Literski – establish budget. Not. How far apart are we? T side $600 per year? If taxpayers aren’t paying it, who cares. Other side $1000? Believe these are good faith negotiations. Do not believe this is bad faith on every side. Board member part of team. Everyone part of this. It’s the kids crisis.

Dan Fondriest - Everyone seen public comment. Internet blog sites. A lot of people complaining about teachers. 10 years ago. UAW Things changed. Some will come back. Some won’t. Must balance budget. Should be negotiatiable. Insistent that HEA wants MESSA, then we negotiate it. I wonder if board calls something win-win. All of board should be more involved in this. No contract, that’s awful we’re talking about this.

Phil Nichols – Teachers will help pay to keep health care. Schools are coming to say “this is numbers we produce. Take it or leave it. Both sides need to negotiate. If elected I will work to get contract, either with MESSA or program to save money and comparable in services to MESSA.

Q3: - Controversial issues – books, flag, etc. How has it been handled.

Bill Harvey – I observed change when I came back from Japan. I worked as consumer relation manager. Learned training. Complaints like cockroaches. Take them seriously. If you listen, you can learn. Greatest acclomplishments contributed by critics with opposing ideas. We discuss. “This can’t work.” I don’t have all answers, but I have open mind. If you come here with complaint, must be part of solution. Part of draw is great community we have. Once we go to board meeting, community disapeares. Education important, (Validictorian). Listen to what’s saying. Then we can improve schools.

Doug Moore – Other questions. Look at these decisions. Is quality better or worst? More costs to district? Opt out working? Unintended consequences? Good bad. Could handled better? Answer is how do we do this in future. Perception is problem. Critic more than happy to tell us that we are failure. Real and perceived problems. Future.

Jeannine Pratt – Handled as best as possible. Special interest group likes to stir pot. Diversity flag. Students put it up, not board or admin. Book issue. Special interest group against…has own beliefs…”appreciate that” but in long run, have committees in school. 82 teachers certified curriculum in education. What they do best. Addressed each issue. Many don’t believe board handled things appropriate. Not involved in day to day running of district. Things happen in individual schools, schools responsible. Info ends up in board room. We have been working on that.

Ed Literski – What’s best for the kids. Media is not best. They are here for controversy. When KKK rally came to Howell, that’s a shame. Community dragged down. Need board in business of educating children. Spending hour after hour defending this while we have no contract. Wasted time on special interest. “Isn’t that group that took education away from education.” Let them do their job.

Dan Fondriest – Issue got me fired up to get signatures. Not happy to see social engineering with LOVE group with other issues out there. Financial issues. School on line. Flex schedule, balance budget. MUST be done on time. We can’t be dragged down on social issues. Get votes right away. Keep papers out of issues.

Phil Nichols – Controversy. Good and bad. Makes you think and evaluate where stance is. Most give semi-bad look on schools. Me running for school board controversy so I have contributed a little bit (Referring to write in). Board job to make public school do best for public. All must be heard and find middle group. Make as many happy, not all will be. Too long for some decisions. Distraction. I won’t use time to use something that could be done in one meeting, that’s been done in four.


Q4: - Two part Q – Bond issue past, two HS opened this fall. Parker will be, Howell closed for renovation. 1. Admin thoughts. 2. Intention both open in fall of 08, how.

Bill Harvey – Tough Question. I’d hesitate to put blame on public as board’s responsibily. Reign super in. Needed new classroom space. Growth rate high, then changed. We should re-evaluate decidions due to changing environments. Where are we financially. What will we do with unsupervised students during day. Look at ALL of the situation, look at what we afford . When we have plan is right time to open Parker. No plan is jumping off cliff without measuring water at bottom.

Doug Moore – As bond goes, believe schools put in place for reason. Growth. Work towards plan to open both. Work on all part. Two parts. Revenue needed and costs. Revenue addressed by schools of choice. Costs – first looked at – do we need it? If we needed it, we should, work towards plan to open both. With facts on table. Idea how to get were we are today, and go where we need to go.

Jeannine Pratt – No blame here. On bond committee. District doesn’t say “We want to build a school” Plan is good plan. Flex schedule is forward thinking of this district. Not losing students, gained 1000 to Howell in 9 years. Have both open.. I’m optimistic. I hope it’s open. Board will work to educate the students in the district. Saved money by cutting renovation time.

Ed Literski – You are folks that decided and voted to it. Easy to say mistake. I don’t think it is mistake. We need them both open. It has to open. Less students than old school, then flex schedule. Challenge reopening 2nd school. Bond in 03. Economy doesn’t resemble It was then. I don’t what I’ll do about it as I don’t know revenues. Lansing cuts. That’s challenge. Resourceful board. Fiscally responsbilble.

Dan Fondriest – It’s a good thing and still a good thing (bond). Schools of choice – Parker is good magnate for it. 2008-2009 – both schools have to open. Can’t put plan together and say things change. Make it happen. Renovate HHS and open them both. No if’s and’s buts.

Phil Nichols – Unique perspective on this problem. I walk halls of Howell High. Congested. Opening up new school is good idea. Howell needs to be renovated as its older school. Athletes traditional. Both should open to minimalize stress. Both buildings used less. No point building and not using them.


Q5: - How do you assess performance of Breiner.

Bill Harvey – I’ve been manager. I’m manged ambition. Had to be responsible for direction they took. If they took wrong direction, I need to take responsible for that. If we look at school management. School board runs school. Super reports to board. I notice Breiner gives comments, sets agenda. It’s backwards. I can’t assess him. He’s not been given direction and guildlines. We need to give him guidelines to measure him so we know how he’s doing. We can take advantage of his vision, but curb autonomy.

Doug Moore – Most recent – inconsistency. One answer on different days. Must be improved. One school, one answer. What’s his job description from board. He’s leaving in next couple years. Has not asked for renewal of contract. What happens with this board is goals of NEXT super with goals and guidelines. Management.

Jeannine Pratt – Two jobs he’s interviewed for solicited by different school districts. Saginaw and Oakland ISD. Super isn’t easy job. I sit alongside him. He spends countless hours in this district. He can’t make everyone happy. District lost 5 admin positions, must be fulled. Breiner doing just as good as he possibly can do, not make everyone happy.

Ed Literski – I know Chuck. Not well. He’s creative intelligent man. Vision commended by all. Concerned with interview process as I see it ongoing. Involved in expansion which was his vision. He was helpful and instrumental. I’d like to see his. I am disappointed with interview elsewhere. Show must go on. Board committed, I’ll be committed. Wouldn’t matter who super is. Office here before and after. He’s been very good, but we’ll get through it.

Dan Fondriest – I wish I could say he’s root of all evils. He’s CEO. He needs to run day to day. Board needs to step up to plate too. Plenty of blame. Mentioned the state as well. Chuck is guy that needs to be guy to do it. Has contract. Prases MEAP, Flex schecule, Freshman. Chuck’s done this and that, but done a lot of good too.

Phil Nichols – Chuck Breiner has done his job. I’m not fan of fact that he’s looked for other jobs. He’s in charge of looking after schools. Why is he looking for job if he has Howell’s best interest. I’d like to see him be here and have chance to work for him. I think he’s done his job.

Q6 – HEA, MEA, LOVE, Right to Life, Taxpayers endorsement. Would you accept

Bill Harvey – I’ve been contacted by all groups. I have same position. Here’s my position. If you like my position, you can endorsement. I’ve not sought endorsements. I’ve been endorsed by taxpayers and right to life because they liked what I had to say. Coaching is where you look to individual. In board meeting, and someone talks to me, I treat person as individual , listen, make decision.

Fondriest – I run as indy, but may not vote that way due to social issues. I’ve been contacted by these PAC’s. I haven’t responded in most cases. I did meet with HEA. They are supporting me. Local organization. Taxpayers – political group. I did meet with Press/Argus. Not seeking endorsement but if it comes, fine. Board must be neutral, independent.

Nichols – I was contacted by two groups. Taxpayers by letter. Many questions did not help. Did not contact due to scheduling problem. Homework. Contacted by HEA. Track practice, but did talk to them. Love teachers. Not gotten endorsements. Nonpartisan, keep it that way.

Pratt – All new to me. Ran 4 years ago, no contact. Press/Argus did. Contacted, by taxpayers and HEA and did meet with them. Literski – joint campaign. We did. I did not received endorsement from HEA or Taxpayers Groups. Not at all contacted by LOVE Group. Contacted by RTL and did not return survey – does not belong in school issue.

Moore – I’m running to represent everyone. Interviewed by all. Taxpayers gave endorsement. Some think that since I won’t trash certain group, I belong to that group. Not true. If member can’t have civil discussion with someone disagree, shouldn’t be on board. Funding? I’m it.

Literski – Interviewed. Taxpayers stopped listening over Parker. Right to Life did contract. Agreed with Pratt on that. Love did not contact me. HEA – we interviewed with them. They will be endorsing me.

Closing remarks
Literski – should be exciting times. New school. Program.With Channel 6 here for that story. How public schools manage to come up with innovative creative. Asked about love, books, diversity, and Ku Klux Klan. Not about school system surviving economy. That’s why I’m here. Get teachers in contract. And school open. No agenda. Many say open minded. I too AM open minded. Need Howell on positive map, not negative map,

Moore – Indy outside voice to board. Financial district. Make sure ask questions. Focus on what we can control and not worry about cannot control. Schools work for parents and taxpayers. Employees should be proud to work there. Think about their ideas will be supported. No one has monopoly on good ideas. Engineering experience and leadership experiences. Know what’s needed for global economy.

Pratt – district involved staff, community with budget setting. I encourage you all to be part of that. Not attending and are public meetings. Encourage each of you to be part of it. I listen to people because I care. In end, this is pivotal election for HPS. Need focus of individuals without personal agendas and those who want best for our district.

Nichols – I’m student now. Create better learning environment. I bring new perspective to board. I know what works and what doesn’t since I’ve been there in hallways. I’m running since well rounded group of people representing is good. Well rounded group of people have ideas and compromise for what’s best for community.

Fondriest – Running as independent. Of the people, for the people, by the people. Outside of political orgs and be grass roots. Board of trustees that oversee finances of school. Admin and super are CEO and management staff. Board must be decisive. Priorities. Settling contract, budget, Parker, open HS, School of Choice and market, develop long term plans. Growth will come back. May 8 vote – two open seats. Two more LOVE would have censored freedom of speech.

Harvey – I’m an optimist and visionary and see a lot of good in school. I work with kids as coach and with boy scouts. These are good kids with much potential. Financial issues. Need to be addressed. Then we have three more years. Want to work WITH teachers and parents to bring Howell to the good headlings – high achievement. I want to model proper behavior to kids by showing respect to members of community. Starts at top, and I’m winning to do that.