School Board primary looms
My column for the Daily News is online. It’s called, “School Board primary looms.” It’s about TARP. Oh, wait… that’s not it. It’s about the primary election for the West Bend School Board.
I see in your column that you dismissed Weigand’s creationism commentary. Do you think that he will not try to get creationism taught in schools? Do you think he will try to destroy any teaching about science that doesn’t fit in with his religious beliefs? If so, why does it bring it up on his campaign web site?
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on February 02, 2010 at 0835 hrs
I didn’t see that as a dismission. I saw it as sticking to the issues at hand without allowing ridiculous rhetoric cloud the scene. If you really read what Weigand’s blog says, he does not even want to see creationism taught in the public school setting. To the contrary, he is quite opposed to it. He clarifies that on his sight. Nothing more.
Posted by GAMazy on February 02, 2010 at 0908 hrs
GAMazy,
I have read what he says, but don’t understand it the way you present it. Weigand attacks science and its discoveries about evolution on his campaign website. He makes erroneous claims about science along the way. He brings up creationism as if it is something other than a religious doctrine that is unsupported by evidence. He appears to be trying to argue “Well, if I can’t have creationism taught, then we need to stop the teaching of science that doesn’t fit with my religious dogma.” Will he use the budget as an excuse to cut out science classes?
Do West Bend taxpayers really want the children in their city to be denied a good science education? Do they want to end up in the very expensive mess that Dover, PA taxpayers had when they let creationists take over their school board?
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on February 02, 2010 at 0955 hrs
Free Lunch is correct. Dave Wiegand will be dangerous. If he decides to go the creationist route. All of Ginny’s waste of time ORR’s will pale in comparison to the legal battle that will needto be fought over creationism.
On a seperate note, is dismission even a word?
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on February 02, 2010 at 1047 hrs
Anon and Free lunch-
Right on! We don’t need crap like that tought in our schools!
We need more days like “Challenge Day” and “Day of Silence” Right!
Dave will be “Dangerous and Scary”!!! OHHHHHHHHHHH…...
Your right again! Why spend that money on a legal battle when we can give it to our whiney “We dont have enough” Board and Teachers!Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on February 02, 2010 at 1123 hrs
FL and (the usual cowardly) Anon: Weigand is illustrating his position on what he feels creationism is for those who haven’t a clue, such as yourself. He is also clarifying that he has no intention of introducing Creationism into the public school setting. All the useless screaming and venting from God-haters does nothing more than draw one to believe that this is the only platform they have to try to levy (pun intended) against Weigand, Rakowski and Marquardt. In the words of Balki (if you are old enough to remember) “Stop being so ridiculous!”
Anon: Do the homework - http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dismission
Posted by GAMazy on February 02, 2010 at 1253 hrs
On another “seperate” note, is the correct spelling not “separate”?
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on February 02, 2010 at 1311 hrs
If I was running as an incumbant in a race I would run on my accomplishments and let that speak for itself. If I did my job and served the people who elected me in there best interests its a no gamer.
If I served a term and have no accomplishments to speak of and ignored the people and there wishes that put me in the position.Well I guess there is nothing left but to smear the other guy and hope the public somehow gets lost in all the confusion.
The great thing about a real vote/election is actual votes from tax payers will be counted , it will not be decided upon who is the loudest in the gym.Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on February 02, 2010 at 1417 hrs
Will there be a litmus test on whether candidates support inappropriate reference materials in the library?
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on February 02, 2010 at 1538 hrs
Joe,
And that comment is pertinent to this post…how? Creationism! Library issues! Christians! Oh my! Guess we’ve forgotten all about the budget, tax levy and referendums. Or maybe that is the intention of the libs all along?
Posted by GAMazy on February 02, 2010 at 1731 hrs
What was the reason for asking the candidates about their position about the teaching of creationism if it isn’t an issue?
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on February 02, 2010 at 1747 hrs
This post and the following comments are just one more example of why this country will not do any real changing anytime soon.
Owen writes a column that makes some sound, reasoned points and rather than discuss them in a way that might further the community the conversation has devolved into the blog version of a playground argument.
People hiding behind fake names and insults being thrown around with no consequences. The level of sarcasm and snark is too high to actually have a productive discussion.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on February 02, 2010 at 2103 hrs
Eek! I agree with Kris! Don’t buy green bananas, the world is coming to an end!
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on February 02, 2010 at 2338 hrs
The roughly $6 mil in proposed cuts to school services/programs/staff for the next 3 years have been selected, placed, tallied, digested, debated, displayed, shared, reported, condemned, applauded, etcetera. It’s damn close to a done deal. Candidates: Stop talking about how your bringing a magic wand to this gig. The district is painted into a corner and Superman ain’t coming to the rescue.
The teacher/district negotiations will have a $700K-$1 mil reduction in those cuts on a district proposed 2-year contract whether you respect teachers or hate them (if the district can avoid arbitration). Roughly $5 mil left to cut over 3 years.
What do the candidates think about each of the cuts? Over the years, how would they prioritize them and why? Specifically, what do they agree with and what would they do different? I do not want to hear anything more about the abstract notion of creativity, dem/rep/inde career success, public service, working with the board, listening to stakeholders or religious affiliation. I care not. Let’s hear some judgment and explanation. Let’s see some leadership.
Are they interested in pursuing a lawsuit against the state? Why or why not?
How ‘bout backing off on retirement benefits? Put in the minimum. Why or why not?
Is raising or lowering the school tax levy going to be a possibility? Why or why not? What are your numbers?
Would they consider speaking with city/county officials about lowering/restraining the city/county taxes/services/ improvements to balance out potential school levy tax increases? Why or why not? (Hey, give me credit: it’s the first original idea here.)
Leadership Now! Stop appeasing. Stop dividing. Start talking.
...and stick to what you say.Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on February 03, 2010 at 0112 hrs
I know of Business that have stopped contributing to their employees 401K plans,
I know of 2 businesses that have cut their employees pay across the board,
I know of many business that have eliminated positions in their Companies,
I know of businesses that passed increased health care premiums to their employees.At a time when people are loosing their jobs, getting paid less, taxed more, what are our Thug Teachers accepting to help reduce costs?
It’s for the kids right?
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on February 03, 2010 at 1059 hrs
Are we still correcting grammar and spelling, because, TAXTOTHEMAX, that was horrible.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on February 03, 2010 at 1255 hrs
Teacher James,
That’s what Elite Big Thinkers like you get out of these discussions?
What’s horrible?Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on February 03, 2010 at 1311 hrs
The level of sarcasm and snark is too high to actually have a productive discussion.
... because the WB School Board is interested in a productive discussion….
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on February 03, 2010 at 1339 hrs
A productive discussion?
No we work much better behind closed doors with no public input to hamper us.
How dare any common folk dispute or question anything we the board dictate as the gospel, the nerve of these common peasants to question the elite.
Crawl back to your mud huts and next time we need your help as in forking over cash we will grant you permission to be involved.Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on February 03, 2010 at 1549 hrs
Issue’s with the library and a serious discussion of teaching Intelligent design in the school board race make this formerly level headed community appear to heading down the course of Salem,Massachusets circa 1692.
The righteous few tell the rest of us unwashed what the proper course of action in our lives should be .
(insert joke about how that’s what the school board is now)
And in a particularly laughable note- They often don"t actually send their own kids to this entity that they know precisely how to run.
Yeah- I know,we pay taxes too.WE HAVE A SAY BLAH BLAH BLAH
Beware the man (or school board candidate ) who is certain what God thinks!!!
I’ll stick with the secularists- (Corrazi- Van Ehrden and the real conservative who Owen just can get behind because he needs all the facts on an issue BEFORE he makes a decsion -Zieglar )
These candidates will just work without an agenda on the issues - and the inumerrable problems -without generic ,simplistic answers
that will melt away as soon as a person actually understand the byzantine funding systemThe agenda is obvious-and if West Bend actually becomes Salem- a few Thousand of us progressive’s will leave you to your religious Eden on the Milwaukee.
Good riddance to us you say. Fine- at that point,the only thing you’ll be able to afford is 2 of the 3 r"s.
But as long as we put God back in the classroom"s and get any gay/lesbian materials out of the library- the town will be pure-and that after all is the point
just like in 1692.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on February 03, 2010 at 1551 hrs
Mark, put down the booze.
Posted by Owen on February 03, 2010 at 1623 hrs
TAXTOTHEMAX & crusher - heh, you’re so repetitive. Run for board: You could negotiate all teachers marry only district staff, and New prospective staff would be blood tested before hired; if medically sound - hired and sterilized; BIG health care savings! Also, negotiate they write your anti-teacher/district posts over summer.
More beans? More fiber? What’s the history here, boys? Why always slamming teachers?
Cheap slam, Owen. Low, low quality. Integrity not.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on February 03, 2010 at 2048 hrs
Actually smeety and crusher I am interested in having a productive discussion. In comments several weeks ago I told both of you to come out from behind the pseudonyms and talk. you both continue to hide and make inflammatory statements that you don’t have to defend in the public.
When you are ready to have a grown up discussion and not call names and use your own name I will talk to you on any district topic.
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
262-306-2602
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on February 03, 2010 at 2048 hrs
To the contrary, he is quite opposed to it.
We don’t need crap like that tought in our schools!
And that comment is pertinent to this post…how?
Does this remind anyone else of Peter in Gethsemane?
Posted by Charlie Hillman on February 04, 2010 at 0120 hrs
Actually smeety and crusher I am interested in having a productive discussion.
I’ll watch your actions and decide for myself. Up to this point you have been weak, in fact weak is a compliment.
Until you grab your nutsack and make real decisions you should not expect anything else from me…
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on February 04, 2010 at 0901 hrs
Kris
If Smeety and I each wrote out a $25,000 dollar check for the district to use in any way they see fit the only conditional term being the donors names remain anon would a man with such high integrity as yourself turn it away because are names mean so much to you.Who made you the moral police, mister rightous in the flesh, so glad you showed the voters your true spots last fall, dont pretend to be someone your not.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on February 04, 2010 at 1143 hrs
Owen
actually30 years sober
Mark
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on February 04, 2010 at 1145 hrs
I guess the damage was permanent
Posted by Owen on February 04, 2010 at 1157 hrs
finally- something we can agree on
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on February 04, 2010 at 1205 hrs
Smeety,
When you are done being a perv and telling people to touch themselves give me two or three examples of how I have not been strong enough.
Crusher,
Not the district would not take the money. the foundation would.
Who made you the moral police, mister rightous in the flesh, so glad you showed the voters your true spots last fall, dont pretend to be someone your not.
That statement is utter crap. i have never said anything about morals. I said come out from behind your fake name and let’s talk. i am not pretending to be someone I am not. I made myself perfectly clear last fall. If we had cut last fall the majority of the pressure would have been put on a small group in the district. Now we can balance the budget with access to all areas of the budget. That includes cutting teachers. that is one of the options on the table amongst others.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on February 04, 2010 at 2049 hrs
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