Jack vs Greg. I think Jack won this round by 1 point. I am so confused!!! Who do I vote for. Guess it will be Jack again. Don't won't to bring someone back from the "lost decade"!
Here is what I saw tonight-- two guys who really don't like each other. Lucky for us they won't have to serve together. I thought Greg tossed way too many shots at the entire Board of Ed-- too bad he missed how much happier parents were with how the budget played out since he left the BoE. But he still wanted to talk about how dysfunctional the BoE is. Go figure. . . Jack, on the other hand, was Jack-- no getting around it he can't get over his animosity of the teachers union. I just think that it's becoming a flippin' obsession for the guy. Neither candidate impressed me-- could someone have tossed out a few facts, maybe some specifics? So what we do-- elect a guy who hates the teachers union or elect a guy who seems to dislike the entire BoE?
Loving the NOrwalk Speaks talking heads! Spot on analysis. Cheap debate ploy by Burnet claiming untold citizens stop him to complain about BoE-- give some facts and defend YOUR OWN opinions. As for Jack- enough with the union junk. We get it- they're a union that represents its members successfully. Get over it. Neither guy impressed me- but I'd have to give a slight edge to jack just because Greg had an easy debate opponent and just didn't capitalize on the matchup.
For my money, I think Jack came out ahead because Greg just didn't give us any specifics. He didn't tell us exactly what it was he achieved when he was on the Board of Ed. He definitely didn't give one example of a vote Jack took that he thought was wrong.
Didn't attend but read all about it through the education reporter at The Hour. Greg lost me when he made some mention about how the public needs to see a unified Board of Ed. Look at how far the "no disagreement" style got us when parents were screaming about Stacey Lorre and no one did anything to help them. Did I miss something in the translation? Does this guy think that everyone needs to hug and sing kumbaya- or that any debate occurs Charlie Pride style (that's behind closed doors)?
So what specifics did Jack have - the newspaper or wait..I know..."knock on peoples' doors". Since when have you seen a BOE member knock on doors to talk about parental involvement? The only thing Jack did during the budget season was fight against the unions - publicly...nothing else. View the videos and all you will remember is his uncontrollable reactions and his lame leadership as Chair. He followed and highly depended on Steve C throughout the budget season and hardly stood grounds on something he believed on, except the unions. In fact, Four years ago Gregg was on the BOE which makes his part of the changes Norwalk has made so far. He has never lost his cool in public, he sees things for what they are and he is involved in various functions at school. No, he does not believe everyone needs to hold hands and sing "kumbaya" - he was more referring to the reactions and responses and lack of disrepect among the BOE which is constantly seen by the public. Yes, I agree we need to see disagreements but those disagreements should be done with a level of respect. You go ahead and vote for Jack - just remember, he won't be the Chair anymore, he, like many in the board will sit back, agree with the majority, fight only when others fight and claim he has done "so much". Perhaps I'm missing something...for all the BOE meetings I've attended Jack has done nothing but put on a great cat fight. Good luck Jack and good luck to those that vote him in!
6:46 AM, I had always liked Gregg-- then again, I also thought Jack was a stand-up guy until I saw his union obsession explode. Your post has me thinking more about Gregg. I'm still a little cautious. Do I have to worry that he's an Apple (you know, a superintendent-excusing, lock-step marching, know-it-all)?
To all who have an issue with "red apples" - please judge the candidates for what they say at their debate not because the "know" or speak to someone that is a founder of RedApples. People have registered to red apples to keep themselves aware, informed or for simply reasons of curiousity. I'm not clear on the 'beef' some folks in this site have with Red Apples - but it is unfair and stupid to make judgement on folks without the real stand or position of that individual. Before yesterday, I was not sure who I was going to vote for but after the debate, it became clear to me that this board needs a change. I'm looking forward to seeing a new board of ed face lift. Good luck with your vote
In my experience, people rarely "change". I remember Greg as a BOE rep who paid attention at meetings (came on time and dressed professionally), researched an issue and voted according to his belief. And not necessarily with his Party. At the time, I remember most of the votes going along party lines. Kimmel and Burnett were the only ones who ever swayed from their party. Like most of us, I believe he's concerned with the lack of professionalism and leadership on BOE.
However, Jack is a guy who I really believe cares about the kids and our school system. He has real difficulty controlling his temper, and his leadership skills are weak, at best.
I believe everyone on the BOE cares about the kids, schools and Norwalk. However, we need leadership on the BOE!! We need healthy debate about real issues and a level of professionalism and respect that I haven't seen. I don't have a vote in D, but my vote will be for leadership on the BOE. Anything less is a waste.
One dad's opinion, for what it's worth-- I've only been to a few BOE meetings and was shocked at how poorly Jack had a command of running the meeting. I was offended by his shekels line, I think it's sad how obsessed he is with the union prez and I keep waiting for him to set the tone for the entire board. What stinks is that I know this guy is a good guy who in his heart wants to do the the right thing. Big glitch is if you don't have the emotional maturity to handle your critics, you shouldn't be playing with the big kids. Now, I voted the straight Parents Not Politicians slate last year to change power on the BoE- but it looks like I'll be voting for Burnett this time around. It's a vote with a prayer that the rumors about his being an Apple are false.
Technical problem resolved! Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay! Thanks again for your patience.
ReplyDeleteJack vs Greg. I think Jack won this round by 1 point. I am so confused!!! Who do I vote for. Guess it will be Jack again. Don't won't to bring someone back from the "lost decade"!
ReplyDeleteHere is what I saw tonight-- two guys who really don't like each other. Lucky for us they won't have to serve together.
ReplyDeleteI thought Greg tossed way too many shots at the entire Board of Ed-- too bad he missed how much happier parents were with how the budget played out since he left the BoE. But he still wanted to talk about how dysfunctional the BoE is. Go figure. . .
Jack, on the other hand, was Jack-- no getting around it he can't get over his animosity of the teachers union. I just think that it's becoming a flippin' obsession for the guy.
Neither candidate impressed me-- could someone have tossed out a few facts, maybe some specifics?
So what we do-- elect a guy who hates the teachers union or elect a guy who seems to dislike the entire BoE?
Loving the NOrwalk Speaks talking heads! Spot on analysis.
ReplyDeleteCheap debate ploy by Burnet claiming untold citizens stop him to complain about BoE-- give some facts and defend YOUR OWN opinions.
As for Jack- enough with the union junk. We get it- they're a union that represents its members successfully. Get over it.
Neither guy impressed me- but I'd have to give a slight edge to jack just because Greg had an easy debate opponent and just didn't capitalize on the matchup.
For my money, I think Jack came out ahead because Greg just didn't give us any specifics. He didn't tell us exactly what it was he achieved when he was on the Board of Ed. He definitely didn't give one example of a vote Jack took that he thought was wrong.
ReplyDeleteDidn't attend but read all about it through the education reporter at The Hour. Greg lost me when he made some mention about how the public needs to see a unified Board of Ed. Look at how far the "no disagreement" style got us when parents were screaming about Stacey Lorre and no one did anything to help them.
ReplyDeleteDid I miss something in the translation? Does this guy think that everyone needs to hug and sing kumbaya- or that any debate occurs Charlie Pride style (that's behind closed doors)?
The devil you know . . .
ReplyDeleteSo what specifics did Jack have - the newspaper or wait..I know..."knock on peoples' doors". Since when have you seen a BOE member knock on doors to talk about parental involvement? The only thing Jack did during the budget season was fight against the unions - publicly...nothing else. View the videos and all you will remember is his uncontrollable reactions and his lame leadership as Chair. He followed and highly depended on Steve C throughout the budget season and hardly stood grounds on something he believed on, except the unions. In fact, Four years ago Gregg was on the BOE which makes his part of the changes Norwalk has made so far. He has never lost his cool in public, he sees things for what they are and he is involved in various functions at school. No, he does not believe everyone needs to hold hands and sing "kumbaya" - he was more referring to the reactions and responses and lack of disrepect among the BOE which is constantly seen by the public. Yes, I agree we need to see disagreements but those disagreements should be done with a level of respect. You go ahead and vote for Jack - just remember, he won't be the Chair anymore, he, like many in the board will sit back, agree with the majority, fight only when others fight and claim he has done "so much". Perhaps I'm missing something...for all the BOE meetings I've attended Jack has done nothing but put on a great cat fight. Good luck Jack and good luck to those that vote him in!
ReplyDelete6:46 AM, I had always liked Gregg-- then again, I also thought Jack was a stand-up guy until I saw his union obsession explode.
ReplyDeleteYour post has me thinking more about Gregg. I'm still a little cautious.
Do I have to worry that he's an Apple (you know, a superintendent-excusing, lock-step marching, know-it-all)?
To all who have an issue with "red apples" - please judge the candidates for what they say at their debate not because the "know" or speak to someone that is a founder of RedApples. People have registered to red apples to keep themselves aware, informed or for simply reasons of curiousity. I'm not clear on the 'beef' some folks in this site have with Red Apples - but it is unfair and stupid to make judgement on folks without the real stand or position of that individual. Before yesterday, I was not sure who I was going to vote for but after the debate, it became clear to me that this board needs a change. I'm looking forward to seeing a new board of ed face lift. Good luck with your vote
ReplyDeleteIMHO, Doesn't referring to people's beliefs as "unfair and stupid" seem a little less than "civil"? Just saying . . .
ReplyDeleteIn my experience, people rarely "change". I remember Greg as a BOE rep who paid attention at meetings (came on time and dressed professionally), researched an issue and voted according to his belief. And not necessarily with his Party. At the time, I remember most of the votes going along party lines. Kimmel and Burnett were the only ones who ever swayed from their party. Like most of us, I believe he's concerned with the lack of professionalism and leadership on BOE.
ReplyDeleteHowever, Jack is a guy who I really believe cares about the kids and our school system. He has real difficulty controlling his temper, and his leadership skills are weak, at best.
I believe everyone on the BOE cares about the kids, schools and Norwalk. However, we need leadership on the BOE!! We need healthy debate about real issues and a level of professionalism and respect that I haven't seen. I don't have a vote in D, but my vote will be for leadership on the BOE. Anything less is a waste.
One dad's opinion, for what it's worth--
ReplyDeleteI've only been to a few BOE meetings and was shocked at how poorly Jack had a command of running the meeting. I was offended by his shekels line, I think it's sad how obsessed he is with the union prez and I keep waiting for him to set the tone for the entire board.
What stinks is that I know this guy is a good guy who in his heart wants to do the the right thing. Big glitch is if you don't have the emotional maturity to handle your critics, you shouldn't be playing with the big kids.
Now, I voted the straight Parents Not Politicians slate last year to change power on the BoE- but it looks like I'll be voting for Burnett this time around. It's a vote with a prayer that the rumors about his being an Apple are false.