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Post by thewildrover on Apr 25, 2006 21:12:18 GMT -5
Frawg,
Welcome back, the more dialogue the better as far as I am concerned when it comes to the BOE candidates. I personally will refrain from any mud slinging and think WE are all above getting into a pissing match over who our personal choice will be when we pull that lever. I am open to hear all information and points of view as we all should be. I reserve the right to make my choice and express my opinion as to why I made that choice. I hope we can all agree to disagree civilly.
IMO, what elementary school area, or PTA membership a candidate holds should have no impact on any one of the candidates if they have an ounce of integrity.
As for my definition of change as it pertains to the BOE, it is simple:
NO MORE RICHMAN ROBOTS.
My point of view (in a nut shell) on each of the CPR candidates SO FAR:
Cantatore: A man who appears earnest, hard working and eager to provide the change that is so desperately needed as to how this board operates. He has a business background, a young family, which to me means he is fully invested in Plainedge for the long haul and most importantly, based on what I have seen and heard, he has shown he will not be charmed nor bullied by the superintendent. His web site (Felicecan.com) has all the info you need to know about him.
Presuto: Another young man who appears earnest, hard working and eager to provide the change that is so desperately needed as to how this board operates. Appointed to the BOE on an interim basis. What could be described as a “Dark Horse” by some standards. Mr. Presuto also has a business background and his actions at the budget meetings/workshops were exactly what this board needed. He again was not bullied nor charmed and demanded answers from the administration, sometimes on a line-by-line basis on this years budget. Dr. Richman absolutely did not expect that and I could bet he regrets the day he picked Mr. Presuto for the interim spot. I look forward to hearing more from him.
Raymond: Mr. Raymond, the senior member of the CPR Team. I believe Mr. Raymond saw the light during and after last year’s budget debacle. I saw Mr. Raymond take a very unpopular stand against the rest of the BOE/ DR. Richman after the second failed budget last year. Mr. Raymond fought hard and long on behalf of an organized group of parents ands students. This year, I also saw Mr. Raymond not bullied nor charmed and demanding answers from the administration, sometimes on a line-by-line basis on this years budget. He is a public servant who has volunteered his time to our community. I feel in my time observing this BOE closely, he is an asset at this time.
I do not know enough about the others to comment with an informed opinion.
I have heard rumors, but I plan on asking each one personally with regards to those.
But my first question to each one will be this:
Will you be another Richman Robot or are you about reforming the power structure of this BOE?
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Post by elphaba65 on Apr 25, 2006 21:13:58 GMT -5
GOPYBL stated
Donna & Ed --- Did you guys notice that on the meet the Candidates letter sent out to the community, that Maryann Capone is listed as the recording secretary for the PTA Council....Do you think this is a conflict of interest? Does this provide Maryann with an advantage over the other candidates? Is it a conflict to hold more than one board position during your term in office???
Perhaps those without integrity doubt the integrity of others. Doesn’t Mr. Raymond hold an office on the executive board of the Bobcats, NMFD and the Republican club?
BTW thanks for the e-mail telling me who to vote for but I, like many others will see the hypocracy in that statement. Why have you invited the candidates to speak at your meeting when you have already decided who to endorse?
Guardian,
Your posts push Ed’s buttons as much if not more than mine!
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Post by gopybl on Apr 25, 2006 21:56:42 GMT -5
Elphaba - I haven't sent an email telling anyone to vote for any particular candidate. I have expressed my opinion on who I will be supporting. If others choose to do so....That is up to them.....
I suppose if the NMFD or the Bobcats were conducting the Meet the Candidate forum, your point regarding his affiliations with those groups might be more compatible.
I have not sent any emails endorsing any of the candidates.... I have posted my personal opinions regarding the C_P_R team on this message board. Its quite obvious we all have differences of opinion regarding the candidates....Lets not let that cause a rift in this community which would potentially jeopardize the main goal, which is to pass this budget.....
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4max
New Member
Posts: 10
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Post by 4max on Apr 25, 2006 22:08:14 GMT -5
Good evening to all! Joe, No surprise here...but I am in agreement and disagreement with you previous post. I am in absolute agreement that last year and for years prior to that there was a huge disconnect between the Superintendent, the BOE and the community. I don't know how anyone could disagree with that...even on these boards!! Was 20-ish people a great or even good cross section of the community? Absolutely not! Unfortunately, after an entire year of meetings, coffee hours, budget meetings etc., that's who attended (at least in person...I'm sure more emailed, called etc.). Should the BOE AND the Superintendent be held responsible for that disconnect and poor community relations...again..IMO..absolutely! Individually and collectively Dr. Richman's behavior, Jeff Burns' behavior and each member of the past BOE had a hand in creating that distance. IMO it begins with the conduct of Dr. Richman which many times has been inappropriate and certainly attempts intimidating. However, it was the responsibility of each member of the BOE to put him in check and treat this community with respect. Some may have done this privately, but publically he was often allowed, and is often still allowed to speak harshly to residents when disagreements or difficult questions arise. Any member who sat on the board two years ago, last year and this year know that IMO to allow that is totally unacceptable and in essence they become guilty by association by condoning poor behavior. By the same token, poor conduct, vicious or intimidating comments from the audience should not be tolerated either. Also, the responsibility of the Board members, especially if the President of the Board does not step in. That being said...yes, the disconnect was certainly there and many were not involved for their own reasons. Yet, that is the reality that we dealt with.(Here comes the disagreement part ... I find it frustrating that those of us who did attempt to remain involved despite the poor relations are constantly judged and told that our opinions at those meetings were not valid, b/c there were too few of us to count. Well, where was everybody?? If you spent an entire year seeking information, sitting in meetings, giving your input and trying to preserve as many programs as possible...you might be slightly resentful when those who had no part in the process keep telling you that it was all a huge mistake. Remember, we were the audience...we were the community that the BOE was supposed to be "in touch" with. It was not our responsibility to reach out and be "in touch" with the community (although we spent hours trying)..it was the BOE and the Superintendent's. However, you can't reach a community who does not want to be reached. Unfortunately, after the budget failed the second time, suddently the community at large was out in full force...asking questions that should have been asked b/f the vote; asking if we could vote "a third time"; not really believing that all those cuts would be made. The reality is, that it took a crisis to get many more to stand up and be counted. If that's what it took, fine. It's a shame, but ok. But it is as much the responsibility of those people that the budget failed as it is the 20 of us who tried not to let it happen. It was each residents responsibility to have input into the budget and then to get it passed. Imagine that after putting in all the work you all have this year, next year everyone (who were not involved) telling you that everything you did was wrong and the BOE shouldn't have listened to you. I believe it would be a little bit of a slap in the face. I don't mind telling you that this is how I often feel. It's easy to Monday morning quarterback and say that things wouldn't have turned out this way if it wasn't for the BOE listening to 20 people. Many would feel that the 50 or 60 people involved this year is not a large enough cross section either, yet we all believe in this budget. We all feel the BOE has been more responsive. It's all relative...and the more you have invested (time, energy etc.) the more you may be protective of people judging you or your motives. Believe me, there was a lot more taken into account last year than that 20 people. Surely you don't think that 20-ish people really wield that much power. There were several factors that went into putting up the same budget...Since Ralph was one of the members who approved that decision, I'm sure that he could shed some more insight into that decision. Oh, to agree again...I think you answered your own question with regard to why the candidates want to reach out to all of the organizations, including the PYBL. It certainly is the best way to spread accurate information to many residents. I for one am thrilled that they will all have the opportunity to do so, as I'm sure we are all in favor of letting others make their decisions based on facts and what each candidate has to offer. Ed, Thank you for posting so objectively regarding Meet the Candidate night. I too, have no reason to believe that it would not be run fairly. We cannot become so cynical as to think that everyone has a hidden agenda. There would be no benefit or need to "play favorites" as I am confidant that Maryann can handle herself with regard to any question with great confidence, intellect and grace. And Frawg88! Thank you! thank you! Your post just allowed me to get some sleep tonight. You stated many of the facts that I know I and many others are aware of and have been thinking. You just saved me some much needed beauty sleep!! I know that Maryann, Allan and Steve are all respected community members who have business experience in varied capacities (finance; human resources; private business owner; sales). They have been very successful in their professional endeavors and I feel could absolutely make great use of their business sense on the BOE. Their ideas are creative and their agenda is pure. Thanks for getting the word out there!! Donna M.
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Post by patriot2415 on Apr 26, 2006 5:59:23 GMT -5
4max ,
Donna, I, nor do I think anyone else blames the 20 people who showed up last year at the budget meeting for the 2nd failure. That rests on the administration and BOE shoulders. I voted yes, but let me tell you why I was upset about it. In 2004 when the budget failed, a meeting was held with all the youth organizations and other residents. The same topic came up. The thought was to put the same budget up.
My opinion and I stated it at that meeting was it was a mistake, because the administration and BOE was basically telling the residents, you voted, we heard you, and we REALLY DON'T CARE! There were about 60 people there that night and 95% felt the same. A small token needed to be given to the residents. It was and the second budget passed. The administration and board played chicken with the community last year and although the budget failed, they didn't lose ( raises and bonuses were give out) the community lost and ultimately the children were the biggest losers. So let's all move on from what has happened, let's not forget it, but learn from it so it never happens again.
As for the candidates, I applaud everyone who runs, I wish I could, I just could not devote the time necessary to represent the residents correctly ( maybe a lot of people are breathing a sigh of relief right now !!!!). But, it's not these posts that should be bringing to light what the candidates can offer, it's the candidates themselves and right now I only can make my decision on 4 of the 6 because the other 2 have been invisible. If people on these post are going to tell me that the candidates are working in the BACKGROUND... that is NOT the direction of this community. We want people out in front, speaking up, putting themselves on the line, expressing their thoughts so we can make intelligent decisions as to who will represent us.
For everyone, 2 weeks ago is was eastplain vs schwarting vs West, HS vs elementary, south residents vs north residents, now it's my 3 BOE members are better then your 3 BOE members. Lets debate, but lets stop pointing fingers... it just divides us....
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Post by gopybl on Apr 26, 2006 6:22:57 GMT -5
Donna,
Believe it or not, I agree with everything you posted...
Joey A
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Post by justfacts on Apr 26, 2006 15:56:22 GMT -5
gopyblI was glad to see your reply to elphba65 - and elphaba65's admission that the "Wicked Witch of the West" enjoys posting because they feel that they can push somebody's buttons. Not to be constructive - but to push buttons. There was that indirect left-handed insult to you in that message that your might have questioned MaryAnn Capone's integrity because you yourself lack integrity. That's typical of the witches, they don't directly state their beliefs so that, if challenged, they can reply "I didn't say that --- I said..." You did not respond to that button push! Congratulations.
They also tend to call someone else's position defective or hypocritical in a backhanded or sarcastic manner, under the pretense that they inferred that person was telling of them what to do - - - - who to vote for, etc. You also did not respond to that button push. More congrats.No guts do they show by standing up to directly state their own views - for others to hear, judge and accept of reject. They only can bounce truth warpages and information twists off the the posts of others. Such as questioning why you have all the candidates at a meeting when (as elphaba65 assumes) you are endorsing but a few.
The answer to this rhetorical question is obvious to the fair minded of Plainedge. You are a person, although believing in a viewpoint of your own (maybe), are willing to take the effort and do the work of opening a forum for discussion to all that are involved - not just your secular few.
This brings about the maximum benefit to all candidates and all potential voters. It is the fair and open thing to do. By the way - thanks for your efforts in this work. I'm sure that all candidates and all voters will benefit. And also thanks are due to elphaba65, for bringing up the point that gopybl works beyond their own interests, as narrow or as wide as they may be, to do a service for this community that is fair, objective and needed. gopybl; I'm glad that you post your questions, answers and opinions in a direct and forthright manner. I welcome their appearance on this forum. Ed The C_P_R team has been at work - and they have more work to do. Help them do it by voting for Cantatore_Presuto_Raymond in the coming BOE election. You can help them become a stronger force!
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Post by frawg88 on Apr 26, 2006 21:08:17 GMT -5
Wildrover:
I would like to respond to several points in your post (in no particular order).
1) You said: “Dr. Richman absolutely did not expect that and I could bet he regrets the day he picked Mr. Presuto for the interim spot.”
I thought Dr. Richman works for the BOE, not the other way around, therefore I don’t understand how the Superintendent “picked” an appointee to temporarily fill a vacant seat on the Board. Maybe you could explain.
2) Second, you said:
“But my first question to each one will be this:
Will you be another Richman Robot or are you about reforming the power structure of this BOE?”
It makes me very uneasy that there is a thought process in the community to form a “power structure” on the school board. As others have said and as we’ve all learned from past history, the BOE should NEVER be about power and control. We should have 7 INDIVIDUAL members who think INDEPENDENTLY and make decisions based on data – not people who vote as a “block” to advance a particular agenda, or two “factions” that work against each other as adversaries. A lot of unnecessary divisiveness has been perpetuated in this community over the years as a direct result of this kind of mentality. It needs to STOP. The BOE’s reason for existence is to provide the district’s children the best EDUCATION possible (and that includes the other programs besides academics) within the financial means of its residents. It’s about KIDS – not about POWER!! I was hoping that being on austerity would have made everyone realize this by now. If the CPR team is running for the BOE on the premise of obtaining a “power structure” then that is NOT in the best interests of the community and its children.
3) Third, you said:
“The more dialogue the better as far as I am concerned when it comes to the BOE candidates……I am open to hear all information and points of view as we all should be. I do not know enough about the others to comment with an informed opinion.”
I agree with you on this and to that end I will share some information received just last night on Capone, Fox and Lassman if you haven’t yet received it. (I am assuming it’s making its way around the community.) The following biographies were included in that information and will shed some light on their professional backgrounds and qualifications. I have compared these with the biographies of 2 of the CPR candidates on the Plainedge school district website (under Board of Education – Board Members) and of the third CPR candidate on his personal website. My inclination is that three brand new BOE members, all long-time residents and all with budget/financial experience, will be a home run for this district.
Running for the expired term of Richard Mallow Maryann Capone: Maryann Capone is a 28-year Plainedge resident whose daughter attends Eastplain and whose niece Amanda Fiscina is the Salutatorian of the Class of 2006 and also a 2006 INTEL semi-finalist. MaryAnn is a Certified Financial Planner with an MBA in Accounting and a B.A. Degree in Education. She is also employed as an Adjunct Professor of Corporate Finance and Auditing at Molloy College, and as an Adjunct Professor for Financial Planning at C.W. Post. In addition, MaryAnn has 10 years experience as 1st Vice President of Greater NY Savings Bank where she managed a $1 billion dollar mortgage portfolio. Her affiliations include service on the Board of Financial Planners of Long Island, the Board of the Women’s Financial Group, Assistant Comptroller for the Reserve Fund, and she is a guest speaker at the annual Nassau County Dept. of Senior Citizen Affairs. MaryAnn has been serving the children of Plainedge as Treasurer of the Eastplain PTA for 2 years and as Chairperson of the Eastplain book fair, which earned the Scholastic Book Company National Award in 2006. Running for the expired term of Ralph Raymond Allan Fox: Allan Fox is a 16-year Plainedge resident with two children in Eastplain Elementary School. Allan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from SUNY at Oswego with a double major in Communications Studies and Music, and has taken graduate level Business, Accounting and Human Resources courses at Adelphi University. Having over 20 years of business experience, Allan is currently the Vice President of Human Resources for Loews Cineplex Entertainment, where he has been employed for the past eight years. Allan’s mission has been to provide exceptional programs and benefits to the Loews’ employees while responding to Loews’ need to be budget conscious. To that end, he has brought significant savings while preserving and enhancing employee programs. He has been an invited speaker at seminars sponsored by ADP, The Ayers Group and Chief Learning Officer Magazine, and serves on the Editorial Advisory Board of Workforce Performance Magazine.
Running for the expired term of Thomas Dick Steve Lassman: Steve Lassman is a 17-year Plainedge resident with one son in middle school, one son in high school and one PHS graduate of 2003. Steve holds a B.A. Degree from the University of South Florida. He has 20 years experience in the leisure travel business as Vice President of Sales, during which time he significantly increased company revenues and profits, managed multi-million dollar budgets, developed policy manuals, accelerated business expansion from coast to coast, and staffed & managed customer service and sales departments. Steve also has 5 years experience as President of his own sales consulting and training organization, utilizing excellent negotiation, presentation and conflict management skills. As a business owner in Bellmore, Steve coached roller hockey in the Bellmore-Merrick school district for 10 years, and has also served the children of Plainedge as a PYBL coach and as the Plainedge HS Varsity Roller Hockey Coach from 2001-2003.
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Post by elphaba65 on Apr 26, 2006 21:08:54 GMT -5
4 Max
Another great post, however one thing that people might want to be reminded of is that after the first budget vote last year there was a letter I received as being part of the school district list serve asking for input.
You stated:
It was not our responsibility to reach out and be "in touch" with the community (although we spent hours trying)..it was the BOE and the Superintendent's. However, you can't reach a community who does not want to be reached.
I agree. I would be curious to know how many responses there were and their input. Perhaps Mr. Raymond being a Board member last year can share that information with us which might explain why ALL board members agreed to put the same budget up again.
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Post by gopybl on Apr 26, 2006 21:58:19 GMT -5
Ed- Thanks so much...I do appreciate your kind words. One thing I would like clarified however is this....If it was so important to support to support candidates who have business backgrounds or Financial degrees...Why did these people support Cathy Flanagan and Pat Zinke last year? Which is it? Do we need concerned citizens or Financial Specialists? Personally I think Cathy Flanagan has done a great job last year and she is not a Financial Planner nor a CPA....Explain that one for me? Any feedback from someone who could shed some light on this inconsistency would be appreciated.
Frawg88 - Let me answer the question for you regarding Wildrover....He is probably the most upstanding citizen we have in this community....I just wish he was running for the BOE....Trust me....He might be many things but he is definitely not a Richman Robot.
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Post by justfacts on Apr 26, 2006 22:48:13 GMT -5
gopyblYou asked some very simple questions in your last post - they have complex answers.The most important characteristic an elected public official can have - is not the particular occupational skill they happen to have or the paper credentials they can spew forth.. A truly good Board member recognizes that - if these skills are not present on the Board - they can be easily hired! That's why Attorneys, Accountants, Auditors, Labor Negotiators, and others of similar skills are often hired by the Board. It is not unusual to also temporally use the services of Architects, Engineers and Communication experts either.
No, the skill a Board member should have is the ability to live up to the oath of office they take! It is very interesting that this is a required act and a paper is filed with the County each year (or should be) reaffirming that oath! It simply calls for the person to do their best they can do to fulfill the requirements of the office.Egos and personal agendas are to be put aside - only matters in the Public's interest are to be covered. Discussions are to be held, agreements and disagreements fought with integrity, and the final result is to live by the vote of the majority (not necessarily to always vote with the majority) when a vote is taken to provide what is in the best interests of the community that you are representing.For that is what the job is - to represent the community in the best way you are able and with the utmost personal integrity. And that will call for you to work at increasing your abilities - and to always seek out the needs of the community - the entire community.
So that's the real need, not just a "Concerned Citizen", not just a "Financial Expert" but a person who will be in touch with the community and will represent the community interests - even above their own interests. And someone that will work to improve their ability to do just that!As to one person rising to the occasion of office - it does happen with some - but not all - candidates. It's always a risk when you vote for one. The best example of a candidate that rose to the demands of his office is old Harry Truman. I lived through the downs and ups of community response to what he did as a "make-do" President following in the footsteps of the immortal FDR!
We should all be blessed with a haberdasher experienced candidate that will do as well - especially in Plainedge! I hope that sheds some light on the topic - a "country bumpkin" haberdasher no less - who had the integrity to stop the buck at his desk!Ed. Life is a constant gamble - take a chance on Plainedge this year! Vote your conscience and not your frustrations - and vote your candidate. It is now a risk worth taking! Get out and vote!
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4max
New Member
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Post by 4max on Apr 26, 2006 22:57:39 GMT -5
Hi all,
I know that there is a BOE Code of Ethics. I know also, that I can aquire a copy through the Freedom of Information Act. However, in the interest of time, would anyone have a current copy? There are some concerns that I would like to investigate with regard to the Code.
Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks..Donna
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Post by justfacts on Apr 27, 2006 0:43:29 GMT -5
4max There is a Code of Ethics written up by each Board many are similar but not exactly alike. You'll have to get Plainedge's version from the District itself. Since it's a public document you really shouldn't have to go the FOIL route to get a copy - but they might charge you so much a page to make copies. Meanwhile here's a link to a site the should give you some background of what a Code of Ethics document should cover - just in case Plainedge's doesn't have what you are looking for in it. www.regents.nysed.gov/pdf/Statement2.pdf
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Post by thewildrover on Apr 27, 2006 0:49:07 GMT -5
Frawg, :
#1-Q: “I thought Dr. Richman works for the BOE, not the other way around, therefore I don’t understand how the Superintendent “picked” an appointee to temporarily fill a vacant seat on the Board.?”
A: So did I, and I strongly believe it is how it should be, but the perception to some and the reality to experienced others is the fact that Dr. Richman strictly controls the current weak willed members of the BOE.
Being friendly with 2 people who submitted their resume to the administration for the remaining term of Mr. Dick, I had opportunity to discuss their experiences with them. They related to me the following information regarding their experience:
Dr. Richman interviewed them. Period. Both of these people have a strong accounting/banking backgrounds and both felt that their background worked against them because they would/could be seen as a threat to the power Dr. Richman has over the existing board.
Therefore my opinion with regards to the “dark horse” Mr. Presuto being picked by Dr. Richman because, IMO, he was perceived (falsely) to be the easiest to mold.
My opinion based on my information.
#2- I believe you percieved my proposed question “Will you be another Richman Robot or are you about reforming the power structure of this BOE?” with the exact opposite intention.
I strongly believe that the current board is made up for the most part of well-intentioned members of the community that when faced with a choice of either taking on the Superintendent when they disagree with him or unquestioningly going along with his directives, shy away from confrontation.
I, in no uncertain terms, advocate a “block” mentality.
I do advocate a BOE candidate that has independent, strong willed and thought provoking characteristics.
Would a BOE filled with such personality types be labeled by any reasonable person as a “Block”? I’d like to hear that argument.
Also, seeing you are adept at bringing up some of my past posts, you can perform some due diligence and find that “Its about the Kids” was my personal rallying cry from the very beginning. I never stated, “It’s about power”. I hope that’s not what you are insinuating.
And please don’t state what we should and shouldn’t have realized due to our year on austerity. WE lived it everyday, we saw it in our kid’s faces and we saw it in the faces of the community members and the children who spent their summer not as planned. But I probably shouldn’t have to tell you that. Hopefully you were side by side washing cars and attending fundraisers along with the other caring community members. You are preaching to the choir on that point.
Oh yea, and it is the driving force behind our “VOTE YES “ campaign.
#3- Thanks for the info on what are obviously your candidates of choice. I have not yet received the informational about them yet. Like I said in the post you refer to,” I am open to hear all information and points of view, as we all should be. I do not know enough about the others to comment with an informed opinion.” I still and will hold to that until I get a chance to interact with them on a personal basis. Again, seeing you have quoted me before, I am sure you will see that I have advocated CPR, as they were the single choice at that time. Until I have valid reasons presented to me, by the new candidates themselves, as to why i should change my opinion. I will continue to believe in the CPR philosophy.
I answered your inquiries respectfully and truthfully. I choose not to debate why my choice is better than yours or vice a versa. Respect my right to voice my choice, (when I truly make a final one) as I will respect yours.
For the next 19 days all of my energies will be spent ensuring a successful passage of this fair and reasonable budget on the first go round.
Because it’s about OUR kids! Because it’s about OUR communities future! Because its about a leap of faith, that a yes vote will unite OUR community, heal the divides and start US on the path of making Plainedge even a better place to live.
Now a question for you, why the very discernable agressive nature of your questions? Or am I (hopefully) misreading the tone at this late hour?
Gopybl...Thanks for the kind words bro.
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mom23
New Member
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Post by mom23 on Apr 27, 2006 6:00:11 GMT -5
Go PYBL...
I have a question regarding your last post...You asked why did these people support Cathy Flanagan and Pat Zinke last year? What or who are "these people" you are referring to, and a part two to that question would be how do you know "these people" supported those two candidates? Any feedback on this statement would be appreciated.
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