The property tax relief package is a “scam” according to one Oley Valley School District board member. He wanted them to pass a resolution to have House Bill 1 repealed.
For most seniors and the low-income households, the bill is not a trick because it will provide relief.
The real savings to all taxpayers is the threat of referendum control placed on future budgets not the redistribution of earned income taxes or the sharing of gambling proceeds.
A school board does not want to test the waters of exposing proposed spending to voters. The potential rejection by the taxpayers is not good politics.
Even with a generous inflation index and with liberal exemptions to the index, the board chafes at the idea of sharing power.
The influence of the referendum is so strong that the Pennsylvania School Board Association has at the top of their 2007 legislative platform the following goal: "Supports legislation that would relieve school districts from the impact of the back-end referendum requirements of Act 1 of Special Session 2006, including efforts to expand the number and scope of exceptions
The Pennsylvania State Education Association will spend considerable time and money to "oppose public referenda on school budgets in any form and by any name"
Board members will privately pretend to side with citizens who will not benefit from the tax relief package. However, the real motivation is to go back to the good old days of carte blanche budgets.
The district plans to have “talks” with various groups in the valley about House Bill 1. Perhaps, an impartial presenter should be the messenger.
Posts
400 comments:
1 – 200 of 400 Newer› Newest»The thing that always comes up about Act 1 is that it is flawed legislation. The same thing was said about Act 50.
Since the School Board Association and the Teacher's union, among others, have quite a say as to what goes on in Harrisburg via lobbying efforts, why haven't they pushed for another approach?
I was at a meeting with Mr. Caltagarone (a fearless legislator) while Ed was running for his first term ,where he presented Ed's plan for education reform.
The take at that time was consolidation of the school districts under a county superintendent, a state wide teacher's contract, and centralized purchasing to reduce the cost of running the educational system.
Since Ed has been in office, we have had a special session on property tax reform, the introduction of slot machines, the promise of tax relief.
Millions have been spent on the slot parlors. Many people have made money off of these ventures. Not one dime has filtered down to the taxpayer. Ed's number 1 effort is to send as much aid to Philadelphia schools as he can.
Now we have the faction that wants to repeal Act 1.
All we hear and read is negative.
Obviously the legislature is not capable of doing anything other than making a proclamation making the second week of June hoagie week.
When was the last time anything meaningful came out of Harrisburg?
When the school board tells us to get in touch with our legislators they are really telling us to get lost. I'm certain the school has already had the "Vote No on Act 1" badges printed and distributed to the students who work at Kings. What better way to get the word out at the taxpayer's expense.
Act 1 is lousey legislation, and seems to have been created as a means to an end, by Rendell to force the legalization of gambling to repay his 'gaming' syndicate cronies for campaign funds.
However, any referendum is better than nothing for the time being. At least it forces Sch.Boards to be more forthcoming with how and where they spend the taxpayer's money, and it creates a means for spending controls that have not existed before.
That being said, I believe it will only be a few years until this Act is amended and the income tax and property tax portions will continue to grow for every income bracket and again strangle the common man with higher taxes than ever before. The income tax portion simply provides an additional pocket to be picked and manipulated as the systems insatiable greed can never be satisfied.
Career politicians talk a good game to get elected. But only a few ever have the integrity to keep their promises to help the hurting property tax payers.
Only time will tell, but if past practices are any indication, then the above scenario will inevitably come true sooner than later.
Act 1 is flawed. It does not help the less by taking from the more. It pits one generation against others. That is it.
It may be beneficial to your individual situation, but not to the community as a whole. If someone is a business owner, or has several million in investments, and recieves annual dividend of 100's of thousands, they do not pay additional earned income tax. If one is to sell acrage for a substantial profit, they do not pay additional tax. Act 1 allows tax planning opportunities for the rich, pushing the burden even deeper onto the working class families. Those among us whom are unable to purchase a home (renters) due to their particular situation are the biggest losers in this deal, even if they are seniors working part-time.
If you look at the numbers thatthe appointed committee stated, it showed something like 20% will pay less taxes and 35% of our commmunity was seniors. That tells me that only slightly more than 50% (20 divided by 35) of seniors could possibly benefit. That is assuming that NO non seniors in Oley have businesses (LP, LLC, PC, Sub S) in Oley where they recieve dividends from profits in lieu of a salary, and that no families in Oley have a household income of approcximately $50,000.
I hope some with the reports that were issued by the appointed committee verifies these facts. The numbers are merely my memory of what I had heard and read.
Therefore, Act 1 is a sham. Your vote will be easy to cast. Does it benefit you. If it was a vote based on principal it would be a NO vote. However, we collectively vote on personal benefit.
The previous post got it right. Tax reform isn't silly referrendum votes. Reform is curtailing the spending and reducing the cost in meaningful ways, such as a single superitendent for the county, elimination of teacher union, single teacher contract, etc. Shifting the same burden from me to you is a joke. Referrendum is a joke.
PS: Act 50 was horrible legislation. Legislation pushed to the ballot/referrendum by special interest. The same special interest stating how great the referrendum of Act 1 is working.
I am sure I will recieve a scathing response, fortunately I have to go to work to pay all my taxes.
You won't get a scathing response from me. You are absolutely right and so is LB.
Act 1 should be repealed for no other reason than the state legislature pushed off their responsibility for tax reform onto the local districts. This idea that with Act 1 there is budget constraint via backend referendum is nonsense. There are so many exceptions and loop holes that the chances of the taxpayers ever getting a chance to approve a budget is remote, at best.
For those poor seniors who are lured into voting for this ballot initiative by thinking their property taxes will go down will be in for a rude awakening over the following three or four years as their taxes steadily rise back to the original level and beyond. The cruel joke the legislature played on us is that those of us who still are working will pay more in Earned Income taxes while still watching our property taxes rise in years to come.
The responsibility must be assumed by the state legislature to fix this mess and not pass the buck to local school districts. After May the state will have a patchwork of tax plans in effect from one end of the state to the other with no continuity. That is irresponsible legislation at its worst.
I was on that special committee that looked into this and recommended this referendum question be put on the ballot. We further recommended that the people vote "NO" on the question. We were not influenced by the school board, the union or anyone else. After looking at all the alternatives it was the right thing to do.
Who the heck voted for slick Eddie anyway? NOT ME. HE HAS DONE NOTHING FOR THIS STATE. ANOTHER DISGRACE IN GOV'T.
I want to know if the kid that got into our computer system has to pay for the letters, envelopes, stamps, secretaries time in typing the letter? We have to pay .25 cents a copy at this district. This kid needs to learn a lesson. He will not learn a lesson sitting in the HS for 10 days suspension.
Is this true? Someone please respond to this: An 8th grader was arrested for bringing a razor or knife to our MS. When are we going to get metal detectors? I am very worry about my childs safety. Was he going to use this on someone?
Is this true? Someone please respond to this: An 8th grader was arrested for bringing a razor or knife to our MS. When are we going to get metal detectors? I am very worry about my childs safety. Was he going to use this on someone?
9:21 AM, March 23, 2007
Haven't heard that. Howevr, in the good ole days we boys used to get our first pocket knives (and yes they went to school with us everyday) when we were about 8. I remember my first pocket knife, it was my dad's old buck and if I had to, could probably still find it in the gun safe. He gave it to me with a box of wood and I tried tow widdle (spelling???) anything. In the end, it ended as a pile of toothpicks! In HS, since we all hunted and trapped, we even had our guns in the trunk of our cars because we would check the traps and hunt before school.
The real question is when are us adults going to grow up and stop making a big deal out of everything we hear. The kids haven't changed, the adults mentality has changed.
All I got to say is that this boy has been in trouble before and is in the front office alot. Who's to say he was not going to use it on someone. We cannot take that chance. The children on the past are different then today's children. Today they have videos with violence, internet with violence, etc. the list goes on. I am glad if he was arrested that maybe it will teach him a lesson. No weapons are allowed in this school district period.
As adult mentality changes, it still rubs off on the children. Nine times out of ten, your child is your mirror image. For most of us, that is a wonderful thing. For others, it's disasterous. Keep an eye on your children, AND everyone elses.
Those with bucks want all the toys but those with less pay for it. The feel gooders should pay their fair share.
The way this started I thought we were going to have a good discussion about Act 1. This is an important vote coming in May and since there is no real school board race the turnout will probably be low. As usual 20% of the eligible voters will dictate the outcome for all of us. That's a shame. Apathy and ignorance will be the downfall of this Republic.
Thats right. We need all the people to vote. Everyone should come and vote in May. Vote Heckman and Cappa out even though they are in already. Low votes will say something about these two men.
to 9:39 a.m.:
We could not agree with you more about what used to be commonplace and is now a cause for a riot. My brothers always had their traps set and carried weapons in their pick-up. They were in plain sight, mounted on the rack in the rear window. That's because they had nothing to hide, I guess. But those days are gone forever. If anyone needs an updated story, check this one out:
We took our nephews and nieces to a large amusement park a few summers back. One of the boys had a nail clipper in his pocket. It was noticed by the "screening process" and he was not permitted to enter the park with the clipper on his person. He was given a key to a locker and was instructed to place that article in the locker. Well, what a special feeling we experienced that day. Looking back, I believe the grease used to make the french fries held more danger than the dinky little nail clipper.
Although I like the referendum portion of Act 1, I will vote NO in May -- just to send a message to the legislators that we taxpayers know a turkey when we see one.
"There has not been a wish list project that has not been given the rubber stamp of approval."
Al, you're wrong and since you've been attending budget meetings for years, you know that is not THE TRUTH.
"Board members are usually recruited from groups of individuals that are deemed 'team players.' They normally are advocates of the liberal view of governance."
Al, you're wrong. Absoultely and completely wrong!
"... if not, then a tightened referendum and more educational controls will be imposed on the district from the state and federal levels."
Al, this is some real wishful thinking.
THREE WRONGS DON'T MAKE YOU RIGHT!
6:41 PM, March 23, 2007
Al, your new title article is WRONG, so wrong that even RS and LB disagree with you this time. Why are you so desperate to believe the Act 1 Smoke & Mirrors?
Maybe you're a "plant" from the Rendell administration here in our own Oley Valley.
Dear 9:39 a.m.
I hardly think that the parents in the Columbine School district would agree with you.
The referendum part is only a carrot-on-a-stick used by the legislature to con us into voting for this, as LB says, "turkey". The legislature isn't about to pass any reform measure that puts more trust or power in the hands of the taxpayers and voters. Heck, if they thought the back-end referendum was good for school district budgets then why wouldn't it be good for state budgets, too?
That sure won't happen...
I respect Al's opinion as I do everyones on here but in this case I believe he needs to reevaluate it.
Dear Bloggers:
The school district computer was found to be hacked into on a routine exam last week.
Dr. Zackon alluded to the fact that some IEP information was copied, but it was only kindergarten names and birthdates.
However, when I recieved my letter from the school district, it was not just IEP information that had been copied.
Per the letter I received from the school district yesterday:
"After a thorough investigation, we have no evidence that anyone else has extracted the private information and is using it. No information has been compromised. Hoewver, potential risks associated with the security breach have prompted the district's administration to inform all affected students, parents, guardians, faculty, staff and others whose information was contained in the teacher's electronic folder."
This paragraph has a very wide-based implication. I highly doubt that all this information was in one teacher's electronic folder.
It sounds as though the entire school district's records have been hacked into and copied.
This is a VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM. Along with sensitive information contained in IEPs, that is extremely private and for certain eyes only, this list could potentially be sold to predators, and God knows who.
As for the other information that had been accessed, the key word is that is was copied. This also means that this student purchased a software program to do this, and where is the copy of the information that he accessed. How do we as parents and taxpayers know what he has done with this information.
Also, there is no date as to when the incident occurred, only the date that this incident was found on routine monitoring. This could have been going on for quite a long time, and hopefully this is not the case.
As for the school district stating that no information has been compromised - HOW DO THEY KNOW. They certainly are not privy to our personal lives and really cannot say with any degree of certainty that what has happened will not affect us!
I realize that the school district is subject to all the issues that any company with a computer with stored information is subject to, and that at some time circumstances like this may occur, but on this letter, I have not read what has been done to correct this problem. It certainly appears that staff should not have this information on their computer hard drives, but on some sort of disc or zip drive that they can plug into and work on, something that they can remove from their computer and lock up in a safe place.
I do not think that the Oley School Distict has been 100% truthful in this situation, and really needs to come to terms with the fact that they are not perfect, we don't expect them to be perfect, but the continual lying and trying to pacify the taxpayers with part-truth answers or no answers at all is not the way to proceed.
I know it took a lot for Dr. Zackon to have to speak about this at a public board meeting, but it just wasn't enough.
There is much more to this incident that has been relayed to the public, and those affected NEED TO BE CONCERNED AND DEMAND TO KNOW WHAT REALLY HAPPENED!
YES WE NEED TO KNOW THE TRUTH!!! Also, RS and LB know that this Act 1 is a joke so does Al. Al and the rest of us like that at least it gives some control even little to us the taxpayers come time to vote at the polls. The board now has to watch more then ever what they are spending our money on. Of course they will try to get around anything the gov't passes there way. They are all in this together. A clean sweep is the answer. Lets us pray that the 3 new board members will step up to the plate. Reckless spending has to stop.
Also did the kid that hacked into our computer pay for the letter, stamps, envelopes, and the secretaries time. HE OR SHE MUST PAY UP!!! IF MY CHILD'S RECORDS WERE TAKEN OUT OF THIS DISTRICTS COMPUTERS LOOK OUT!!!
The referendum feature in House Bill 1 does provide some protection from excessive spending. It is not perfect, but it is far better than the past with no controls.
For those who think the referendum needs more teeth, and I am one of them, you can sign a petition to eliminate the exemptions to the referendum.
Goto:
http://www.gopetition.com/online/11622.html
and sign the petition for tighter controls on spending.
Waiting for Harrisburg promises will not accomplish anything.
Improving legislation that is on the books is potentially more efficient and effective.
Good job again Al for explaining Act 1 to those who rather attack us then listen to us.
Al, I think you are still missing the point with what many of us are trying to explain, or provide as what solution we believe will solve the budget issues.
A referrendum is a devissive mechanism that automatically pitts one resident against another. That is not a good solution.
Throughout this blog, many of us pointed out that it is our opinion that forcing the state legislature to do their job, and fix large scale issues is a much better, more uniformed approach. Impose county wide contracts, state wide pension and benefit packages, cookie cutter school design, similar and mandated curriculms and activities.
To put the pressure on the legislature will solve many of the fiscal issues that we have outstanding.
Signing a petition is a way to open the back door and give the state legislatures and fast eddie the ability to easily shirk their obligations and responsibilities.
Another aspect of the equation that some overlook is the overall economics involved in our school. Real estae prices directly correlate to the percieved quality of the school. The quality should not and is not based on silly test scores. It is also not base on the bond rating. When I hear that crap at board meetings I cringe. The quality is basically judged on whether we would like to have our children and grand children attend that school. Based on the heritage of Oley, with a substantial # of third and fourth generations sending kids to the same school. That indicates that satisfaction w/ Oley schools is not that bad.
And, to further the perception angle of this debate, yes actives such as sports, FFA, Od of mind, band, drama club and every other non-mandated activity are influencial in the perception of the quality of the school. They also weigh heavily in the heritage of the community.
By placing referrendums on the school puts our community at a competitive disadvantage, divides the community and weakens the value of most of our single largest investments - Real estate.
Therefore, time to channel our energies at those that have the influence to truly have a fiscal imp[act in the public education - The state representatives, O'Pake and Eddie.
To the blogger of what was said below and copied onto this blog:
"Anonymous said...
"There has not been a wish list project that has not been given the rubber stamp of approval."
Al, you're wrong and since you've been attending budget meetings for years, you know that is not THE TRUTH.
"Board members are usually recruited from groups of individuals that are deemed 'team players.' They normally are advocates of the liberal view of governance."
Al, you're wrong. Absoultely and completely wrong!
"... if not, then a tightened referendum and more educational controls will be imposed on the district from the state and federal levels."
Al, this is some real wishful thinking.
THREE WRONGS DON'T MAKE YOU RIGHT!
6:41 PM, March 23, 2007 "
In your first paragraph where you tell Al that since he has attended budget meetings for years and he knows this is wrong - I strongly disagree.
Somehow some of these wish lish items mysteriously appear in the check runs under the General Funds code and are coded into categories that do not show up as wish list categories. So for your theory that some of these wish list items were not purchased, that is not true - it's because they are hidden in the coding for general fund items. If you wish to dispute this, do it in public and prove to me (and you do know who I am) that this is not the case.
I can show you numerous items from the check runs that were miscoded to COVER UP what the money was really spent on.
In your second paragraph when you state Al is incorrect about board members being recruited from those they consider to be team players - again Al is not wrong. You call out the troops when someone whom you dislike is running. The troops being the teachers, the teachers union, etc., and phone calls are made to put pressure to make sure the other candidates are not elected, and if they are elected, pressure on is put on the new board members to do what you want them to do. FACT - you prove to me that this does not happen!
In the next paragraph you tell Al that it is wishful thinking that the state will be imposing tighter referendums on the school from state and federal levels. This is again the truth.
If is not the truth, then why is the PSBA (Pennsylvania School Board Association) lobbying and having the school districts send letters to the legislators to get this ACT 1 repealed? It is not because this Act does not offer property tax relief, because we all know that the school boards and PSBA does not want property tax relief at all, it is because that the school districts will not have a BLANK CHECK to spend taxpayers money on everything their hearts desire. PSBA, along with the school districts could care less about whether or not there is property tax relief - they only care about being able to spend taxpayer money the way they want to spend money.
To the person who wrote this blog discredting Al, it only came from one source, (you know who you are and so do we)and with the blessing of this school board, and it just absolutely PISSES YOU THAT YOU WILL NOT LONGER GETTING YOUR WAY WITH OUR MONEY.
The days of this school district throwing money away are coming to an end. If you want to prove me wrong - GET THE CHECK RUNS AND LOOK CAREFULLY AT HOW THINGS ARE CODED, AND THEN YOU TELL ME THAT I AM WRONG, AND UNTIL YOU DO THAT, PERHAPS YOU SHOULD KEEP YOUR MOUTH QUIET!
Right on 100% true. Great job to the above blogger. Yes we do have the facts.
Dear 10:42 a.m.
Are you stating that the education that our children receive does not matter, because that is my take on what you blogged. I do not in any way agree that the PSSA scores should be the basis of anything worthwhile, however, what means of testing would you use to see whether or not our children were receiving the education that we pay so much for?
In reality, there is no such test, but I can tell you that putting $1.4 million into a new track and adding everything up that every one in this district desires to have, also does not equal EDUCATION.
If you are stating that a referendum is not the way to go, just how much do you expect the taxpayers to pay for? I agree that the State should shoulder some of the burden, but the state really does not know where these school districts waste their money. The state gets told what the state wants to hear, and if you want to go that route, perhaps the taxpayers should have the authority to go in to these districts with an auditor of their choice, and I mean someone totally qualified and not related to someone from the district, a person who has not graduated from this district, not empolying someone from this district, and basically not knowing a soul in the Oley School district and go through OLEY's BOOKS, and analyze every piece of money that is spent within this district to see if we are properly coding things, and not HIDING money, and not taking the word of any person working in this district to say that's not really where the money went.
If that can be done, then I will have to be quiet about everything financially that I complain about, because that is the only audit that I will believe. I can almost guarantee you that the state does not really know how Oley spends the taxpayers' money.
The taxpayers should have some right to say how their tax money is being spent.
The PHEAA is another instance of taxpayers' money being misspent.
And guess who misspent it. THE SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THIS FINE STATE WE LIVE IN.
It's not enough that they issue themselves a pay raise in the wee hours of the morning, but now they blatantly spend our money at posh resorts and dinners, and God knows what else.
Look at the IRS sheet for the teachers union of PA. They spend three times the amount that the PHEAA spent. This too is taxpayer money, passed on through the teachers. There was even a dry cleaning bill on the union rolls, along with $10,000 and $20,000 dinners, and trips to resorts, etc.
This is all taxpayer money, and it's high time that the taxpayer had a right in saying how this money should be spent.
So as for your saying that referendums are not a good thing - unfortunately this is the only way that things get done in this ass-backward state we live in.
Our school board is just another faction of the "governmental losers" that are in this state. They have way too much power, and they like to use it and look down on others who then cannot support their spending habits.
You need to stop trying to be so dimplomatic - there is a problem in this school district and there is no good way to sugar coat it.
For those who think the referendum is a good thing, let me tell you what a school director from a neighboring district told me today. As the districts apply for exemptions, and receive them, the millage limit that their district was approved was much more than the previous years' increase. Now what's going to happen is that even it they don't have to raise taxes to that newly approved limit, they probably will. Why? Because that will raise their index for the following year. So the end result will be that districts across the state will be raising taxes to their limits (if they need to or not) or face further limitations in years to come. Thanks again Eddie!
Eddie is a jerk and yes this district board members are just like the gov't we have in Harrisburg. AT least I did not vote for any of these people. Harrisburg is a joke. I was visiting Harrisburg a while back and at the Capitol I kept seeing the people we elected into office smoking outside the building doors of course not all of them, and during a senate session that I was allowed to sit in on, I thought I was going to get sick. It brought me back to Oley's board room all over again. Snakes here, snakes there. Oh no, the six letter word is being used again. Oh well.
“A referrendum is a devissive mechanism that automatically pitts one resident against another. That is not a good solution.”
I think the community should have some say how their money is spent.
The constitution says we should have a say in government.
A vote has some influence, but a vote on spending has a lot of influence.
This is called democracy.
“Throughout this blog, many of us pointed out that it is our opinion that forcing the state legislature to do their job, and fix large scale issues is a much better, more uniformed approach. Impose county wide contracts, state wide pension and benefit packages, cookie cutter school design, similar and mandated curriculms and activities.”
This all sounds good but the reality of the teachers union, school boards, and other special interests will see to it with taxpayer money that these changes will not see the light of day.
“To put the pressure on the legislature will solve many of the fiscal issues that we have outstanding”
Probably, the biggest issue is school boards spending at such a rate that even the state cannot keep up with the extravagance.
The boards want all the glory of wish list projects to be re-elected.
Then they point the finger at the state for millage increases, but the truth of the matter is they make the most of the spending decisions not the state.
“Signing a petition is a way to open the back door and give the state legislatures and fast eddie the ability to easily shirk their obligations and responsibilities.”
There is only so much the state can and will do. A vague strategy to make Harrisburg revamp a tax structure is not realistic.
House Bill 1 is there and can be changed for the better. Creating something entirely new is a stall tactic at best.
”Real estae prices directly correlate to the percieved quality of the school….. yes actives such as sports, FFA, Od of mind, band, drama club and every other non-mandated activity are influencial in the perception of the quality of the school”
I think most families are interested in educational attributes of a school system.
If parents the time to review the list of items mentioned, then they will take the time to look at academic performance.
If they see none, the “perception” will be diminished.
“The quality should not and is not based on silly test scores. It is also not base on the bond rating. When I hear that crap at board meetings I cringe.”
“Silly test scores” ??
The more astute educators outside of local districts would disagree with your assessment of test score importance.
Test scores are the basis of education. They are a means of measuring student and more recently, teacher performance.
They provide the foundation for students to further their education, get a better job, and have a better quality of life.
I don’t recall anyone saying test scores affect bond ratings, not even a school board.
“ The quality is basically judged on whether we would like to have our children and grand children attend that school. Based on the heritage of Oley, with a substantial # of third and fourth generations sending kids to the same school. That indicates that satisfaction w/ Oley schools is not that bad.”
Everyone makes choices, but this criteria is not the standards the state and federal government use to determine the quality of education.
Nor do they use it to fund the schools.
“By placing referrendums on the school puts our community at a competitive disadvantage, divides the community and weakens the value of most of our single largest investments - Real estate.”
This is an interesting economic theory, but all school districts would be subject to referendums not just Oley.
Some communities would approve referendums others would not. A democracy gives that choice to its citizens.
Perhaps, we should not have school board elections either because it might divide the community, as well.
Dear 12:17 response. I am not being supportive our board in my commentary. I was not making judgement on the auditor. I find it odd that you are picking on the schools auditor. I would love to know why, factually, that that would be an issue.
What is the scope of the auditors duty (by contract not perception) and what service does she provide. What is the difference. I was at one meeting a little over a year ago when the auditor gave her report. She did not say anything suspicious to me. I am not going to condemn her just because she works for a firm that has ties and bears the name of someone from Oley. There are MANY partners at that firm, with several offices, and I can not imagine that the partners would risk any inproprieties to exist over some tiny little audit service.
My commentary was regarding the referendumn function of act 1. What was the last school board referrendum that we had. To vote down Act 50 (thank god).
How would the blog participants react if a sensitive issue - $1.4 million dollar track (which I personally am against) went to the people, and was accepted by the people. Would that satisfy you, or would that be a further wedge within our community. The problem I have with a referendum is that it fosters a us versus them mentality.
As for the PHEAA stuff. I only know what the paper and news reported. In other words, I only know part of the facts, spun to create news. If it is true that that organization squandered what is being said, then they all should lose their jobs, including O'Pake.
I posted a response a second too soon. OCC successfully responded to disagreeing with every point I made. I didn't think that was possible.
Unfortunately, I 100% disagree with his preaching.
Somebody's got rocks in their head!
Recruiting board members from groups that are deemed to be "team players" ,advocating liberal views of governance....board members being pressured from within - RS, LB,RH, BF and others, is this TRUE?
Those running for the board, is this TRUE?
Current board members, is this TRUE?
Somebody (I suspect sitting on the sidelines) thinks they know.
Hey, you know who:
I'm still waiting for you to substantiate your claim of March 16 re: DB. No proof, No facts, No truth. Who do you think is going to believe what you say simply because YOU say it?
Dear 3:33:
"Dear 12:17 response. I am not being supportive our board in my commentary. I was not making judgement on the auditor. I find it odd that you are picking on the schools auditor. I would love to know why, factually, that that would be an issue."
I never said anything about our auditor. This refers to any auditor for any school district. Perhaps you should reread my blog. My point is that the audits do not totally scrutinize the check runs and comparing checks to invoices.
In no way have I referred to our auditor. I am referring to the procedure that is used to audit, not the auditor.
Who knows what one would find if a 100% thoroughly complete audit was done by an outside auditor, one with no ties to this community in any way.
How you choose to read into this, does not make what you think I said, what I said.
Blogger 3:33:
How many board meetings have you attended in the last three years?
"The problem I have with a referendum is that it fosters a us versus them mentality."
The problem is that a few want to prevent the majority from having a real say on wish lists.Thank goodness for a referendum.
Zeal without knowledge can be a dangerous thing.
7:20AM:
"The problem is that a few want to prevent the majority from having a real say on wish lists. Thank goodness for a referendum"
Since when has a majority of the people voted for anything? Usually you are lucky to get 40% turnout in local elections. Fact is, you might find that wish lists put to referendum might pass by a wide margin as each group who will benefit from getting their particular "wish" turns out to vote.
Bingeaux
And then again, IT MIGHT NOT!
After the end of the March 14, 2007 meeting, the board had an executive session.
They returned to an empty boardroom and voted to spend an additional $10,000 on the Amthor Steel lawsuit.
This money is on top of the $28,877.36. spent so far.
The purpose is for "an organization to help planning and staging".
The board started out with arbitration, then switched to the Court of Common Pleas. They were not successful with this strategy.
Now they will spend $10,000 more tax dollars to go back to arbitration.
Legal boobing and weaving with tax dollars is expensive,risky, and wasteful.
Your evaluation is speculative. Unless you were in the executive session, your judgement is based on your own feelings and nothing else.
Yo 11:24:
You are quite incorrect, this question was aksed during the board meeting and confirmed that a vote was taken to spend $10,000 dollars more.
NOT JUST MERE SPECULATION!
11:24 pm:
You just can't bring yourself to admit that the board, who in your eyes can do no wrong, is in fact being led around on a leash by their attorneys who are the only ones making any money out of this travesty. Wake up and smell the coffee.
If anyone doubts the need to strengthen the referendum, in House Bill 1 take a look at the special interest’s plan for your tax dollars.
PSEA (Pennsylvania State Education Association) Resolutions:
..The Association opposes public referenda on school budgets in any form and by any name.
PSBA (The Pennsylvania School Board Association) Legislative Platform:
..Supports legislation that would relieve school districts from the impact of the back-end referendum requirements of Act 1 of Special Session 2006, including efforts to expand the number and scope of exceptions.
The PSEA and the PSBA are influential players in Harrisburg.
They would not be spending time and money on eliminating spending controls unless they were going to be effective on budgets.
Please consider signing the petition to eliminate the exemptions to the referendum.
If the politicians do not hear from the public, they will submit to the strong-arm tactics of anti- taxpayer lobbyists.
Sign Petition:
http://www.gopetition.com/online/11622.html
Tell your friends and neighbors to get involved because they must have a voice, too.
Yo 11:48
You are reacting to a vote and an amount, but are lacking in understanding unless you were present for the discussion. Unless you put your name on the ballot, you will only have a portion of "the facts" on which to base your OPINION.
"Somehow some of these wish lish items mysteriously appear in the check runs under the General Funds code and are coded into categories that do not show up as wish list categories."
I didn't know there was a separate category for wish list items. Were they really sneaked into the budget or just approved along with everything else in the budget. Just because they are on a wish list doesn't mean they are BAD- just that they require special consideration. As for all of them getting approved as Al claims, that is totally bogus. Every year the board doesn't add several hundred thousand dollars of wish list stuff.
to 11:24, thank you for a ray of sense in the blizzard of acrimony.
to 11:48: you know the vote but not the reasons for it. That means you know nothing about it, just like Al.
Actually, Al seems to know a fair amount of the reasons but chooses to disregard them because he needs to attack the board no matter what the truth is.It helps that the board can't defend itself against his attacks since it's an ongoing legal issue. If I'm wrong, Al, and you really are as clueless as you sound, I apologize for giving you credit.
2 of the presumptive new board members have already started to become corrupted: they're attending board meetings and finding out what really happens instead of reading a dream version on the blog. Oh goody, more victims for 4 years of senseless rage venting and bashing.
Proverbs 18:17
The first to present his case seems right, until another comes forward and questions him.
Provervs 12:15
The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.
4:54 PM:
"If I'm wrong, Al, and you really are as clueless as you sound, I apologize for giving you credit."
What a snotty comment. But then, again, you probably can't help it. A rational debate is as alien to you as common sense.
To add to 5:00
All three have attended board meetings on and off over the years, and two previously ran for the board. All three have had children in the schools for years. None of them are "newbies" to the system, but they are already under attck even before the Primary - fancy that!
Al, your legal prowess is vastly superseded by your ability to editorialize. Stick to what you are good at: the issuance of your own opinion to persuade the uninformed of your superiority.
My diagnosis:all of this seems to be stemming from an enlarged ego. You won't like the antidote though, nobody likes eating crow.
to 4:54:
Please! Never apologize for giving someone credit. When you give a person credit, for anything, it means that they have done SOMETHING to get your attention. Never has this district needed this attention MORE than they do right now.
How about setting YOUR snotty comments aside? And, while you're at it, try putting your childish retorts towards ANYONE and EVERYONE that cares enough to be involved.....ON THE BACK BURNER. What? Why do that? Because if you can put your hurtful comments and rude manners on that back burner long enough.....we MIGHT be able to concentrate on those two magic subjects:
A GOOD education for our children.
A price tag that is accurate and believable.
While floundering in your sea of self inflicted turmoil, try thinking before you speak.
“Unless you put your name on the ballot, you will only have a portion of "the facts" on which to base your OPINION.”
School board votes on agenda items are public information.
Some people prefer not to attend meetings, but rather be spoon feed by the board or their own opinions.
“Every year the board doesn't add several hundred thousand dollars of wish list stuff.”
If the board has nothing to hide, then why are they refusing to release the “list of big ticket items.” to the community?
They did not like talking about a $1,400,000 synthetic, boondoggle, either.
“It helps that the board can't defend itself against his attacks since it's an ongoing legal issue. If I'm wrong, Al, and you really are as clueless as you sound, I apologize for giving you credit.”
The legal failures of the board are located in the archives of Berks County Courthouse.
The case number is 05-3634 and it is a public record.
Apparently, the judges who ruled against the board must be clueless, too.
“Al, your legal prowess is vastly superseded by your ability to editorialize. Stick to what you are good at: the issuance of your own opinion to persuade the uninformed of your superiority.”
No matter how much factual information from public, documented sources are presented to the OCC bashers, they will choose to see what they want to see, read what they want to read, and hear what they want to hear.
They will go out of their way to be “uninformed”.
"My diagnosis:all of this seems to be stemming from an enlarged ego. You won't like the antidote though, nobody likes eating crow."
It is not a rare event reading how an arm chair doctor's diagnosis end up as failures, especially the ones who trip over their pomposity and elitism.
I just had a blinding flash of inspired thought: Ms Banis, as she used to identify herself before she became LB,likes to moan about the board.
She opines about how, when she was on the board, things would have been so different if only she had a majority. But... there were 4 of THEM plus the blog's current guru of diplomacy, RS. That makes 5 and a majority. If they were so hot, why did they all disappear so fast and rule so ineffectually? Could it be there was a flip flopper who was so erratic no one could count on his vote?
Blinding flash? That was probably just a clean spot on your mirror.
Laugh, silly, you're too darned serious.
Guess who....
On the last blog OCC stated his interpretation of the 'policy on public participation' which he has attacked as being an attempt to muzzle the public, or at least him, which he thinks is the same thing.
He referred to another bloggers comments about his posted version of the rules and said "If
there are some factual errors about OVSD rules, then the anonymous poster should present them."
I tried to enter the following but I was either not allowed on or there was a glitch-I suspect the latter since Al likes to prove he’s better than the board. (see below).
I wasn't the anonymous poster but I'll comment anyway. OCC implies there is something wrong with the rules and the wrong is supposed to be self evident. Why else would he post them as examples of the board’s flagrant misuse of its “power” and evil intent. I suggest the problem isn't with the factual rules but with his opinion and skewed interpretation of them.
He listed “our” rules as follows...
“Public Participation Rules at OVSD board meetings."
"1.Filling out a blue card with your name, address, and topics to be presented at the meeting.
2.Identifying yourself when speaking."
These are in fact, 2 of the rules. They have been operating practice for many years.
What is the problem with them? How do they compromise your rights?
"3.Three minute time limitation at the regular board meeting.
4.Thirty minute topic limit at the regular board meeting."
Again factual. The reasons for them have been explained countless times in public and on the blog. Omitted, as usual, is the fact that there are unrestricted opportunities for public comment at committee meetings when these topics are fully discussed and pretty much decided. (There may be an occasional topic, every few years, that comes up without being discussed in committee, but allowance for extended comment at the regular meeting can be made IF that happens.) In addition, the time limit has actually been very rarely, if ever, enforced mostly because most people try to be concise as a matter of courtesy. It also can be extended, if needed, by either the presiding officer or a majority of the board. Amazingly, the old limit, which was never complained about, was 10 minutes/topic which could all be used by one person if he was long winded. So, the total time limit was actually tripled by the new “restrictive” rules.
"5.Address only the board president."
This is common practice and always has been. The presiding officer then refers the question, if required, to the appropriate other person for answer or comment.
What's wrong with this?
"6.Be video taped by a school representative."
This is the oft repeated, exaggerated and untrue "attempt to intimidate" charge again. It has been previously debunked. Aside from the absurdity of the accusation, the OCC has done the same with no apparent effect on the board or public. So, once again, what’s the problem?
"7.Participation can be terminated for any reason."
Now we get into less than the full truth. There are actually 6 sensible reasons listed for terminating a statement. Check the policy for yourselves, at no charge at the admin building.
"8.Police can remove speaker from meeting."
Specifically, a speaker who "so interferes with the orderly conduct of the meeting as to warrant such action."
Despite some occasionally unruly behavior, this has never been used. There is not even a police officer in regular attendence. This is common in most school districts' rules and is an "in case of need" rule.
Who has a problem with this?
He also says "The Oley Concerned Citizens Blog does not have any of these rules for participation."
WOWSER! Since none of them can apply to the blog situation, he deserves a lot of credit! Except that his new screening procedure can be construed as pretty similar in intent. On the blog you have the luxury of not reading a comment in full, if you so choose. You can also read it, maybe even think about it and respond. These are luxuries not available to board members during meetings. Al has repeatedly refused to provide copies of his prepared statements for the board to read before, or during his attacks.
He later said:
"The only reason the board did not increase the millage higher was because of the inflation index and the fear of a referendum."
"We know the taxes would have been higher because the board refuses to disclose the infamous "Big Ticket List" to the public."
I think, and Al will certainly correct me even if I'm right, that the tax increases in the last few years would have fit pretty well within the current Act 1 rules, especially with the exceptions it specifies. Yes, I do have the numbers.
As Al is aware, and ignores, there is always a Big Ticket List and most of the items on it are NOT accepted as necessary enough to pass into the budget. This occurs every year and always has happened, even before occ. They are not, as he has accused, "expenditures". If any of these items are included in the budget, they become visible for public comment. Incidentally, I am personally in favor of allowing public access to the list even if it is not technically a public record. I think this is reasonable, and also would forestall this kind of false alarm.
"The blog's current guru of diplomacy, RS."
You aren't going to draw me into this nonsense. Sorry I offend you because I want to treat everyone and their opinions with respect. Is that such a foreign concept?
When you have your life threatened for what you believe and for what you want to do for the good of our the people in this district it is time to step down. Linda may have stepped down but she never stopped caring for this district. She is a ray of sunshine. She speaks the truth and you pro-boarders, Dale, Cappa or whoever should stop the attacks
Easter is coming, Dale and Cappa can you find it in yourselves to be nice.
Yes the 3 board members running have children in the district, but 1 pulled one of his children out of this district. He could not stand to put her in the MS. Time will tell how these new 3 members will be. We already know the 2 present members running are worthless. They do not care about the taxpayers at all.
I have not be on this blog in a while but I see the attacks keep coming. No facts just attacks. You make me laugh. This district is a joke. The facts that the OCC have been putting on this blog come from the school districts own information. Maybe if Heckman or Zackon put the same information on this blog you would believe them. You do not like that the public knows what is going on in this district. We pay the bills, we have children in the schools here, we have the right to know what is going on. ALL OF IT!!!!
Yes, because we have the facts. The occ has the facts. We are smart. You are dum.
But we can spell and remember our grammar lessons.
Oh Cappa, your jokes are getting dull. Say something new for once.
Did someone accuse RS, LB, and other previous board members of being liberals with weak views of local governance? I think that someone was Mr. OCC himself.
We have the facts and you do not like that we put them on the blog. Toooo bad. It is about time someone steps up to the plate for the good of the whole district. Thanks Al for your caring and thoughtfulness to this district. There are alot of us that trully do care.
What ever happened to those Daniel Boone facts and figures. No data to support your claims? No truth in you statements!
Hey 8:06, what's your criteria for "worthless?" I guess you think very highly of your own OPINION too.
Are you Miss OCC, Queen of all Judgement now?
What happened to: Fact & Trugh reigneth? Kindness? Easter?
What does Al and the OCC plan to do with this infamous Big Ticket Wish List anyway? Maybe he'd like to personally fund some of these things - like one that was discussed at a budget meeting: HS classroom desks, or other such "non-essential" fluff items.
But he wants the district to pay for consultants and auditors!
We are not allowed to see the wish list. How would we know if anything is worthwhile?
Time and again the mantra has been from the School Board that we want your input, answer surveys, volunteer for committees, but they were obviously just kidding around. A "referendum" might mean a real grasp on controlling the tax and spenders, and it's like showing Dracula the cross.
As to why LB is not seeking a seat on the board: We are moving as soon as we have settlement here? How many times must I say that? People who live out of the school district/state cannot legally serve on the Oley Board.
I use my full last name for legal issues -- taxes, etc. and do business with the shortened version of my last name because it's just easier. There's nothing to hide. Lots of people have business names and personal names. What's the issue.
I did not want to be on the board again after my first term as there was a lot going on personally -- our 16 yr. old niece/Godchild had been killed in a car accident in October and my mother suddenly passed away in January previous to the beginning of the primary season.
Anything else anybody wants to know?
Some Big Ticket items were discussed at a budget meeting. I guess you weren't there. I guess you don't know everything. Maybe you could read someone's mind and find out.
Hey George,
Scroll up to March 24 1:06PM to find out how wonderful referendum will be year after year.
OCC said "Referendums give the community a better opportunity to participate in the management of education"
I thought the community participates by electing representatives to the school board. The reps then put in a fair amount of work and thought and see what needs to be done. The general community meanwhile goes about their own business which mostly consists of blissful ignorance of school related matters. Ask your neighbors about Act 1. My bet is that most don't know it exists or what it requires, and they still won't know on the day after they vote for or against it. The haters on the blog won't know but will be sure they do, because they "have all the facts and everyone else is dum".
If you think the whole community votes these board members in you are wrong. We have terrible turnouts on Election Day. Heckman has gotten re-elected by 200 or so votes at the primary in May. I would not call that a victory. I would call that pitiful. We need more people to have TIME from working 2 or more jobs to come and vote.
What would you call yourself Cappa? With you being on the board you have not done anything worth talking about. The only thing you find job in doing is attacking the messenger and trying to silence us from talking at board meetings. You cannot stop this blog from speaking the truth and putting the facts out for all to see. Why do you continue to blast Al for putting YOUR FACTS ON THE BLOG. THATS RIGHT THE DISTRICTS OWN INFORMATION IS BEING WRITTEN ON THIS BLOG.
GREAT JOY NOT JOB ON ABOVE BLOG
Why didn't one of you board haters run for school board?
I figure you'd be licking your chops salivating with anticipation to know what happens in executive sessions and reading the secret big ticket item list.
But instead there is nothing but hot air blowing from the OCC windbag.
With tight controls coming your way from Harrisburg why run. Also as was mentioned how many times, that as long as you, Heckman and Zackon are present I for one would not run. I need to live longer then 40 something for my family. You people can make anyone ill. The state and federal gov't need to step in and take over the handling of our tax dollars. Nothing in this district will change if I was on the board. We would need a clean sweep. With Dale at the courthouse in the past scaring people not to run for board, I will not put myself in that position. I rather not see any of you at all EVER.
“Omitted, as usual, is the fact that there are unrestricted opportunities for public comment at committee meetings when these topics are fully discussed and pretty much decided. “
The committee meetings have much the same participation restrictions as the board meetings.
In the case of the policy committee, they would not let the audience see the material they were discussing. The board had to see if first.
There can be no meaningful input from the public unless they have privy to real time data.
I suspect this is by design.
“In addition, the time limit has actually been very rarely, if ever, enforced mostly because most people try to be concise as a matter of courtesy.”
More than once the board tried to cut me off when making a formal presentation on how they could have a no tax increase budgets.
Were it not for people at the meeting giving me their three minutes to speak, the presentation would have been terminated.
The board was so angry the public supported a taxpayer, they created a policy where people can no longer share minutes with other speakers.
“So, the total time limit was actually tripled by the new “restrictive” rules.”
This is called fuzzy math. The truth of the matter, the board does not want public participation.
It allows too many questions, they do not want to answer.
“This is the oft repeated, exaggerated and untrue "attempt to intimidate" charge again. It has been previously debunked. Aside from the absurdity of the accusation, the OCC has done the same with no apparent effect on the board or public”
Mr. Cappa brought a camera to a meeting and tried to intimidate a female speaker. He tried to do the same with other speakers.
The board buys into this tactic and has a full time camera person now taping speakers. To this day, we have never gotten any explanation for the change.
Questions from the public generate counter attacks from the board.
“Now we get into less than the full truth. There are actually 6 sensible reasons listed for terminating a statement. Check the policy for yourselves, at no charge at the admin building.”
Perhaps, this board member might take his own advice.
The presiding officer can terminate a discussion if he deems it not to be “relevant”. If they cannot stop a person from speaking with “6 sensible reasons”, they can prevent participation with the catch all rule of relevance.
The board has been under fire for their budget presentations.
At first, they say the public comes too late in the process, and then they are accused of coming too early.
The board refuses to answer specific questions about taxpayer money regardless of their arrival time.
They remedy the inconvenience of replying to questions by manufacturing rules to intimidate and inhibit public participation.
School boards throughout the state are feeling the pressure of the community wanting more input into the administration of education, that they have the Pennsylvania School Board Association lobby Harrisburg to weaken Sunshine Laws.
“Despite some occasionally unruly behavior, this has never been used. There is not even a police officer in regular attendence.”
When more people showed up during the budget process , the police suddenly appeared in the hallway next to the meeting.
There was no justification for this action.
If the board can’t use cameras and policies to scare citizens away, then they enroll the services of the police.
Mr. Cappa uses the word “regular” defending the intimidation. When people complained of the Gestapo tactic, all of a sudden, the police attendance does not become so regular.
“On the blog you have the luxury of not reading a comment in full, if you so choose. You can also read it, maybe even think about it and respond. These are luxuries not available to board members during meetings.”
If a board member tires of listening to the public, he should not be on the board.
“Al has repeatedly refused to provide copies of his prepared statements for the board to read before, or during his attacks.”
Maybe, too much trust and confidence has been given to people who have been put in positions of power.
If nine school board members, a superintendent, an assistant superintendent, principals, and a solicitor cannot answer simple questions from a taxpayer, then we need to find people who can.
“I think, and Al will certainly correct me even if I'm right, that the tax increases in the last few years would have fit pretty well within the current Act 1 rules, especially with the exceptions it specifies. “
It would be interesting to know the definition of “fit pretty well within the current Act 1 rules” of tax increases.
The truth of the matter is that the millage increases in the last six years have exceeded not only the inflation index, but the state average weekly wage index.
No matter what index is chosen, the board raises millage more than families and seniors ability to pay.
At no time has the district shown any consideration or concern for this debacle, except lip service.
Instead, they use cameras, policies, and on occasion police to silence the voices of concern.
“Yes, I do have the numbers.”
We would be interested in seeing these numbers, as well as the documentation.
“As Al is aware, and ignores, there is always a Big Ticket List and most of the items on it are NOT accepted as necessary enough to pass into the budget…. They are not, as he has accused, "expenditures". If any of these items are included in the budget, they become visible for public comment. “
Why can’t this list become “visible for public comment” prior to them being tucked away in a budget?
If these planned expenditures are worthy of being put on a list, then the board should have no problems justifying them to the community.
I would bet that a number of people trying to keep their homes would be willing to run the gauntlet of cameras, restrictive participation policies, and patrolling police, to ask questions about the spending of their money on non-educational, non-state mandated or funded wish list projects.
“Incidentally, I am personally in favor of allowing public access to the list even if it is not technically a public record. I think this is reasonable, and also would forestall this kind of false alarm.”
Technicalities are for lawyers and politicians.
The proof of your willingness to forthright with the community is to put the “list of big ticket items” on the blog.
The taxpayers of Oley choose to live in ignorant bliss allowing nine people, once a year, to plunder their savings and push them closer and closer to financial chaos.
While the citizens of the Oley Valley waste their time going to the Oley Fair and other such diversions the clock keeps ticking.
By the time most of you wake up it will be too late.
Hey Cappa, whats up? Cat got your tongue? Why are you not attacking Al today? Did you take your happy med's today? You cannot attack Al as his response from your blog is the truth.
the citizens of the Oley Valley waste their time going to the Oley Fair and other such diversions the clock keeps ticking.
By the time most of you wake up it will be too late.
8:23 AM, March 27, 2007
Great. Now you bash th Oley Fair also.
- Some Guy in Oley
Anonymous said...
Hey Cappa, whats up? Cat got your tongue? Why are you not attacking Al today? Did you take your happy med's today? You cannot attack Al as his response from your blog is the truth.
4:06 PM, March 27, 2007
You know Al, you threw your blanket of censorship over your blog a short time back for personal attacks such as this one again toward Dr.Cappa. Will you please restrain or discipline your Oley school board hating friends?
Al, no restrictions, please. Why change things? As we have it now, concerned citizens get to ask their questions and the other bloggers get to show us their class.
LET'S SEE THE LIST!
Let us not talk about class, honey. I don't think you want to get into making the comparison of class between those of us who support the school and those of you who don't.
Al, you certainly like to "hear yourself talk." What a shame that most of your statments take a smidgen of truth then distort it to try to make a point. Can the board ever make a "right" decision in your eyes? I certainly think not!
Dear Blogger anonymous 7:07:
Prove to us that the OCC has not been telling the truth.
We only use THE SCHOOL'S numbers, the schools' policies, and information obtained from the district, so where are your facts from the district that prove us wrong?
BRING IT ON!
Or maybe there's nothing to bring.
BRING IT OWN IS RIGHT!! COME ON SHOW US WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE FACTS THAT HAVE BEEN WRITTEN ON THIS BLOG BY THE OCC. YOU CANNOT DO THAT BECAUSE THE FACTS COME FROM YOU! WHAT IS SAID ABOUT THE DR. IS CORRECT. LOOK WHAT HE WRITES ABOUT AL. HE 100% ATTACKS THE PEOPLE THAT CARE ABOUT THIS SYSTEM. SHOW US THE FACTS THAT ARE NOT CORRECT DR.
Hey everyone:
I thought long, long ago, there was a blogger who said this blog would DIE.
The reason it's not dying is that Cappa and his buddies can't and won't let it die. It's absolutely driving them insane that this is a situation they cannot CONTROL, and CONTROL is what it's all about with this board and administration.
You are correct. Control, control, control.
Can the board ever make a "right" decision in your eyes? I certainly think not!
7:07 PM, March 27, 2007
I agree with 7:07PM. No matter what this school board and administration does the concerned citizen bloggers/ board haters will never give them one ounce of credit. I was at the large meeting at the high school where the rowdy crowd demanded that the board take a vote right then and there to approve a football program. And there was only one board member who had the sense to ask the rest of the board to slow down and postpone a vote until more information could be considered.
The football supporters yelled and threatened the board that they would get theirs come election time. Well I want to thank Mrs. Bieber for being the one voice of reason that night. The rest of the board agreed to put off the vote and in the weeks that followed the football suporters withdrew their proposal. Had the board been bullied into approving football that night, who knows what would have happened down the road. Point being, I never once read anyone here thank Mrs. Bieber. Shame on you board bashers. It must be nice to sit at your comfy computers and type your opinions while others actually do the heavy lifting.
Dear 9:04:
How do you know she wasn't thanked?
You come to one meeting and all of a sudden your're an expert.
POUND SAND!
Mrs. Bieber did one thing OK in your eyes. Well what a record to be proud of in 4 years.
John, did you write this blog admiring your wife?
Where has she been the last four years on other important issues?
Some might call it chickening out and not standing up for what you believe is right.
POUND SAND!
9:12 PM, March 27, 2007
Al, look what clever articulate retort your friends produce.
You must be so proud.
Show us the list. What are you hiding?
What about the rest of the blog. Anything to say about that.
Are you now the BOARD MEETING EXPERT?
It is 10:17pm who are you? Are you the nice man that never attacks the OCC? I do not think so. You cannot silence us from writing on this blog and that is killing you. Pound sand is being nice.
I wonder how many holes are in the walls of Dr. Zackon's office, waiting to be repaired.
Anonymous said...
Hey everyone:
I thought long, long ago, there was a blogger who said this blog would DIE.
The reason it's not dying is that Cappa and his buddies can't and won't let it die. It's absolutely driving them insane that this is a situation they cannot CONTROL, and CONTROL is what it's all about with this board and administration.
8:29 PM, March 27, 2007
Let me give you all a clue. There have been many time that I have dropped off an idea here or deliberately made a comment that you people just ran with and got tangled into for days at a time. This blog is like teasing kittens.
Simple and childishly amusing.
Right back at you.
The family can delegate its educational tasks to the government. However, nobody should be taxed for educational facilities not used by them. We rarely get talented scholars in government education. Go to the District Office and read the latest doctoral thesis not for a snooze but to make your blood boil at the ripoff.
Hey Al, fix the clock. Ever hear of day light saving time?
Who cares what time it is?
The Nextel agreement seems to be concluding.
We spent a great deal of money on legal fees for the agreement.
The board was willing to violate the spirit if not the intent of the Sunshine Law when they refused to publicly discuss details.
There were remarks the district would see a financial windfall.
This advertised bonanza should provide nothing short of property tax relief for the homeowners of the Oley Valley.
Advertised bonanza? Details please.
"............this blog is like teasing kittens....."
Well, then, that certainly clears up any mystery pertaining to the character of certain bloggers. Sadly, your transparent quips verify the real truth. "Teasing kittens," is a juvenile attempt at CONTROL. Probably where many of your problems started. It's never too late to ask for help.
I see lots of speculation and opinion on here lately - please provide you facts.
People who abuse animals are real psychos.
8:50 AM:
If there are lots of speculation and opinion without facts, could you give us an example or two?
An earlier blogger mentioned that people don't know what Act 1 is, and won't, even after going to the polls and voting for or against the question. A certain Mr. Tim O'Rourke from the Gov. Mifflin district is just as confused in the Reading Eagle editorials yesterday. Every school board must put a question on the ballot regarding "reducing property taxes" through either EIT or PIT. They also don't realize that the Governor will be forcing boards to vote for higher taxes, or risk a lower index the following year. Not only has he forced a confrontation between old and young, there is also a struggle between the state and this local governing body who represent the taxpayers.
"Advertised bonanza? Details please."
You might want to contact the board president and other members who strongly suggest the Nextel agreement would be a financial windfall.
They refuse to provide the details.
So, taking them at their word, "you will have to trust us", Oley Valley should be drowning in money soon.
If the board members have not been deceiving us, the homeowners should see significant property tax relief.
I love your interpretations, you might just have a future in Tarrot readings. Do you "speak in tongues" too?
Dear blogger that just can't stand Al and/or the OCC:
If this blog and it's supporters get under your skin so much, why not divert your time, effort, and boundless energy into the direction of a more rewarding avenue. Perhaps you could volunteer at the school, like many others do! Or, volunteer your spare time and energy at a hospital or old folks home. If you already are involved in these rewarding pass-times, maybe you could become a public speaker. Think of the wasted talent you could be sharing with the needy. Put on a happy face! Share your knowledge!
No, the cat left my tongue alone. I just don't spend nearly as much time as I am accused of in paying attention to the babbling of bloggers, good or not so good.
In response to my response to Al's unsubstantiated accusations, he replied with a whole crop of off the target "
'answers"
He said, "More than once the board tried to cut me off when making a formal presentation on how they could have a no tax increase budgets.Were it not for people at the meeting giving me their three minutes to speak, the presentation would have been terminated.The board was so angry the public supported a taxpayer, they created a policy where people can no longer share minutes with other speakers."
I'm only aware of Al being asked to step down once- at a formal meeting when he was doing his usual routine of board baiting. He is so full of himself that he once requested/suggested that since we occasionally have experts present info we need, that we schedule him for a half hour or so, as a self appointed expert on the budget.He could then tell us for the umteenth time how we don't live up to his expectations and how he would fix everything if only he was on the board-or more likely, the czar of the universe. He did not then or ever, present us with any useful suggestions on major money saving moves.
There never has been a board policy to allow giving of time by one speaker to another, so we could not cancel it to protect ourselves from his wisdom. LB claimed that congress does it, but forgot they do it only for other members of congress. They, nor most other public bodies, don't allow for public participation at all. This position is, of course, anathema to school boards who like to hear from a broad range of constituents.
I would still like to hear Al's ideas, if he has any, on what in this specific budget he would eliminate except for a couple of cell phones. By now he should have been informed who actually has them, if he cared to follow up and not just make his usual fuss about an unproven accusation.
He also said
"The board has been under fire for their budget presentations.
At first, they say the public comes too late in the process, and then they are accused of coming too early. The board refuses to answer specific questions about taxpayer money regardless of their arrival time."
This is pure misrepresentation of the truth, ie blarney. Occasionally he asks a deeply probing question, like: "who has the cell phones", which can't be answered immediately off the cuff but will be provided if he really wants it.
"When more people showed up during the budget process , the police suddenly appeared in the hallway next to the meeting. There was no justification for this action.
If the board can’t use cameras and policies to scare citizens away, then they enroll the services of the police."
I suspect the police showed up 'just in case', possibly at the request of the administration. Other districts' board meetings have reportedly been rowdy and occasionally required police to control excited participants . Was anyone actually, at this meeting, accosted,threatened or intimidated by the police? I don't think so.
"Mr. Cappa uses the word “regular” defending the intimidation."
I said there is not a police officer in regular attendence. Once out of several hundred meetings would seem to make that an accurate statement.I didn't defend any intimidation because I was,and still am, unaware that any intimidation happened. Mr jacobs apparentlly is easily intimidated since he claims that taping a meeting is also an attempt at intimidation. Has that ever deterred anyone from speaking, as opposed to boldly demanding that someone obey her and then speaking anyway?
I said
“Al has repeatedly refused to provide copies of his prepared statements for the board to read before, or during his attacks.”
His, to me, irrelevent reply:
"Maybe, too much trust and confidence has been given to people who have been put in positions of power."
What does this mean, Al?
Then, " If nine school board members, a superintendent, an assistant superintendent, principals, and a solicitor cannot answer simple questions from a taxpayer, then we need to find people who can."
To the best of my knowledge answers are always found, if they exist. Sometimes the answers are so simple that Al can't understand them. However, that is not the content to which I was referring. I would like to see Al's allegations and accusations which are ofter multiple, twisted, and confusing at first glance (on second glance they are usually simply not true) in advance so they can be straightened out.
More: "If these planned expenditures are worthy of being put on a list, then the board should have no problems justifying them to the community."
As mentioned before, these are not "planned expenditures". If they were, they would not be called a "wish list". Most do not, despite baseless accusations, ever make it to the budget.
ETC,ETC.
I realize many, if not most, of you who gather around this site have no interest in anything that doesn't feed your frenzy. Consequently, you will never pay attention to anything that is not derogatory about the board. For the few seekers of accuracy, I suggest you attend a board or committee meeting and maybe talk to a board member. We are not, as accused, carefully selected to represent some secret cabal. We often end up agreeing because we have no viable alternative.
Honk, honk, honk.
Feed your frenzy! Come to a board meeting and talk to the members, are you for real? Oh my you are off your rocker Dr. Cappa. What do you think we have been doing the past 6-7 years that I have going to the meetings? We ask a question or even make a suggestion and look out! If looks could kill I would be not here writing to you. The board never makes a meeting inviting. They stuff us out with blasting heat, they never ask us if we would like a glass of water, they just get one for themselves. Why would anyone want to come to this evil room. No more of this circus for me. Nothing has change in all the years I have been coming. Even when I came and did not speak just listened, I got nasty looks. The whole bunch of you are disgusting.
Hey Cappa:
If Al isn't bothering you, what are you yapping about?
Are you now the #1 appointed spokesperson for the Oley School Board?
I have heard you make comments you don't understand the budget and you have no interest in understanding the budget in a conversation that YOU and I had about a year and a half ago.
That statement makes me believe that you couldn't give a darn about finances in this school district.
I have a question to ask you, since you seem to be dishing out answers for everything else.
What was the determining factor that made you run for school board?
This is an honest question, and I would like an honest answer. I am very interested in what or who persuaded you to run for school board.
Lights, Camera, Action:
Easter Bunny is out on lawn. Let us all hope nobody comes by and puts a nasty note on the Bunny like they did to the snowman.
We can see you!!
I wonder if someone on the board would be interested in pursuing the Toyota USA Foundation grant.
It sounds like a great grant to apply for. In January 2007 they gave out $1.4+ million in monies to educational institutions to support the promotion of math and science programs in K-12.
Perhaps someone on the board might be inclined to apply for this grant.
Gosh! That's not the same as
Tri-County Toyota, is it?
We all know how their space ship came to town and, well, they must have done something. There name is in print on Main Street.
Dear Townfolk,
Here's a little quiz!
WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?
A. Serve the community by being on the school board
B. Volunteer to help hurricane victims
C. Go to church to worship God
D. Enter blogs that mirror the length of the Dead Sea Scrolls and belittle everyone that does not share THEIR point of view
????????????????????????????
“I'm only aware of Al being asked to step down once- at a formal meeting when he was doing his usual routine of board baiting.”
“Board baiting” to an indifferent board member is asking questions.
You are promoted to “diatribe” when you embarrass them about the millions in off-budget funds that can be used for a no-tax-increase budget.
“He could then tell us for the umteenth time how we don't live up to his expectations and how he would fix everything if only he was on the board-or more likely, the czar of the universe.”
No doubt, the board member who does not like to listen to the public can provide us with some documentation on this claim.
So far, the nine board members have a track record of wasting money, spending too much money, and have nothing to show for their poor performance.
“He did not then or ever, present us with any useful suggestions on major money saving moves.”
Millions sitting in off-budget funds, how many times is it necessary to repeat this.
I guess not enough to a board member who is tired of his responsibilities or has another agenda.
“There never has been a board policy to allow giving of time by one speaker to another, so we could not cancel it to protect ourselves from his wisdom.”
Again, if he was paying attention at meetings, he would know this was the practice many times until he changed it.
“I would still like to hear Al's ideas, if he has any, on what in this specific budget he would eliminate except for a couple of cell phones.”
Millions is off-budget funds, Millions is off-budget funds, Millions is off-budget funds, Millions is off-budget funds……year, after year, after year…..
Do you hear me now ?
“By now he should have been informed who actually has them, if he cared to follow up and not just make his usual fuss about an unproven accusation. “
Lets not make a fuss about 17 unnamed people having cell phones for which we pay $10,303.07 per year.
At the price of boring Mr. Cappa with details, we are paying for three internet providers,
BCIU at a cost of $20,520 per year, Penteledata at a cost of $3,000 per year, and the new toy, Internet2 at a cost of at least $3540.00 per year.
I guess the logic of three ISP’s is that if we hand out cell phones like candy, why not have more than one flavor of internet access.
“I suspect the police showed up 'just in case', possibly at the request of the administration.”
He blames the administration for a show of force!
With Mr. Cappa’s record dealing with the public and his policies to inhibit and restrict public participation at meetings, it could suggest his accusation is nothing more than” finger pointing”.
“Once out of several hundred meetings would seem to make that an accurate statement.I didn't defend any intimidation because I was,and still am, unaware that any intimidation happened.”
This attempt at a declaration of fact has to be measured against his public admission he does not like to pay attention at meetings.
“To the best of my knowledge answers are always found, if they exist. Sometimes the answers are so simple that Al can't understand them….
As mentioned before, these are not "planned expenditures". If they were, they would not be called a "wish list”
We see that you will not produce the list of big items as requested.
If they are so unimportant as you claim then why are you not producing this list?
You ask a simple question and you get a simple response from a politician, No….
This is called stonewalling. The person knows the answer but refuses to be honest.
“For the few seekers of accuracy, I suggest you attend a board or committee meeting and maybe talk to a board member. We are not, as accused, carefully selected to represent some secret cabal “
The Do’s and Don'ts Attending a Board Meeting.
Do:
1. Cheer lead.
2. Praise.
3. Spend Money on wish lists.
4. Don’t ask questions.
Don’ts:
1. Ask specific questions about the budget.
2. Ask too many questions.
3. Cut spending.
4. Ask for accountability.
5. Bore the board
6. Attend the meeting.
“We often end up agreeing because we have no viable alternative.”
Some people would call this “rubber stamping”.
Rubber stampers is the flock the administration leads by the nose because they do not have the ability or the willingness to ask questions.
A rubber stamping school board also meets the criteria of “team players”.
"WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?"
Is someone comparing a board member to Jesus !!
Actually, it appears as though someone on the board is comparing themself to Jesus.
And I bet He is not amused!
Jesus wept.
The Dr. tries to belittle the taxpayers, like the letter he wrote to a man that only had a few months to live telling him to stop complaining about his taxes.
He will not belittle the OCC. I wish Don Levan was here to see what has come of this board.
It was bad when he was alive, now look!!!
God Bless Don Levan and his family.
This blog reads more like the National Enquirer every day! (Any shocking news to reveal today Al?)
Heard there was a pizza delivery man who lives on Main Street!
church is a good place to go and ask for forgivness
although you c an do that anywhere
the way we heard it, you do get forgiven for your sins unless you keep doing the same darned sin over and over again then I guess you would be treated like any other repeat offender. As for me, I have always tried to learn from my mistakes, and sure would not like to be known as a pillar of the community that repeatedly causes turmoil then pat myself on the back for being so good at it
Who are you talking about: The board is the one that is putting turmoil in this community. If people realize it or not, come July they will see another tax increase in the bill. This tax increase as well as the ones for the past few years could of been avoided if the board cared about the community at all. We have money in off budget funds that can be used but the board refuses to use any of this money for a no-tax increase. Sham,sham.
Gosh Al. You really invest a lot of time to this blog. I can't imagine having so much free time.
Like someone said, maybe you should consider
A. Serve the community by being on the school board
B. Volunteer to help hurricane victims
(I'll leave the church suggestion alone. That's between you and my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ)
- Some Guy in Oley
Mr. Jacons said, "Millions is off-budget funds, Millions is off-budget funds, Millions is off-budget funds, Millions is off-budget funds……year, after year, after year….."
OK Mr. Jacobs. After you give back taxpayer money, then what???
What keeps cost down after that? What do you then cut?
Every public school district has costs go up. Labor costs & medical insurance costs being the bulk of it. How do you suggest those 2 major item costs be held down?
You keep those 2 costs down by negotiating a reasonable teacher contract with modest raises and higher insurance co-pays. Also, you ask "what keeps costs down after that"? The board keeps costs down, that's who. It's called fiscal responsibility. What do they cut? That's what they are elected for, to make those decisions. How about a million dollar track for starters?
You and YOUR Lord Jesus Christ?
Well, Happy Easter to you and yours, TOO.
A child of 3 or 4 years knows that OUR Lord Jesus Christ is just that,
OUR LORD.
And he's praying for all of us, the young, the old, the rich, the poor, the ill, the healthy, and.... even some guy in Oley.
There is a simple way to control costs. Many times the question has been asked-"what is the cost of basic education"?
The question has not been answered.
I was at a board meeting a few years ago when Dr. Moser was there doing his performance. I remember his quote "Ask a question, and we will answer, and if we don't have an answer, we will get one.
Many times questions have been asked since then, still no answers. Dr. Moser, are you there????
Getting back to cutting costs--Pay only for basic education, and have a student activity fee to cover the frills. Is the bowling team a state mandate?
I don't think there is anything on the books to prevent someone from making a "Good Will Donation" in addition to their tax bill should they be so inspired.
8:03 PM said
"I have heard you make comments you don't understand the budget and you have no interest in understanding the budget in a conversation that YOU and I had about a year and a half ago. I have a question to ask you, since you seem to be dishing out answers for everything else."
This poster misquoted me to the same extent in a previous blog in which I repeated what I had ACTUALLY said- which, of course, is pretty different from his para phrasing of it.
If he/she has a question I would be glad to answer it -but in person. I would like to know the identity of this serial deliberate misquoter, since I remember the comment but not the person.
OCC replied to my assertion that
“He did not then or ever, present us with any useful suggestions on major money saving moves.”
His, as usual inaccurate answer:
"Millions sitting in off-budget funds, how many times is it necessary to repeat this."
You can repeat it a million times, Al, but it still won't be an answer to the question. As commented by another blogger, this does not decrease the budget. Yuu should give us a useful suggestion instead of a lot of empty rhetoric. The explanation for unbudgeted reserve funds has been given to Al many, many times. If anyone else doesn't understand the rationale for keeping money in reserve, feel free to ask.
His other answer, "17 unnamed people with cell phones" is not a relative answer especially since at least half were identified and an offer was made to identify the rest, if he really wanted to know that specific piece of information. HE did not request it.
He made a statement to which I answered:
“I suspect the police showed up 'just in case', possibly at the request of the administration.”
He deliberately twists my statement to mean I "blames the administration for a show of force!"
I actually don't think there was a show of force as he means it and explained my reasons, which he ignores or doesn't understand.
I just realized that I feel sorry for our self esteemed OCC- though I may continue to respond to his rants. Even if he can't change his mind, maybe one of his followers can be 'saved' from his delusions.
While you're at it, why not take your questions a bit further? How about asking the soul of the late Don Levan how he was treated by the one and only RC? That sure is some strange set of rules you follow up there on Main Street. Yep, that sure is strange.
The conversation Dr. Cappa, was out in the parking lot after a board meeting, while we were having a polite conversation.
Cindy Smith
And since you're answering questions, Dr. Cappa, what are we going to do with the millions in off-budget funds? What are we saving them up for?
Could someone on the board please explain to me why a computer was charged to the Driver's Education budget, as this did not appear in the AFR?
Driver's Education budget? Does that mean Oley still has Driver's education? For some reason, I thought I heard that had been dropped a few years back. Please explaine.
"...Getting back to cutting costs--Pay only for basic education, and have a student activity fee to cover the frills. Is the bowling team a state mandate?
I don't think there is anything on the books to prevent someone from making a "Good Will Donation" in addition to their tax bill should they be so inspired..."
I am glad to see you think so much about the children.
I bet you walked to school uphill in the snow both ways, even in July.
It was good enough years ago to have activities, but apprently not now. That is because education costs got out of control. Why? Well for several decades (at least 4 decades), the irresponsible adults in the community, state and country kept electing the same people into office, allowing the lobbyists to take control. Now those same voters wish to take from their children and grand children to solve the problem.
History truly does repeat!
Driver's education theory is still a class.
There is no behind the wheel driver ed. in this school district. So whats up with the computer? Hello answer the question.
Hello Cappa, you have not answered the questions tonight! I think you should once and for all come clean with the people. Maybe you will be saved from all your past rants. Maybe Don Levan's family will forgive you if you become honest with the people that are paying for you and your wife's retirement. It is nice to be able to stroll hand and hand down Main St. when your neighbors do not have money for meds, food, gas and the basics to live. I hope you are happy with the way you have and continue to treat the fine people of this district. Shame on you. Grow up and come clean.
"You can repeat it a million times, Al, but it still won't be an answer to the question. As commented by another blogger, this does not decrease the budget. Yuu should give us a useful suggestion instead of a lot of empty rhetoric."
The contention that off-budget funds would not reduce the budget expenditures is either a deliberate attempt to deceive or a shocking lack of knowledge.
As has been explained by the business manager more than once at public meetings, the off-budget funds can be used to reduce the expenses of a budget. When you use off-budgets funds, you reduce the size of millage increase.
Add this to the fact that the inflation index coupled with the exemptions to the index, gives the district more than enough money for education.
The board has a surplus of funds and a generous yearly revenue to meet legitimate needs.
We see you still refuse to provide the list of big ticket items as promised.
Big ticket items + millions sitting in off-budget funds = wish list tax increases.
Sign the petition to eliminate the exemptions to the referendum and level the playing field for the taxpayer.
Thats right Al, good job explaining in the above blog. Level the playing field! I like it. The taxpayers need the truth from this board. We should have in the past few years at least a new tax increase. What big item are they up to now? How can they sleep at night?
NO NOT NEW. Sorry wrong word. We sure do not need a new tax increase. Everyone breath! No is the word!
"Add this to the fact that the inflation index coupled with the exemptions to the index, gives the district more than enough for education."
I haven't heard what that total is, how many mills can the budget go up to withoug needing a referendum vote? I think I heard Boyertown was something like 1.4 millls.
Every school district has a different situation. Each school's inflation index is different, so no two schools would be indentical or have identical circumstances. There is a formula to determine this.
If OCC badgered Mike O'Pake as much as they do the Oley School district, I bet you'd get some real help from Harrisburg where the real problems are.
Nah, O'Pake is owned by too many big fish. The citizens are only important to him at election time.
O'Pake is useless. Unless you need a new map of Pa.
I heard O'Pake charges $.25 copying fee for each map.
O'Pake
gimme a break
start a list of accomplishments
right here_________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
go ahead, start writing.
And don't forget how he took care of HIS retirement.
Mike Opake makes the senior citizens very happy. That's because they actually believe he's doing something for them. Those things happen when people get older and pay too much attention to playing bingo and taking Bieber bus trips to get free lunch and a day out. Our old folks deserve better than what they are getting, don't you think? We give big tax dollars to provide an education to public school kids, SOME of which actually work hard and appreciate the education. So we put our heads together and come up with great ideas. We allow our seniors to live on a dinky budget and award the school kids with a million dollar track. Bet you won't see too many Bieber busses providing transportation to see the 8th wonder of the world.
How can all those seniors afford to ride the Bieber buses to the casino when according to many in here they are all working two jobs, and can't afford to buy medicine and food due to "high" taxes. Hmmmm....maybe they are working at the casinos?
Well, wiseguy, the bus companies charge very little for groups of seniors to take the bus to AC. And, they give the seniors special vouchers which they can cash in to either gamble or spend as they choose. Our neighborhood has a group that goes down a couple of times a year. The vouchers they get reimburse them for the price of the bus ticket, and they have enough left over to buy a small lunch and see the ocean, walk the boards, etc. Most do not bother to gamble. I think they figure it's enough of a gamble just being the age they are...without plunking coins in the slots. They get a day away from home, see some sights, get a free meal, and get to chew the fat with other seniors. You have a problem with that?
p.s. blogger 9:04...
Seems as though you like to act like a creep. An igorant creep. Nobody ever implied that senior citizens were working 2 jobs. It was mentioned that many people are working two jobs PERIOD..to pay their taxes. And there certainly are seniors working, like 4 foot tall greeters at Walmart, etc. You, and all those like YOU, that think it's somehow FUNNY that anyone of any age would have to work two jobs to pay their taxes...listen here.
Times change.
People change.
Health changes.
Jobs change.
And, we get what is dealt to us, and we have to make the best of it. Those that think it could never happen to them...need to spend a few moments chatting with those that also thought it could not ever happen to them.
You never know.
So, count your blessings.
I had the opportunity
I went
You are right, these seniors, many of them anyway, are wearing really old clothing, old shoes, and for some, the glimmer of hope is fading. Playing games to make all their bills fit into their budgets, etc.
I pity the person that thinks any of that is FUNNY. You should be ashamed of yourself for even writing what you did about them going to gamble instead of saving for their taxes or working two jobs. The other blogger was right, you're a creep, and that's being nice.
Think of someone else besides yourself once in a while. And if that's a stretch, then just be considerate enough to keep your demented thoughts to yourself.
Believe it or not, the OCC is interested in what's good for everyone. Even YOU, and that sure is amazing.
The real question here is:
"Why does the younger generation think they DESERVE other people's hard earned security -- whether it be great or small?
Most of the struggling seniors that I know are in that position because of very small pensions (based on earlier salaries and costs of living), that they worked their entire lives to earn, spiralling taxes on "modest" homes, and out of control health costs that no one ever imagined. Others that are in good financial shape have usually become so because they saved and planned all of their lives, and/or their parents did so and left them a little something. Now a new generation with an insatiable desire for more and better -- at everyone else's expense -- thinks nothing of putting people out of their homes to fulfill their unrealistic and selfish wish lists.
The crux of the issue is not that older people don't pay their share, as they've done all of their lives. It's that the new generation truly believes they are entitled to what everyone has spent a lifetime saving for their personal future.
So what if seniors want to take a little bus trip or enjoy whatever years and health they have left. Why is it a crime for seniors to live comfortably. According to some of the posts, it would appear people think seniors should only live in abject poverty so all their assets can go to the new and most selfish generation ever, that has yet to pay its dues.
Many of us have often done without or made sacrifies to be able to live decently now. Yet, one would think that was a sin according to some bloggers. How does an older person's prudent planning and sensible lifestyle throughout their lives entitle anyone else to their personal assets?
So, let me see if I've got this straight. According to some on this blog, it appears they think old people have a responsibility to live as paupers so young people can have the newest and best, which they don't appreciate anyway, while they continually want more. We are one sick society.
Linda, you hit the nail on the head. It's as if our senior citizens are made to feel that they are not worthy. That is a sin.
lb said: ...The real question here is:
"Why does the younger generation think they DESERVE other people's hard earned security -- whether it be great or small?...
LB I sometimes agree with your comments, but this one is way off.
Growing up, the older generation was involved. Now they are to busy to be involved. As a kid, just about all my coaches were retirees, NOT parents. The aids in school were all seniors.
Now they seem too busy to spend time with the kids. Above some states that things change. They are correct. Unfortunately, we all don't like the change. The current generation which you seem to think are gouging the older generation were raised by that generation.
Ask any senior and they will tell you that the kids today are this. that and the other thing, except their kids and grand kids. The current system is not new, and not recently changed. It is the product of the actions of the seniors, their parents and their children.
It is time you get off your soap box and take a good look at what is around you. The current generation of kids are not being left the opportunities of milk and honey that was left to you and your peers.
The school has problems, but passing the buck and pointing out others flaws is just ignorant.
3:32 what have you been smoking? Are you kidding? Go to the Oley schools and you will see Seniors helping the children. Everyday that I am there volunteering I see Seniors working at the schools. Hey, we have Seniors that are paying aides because they need the money for bills at age 72 and older. So stick it. Talk to the Seniors yourself. They are a whole lot nicer then you could ever be. God Bless the Senior Citizens of this district.
LB is correct 3:32 is 100% wrong.
3:32
Please tell me that I am incorrect in thinking by your posting that you are blaming the senior citizens (people in their 70s, 80s, and 90s) for the wants and desires of of children who are anywhere from 1 to 18.
HOW DARE YOU!
What planet are you from? The key word is parents. Where are the parents. When I went to school, which was in this district, we didn't have aides to help out. We had teachers doing their jobs.
You sound like some 30-something snot nose who was given everything, and still expect your parents to be giving you everything and still be giving your children everything.
Right there is the issue - you are doing exactly the wrong thing by giving your children everything.
They go out into the world expecting every person they meet to give them something, and not do a damn thing to earn it.
"Growing up, the older generation was involved. Now they are to busy to be involved. As a kid, just about all my coaches were retirees, NOT parents. The aids in school were all seniors.
Now they seem too busy to spend time with the kids. Above some states that things change. They are correct. Unfortunately, we all don't like the change. The current generation which you seem to think are gouging the older generation were raised by that generation."
There are many other factors that play into why grandparents might not be involved in their grandchildren's life - such as illness, living in close proximity to their grandchildren, not being able to drive, etc., and if no one, and I mean their own children don't or won't pick them up to get them to these events, how are they to get there?
This 3:32 blogger sounds as though they were given everything in the world when they grew up and they still want more, and want the burden of these wants put on their parents. Interesting, how they as parents want their parents to now take up their role.
3:32 - I can just imagine how you are raising your children, and I have a feeling it's not a healthy way.
The senior citizens have paid their dues as parents, and should not be EXPECTED to carry any financial burden or moral upbringing that their children should currently be providing.
I have children who are in that age group and just wish that they had grandparents alive to spend time with them.
My parents have both passed away, and I would love to have my parents get to know my children, NOT BECAUSE OF WHAT MONEY THEY CAN SPEND ON THEM AND WHAT THEY CAN BUY THEM, but to have them tell my children the stories of how my parents had grown up, having nothing, and having to work very hard for what they did have, and how they as 16-years-old had to go and fight a war for our country, and how they did not have enough to eat, and had to use a bathroom that was not inside the house and just basically to let them know how things were in the old days, but not to give the ME-GENERATION, everything.
Blogger 3:32 is one pathetic needy person, and I guess if their child grows up with problems, it's because of the grandparents. Talk about passing the buck!
The way "I" see it, blogger 3:32 was a plant. A few blogs over the past couple of months have stated that they created a stir on here, then sat back to watch, and laugh at, the action. That's what this one looks like to me.
Although they would like people to think they were raised in the lap of luxury, never having to do for themselves, the odds are more likely that they were raised by wolves. Never fit in anywhere, never taught the meaning of loving your family members....ALL OF THEM...and surely never taught respect. You can mask many traits, if you're cleaver. But if you don't have respect for people in general, it's not a secret very long.
Some give it their best shot, here on the blog. All the peculiar, big, fancy words. Nice try, but you're only fooling yourself.
So, mystery blogger(s), try this one on for size:
Brush up on your eye contact. When we see you out and about, and you're all pretty darned easy to identify, brush up on how you look the real caring people in the eye. Any clue as to how often the lot of you just plain CAN'T look others in the eye? You might not have noticed this, but the real world has. When you're lying, your eyes are everywhere but where they should be.
Did anyone see the sign at Blankenbiller Plumbing on the Pricetown Road "Sign Up for Rugby."
Guess that's the next thing we will be forced to pay for -- a rugby team, coaches, uniforms, etc.
It never ends. After that comes LaCrosse.
Most do not bother to gamble in AC - are you even kidding me. Have you ever been there? The slots and tables, etc. are totally JAMMED with senior citizens. Many actually sitting there with an oxygen tank! Now our fine legislators found it in their bleeding hearts to bring slots gambling to PA for more seniors to get addicted. Thanks Mike and Eddie.
Don't even worry about that, they thought of everything. $5 million is being taken off the top and set aside for treatment for gambling addicts.
Screwed up state, screwed up school district. They go hand in hand. Fast Eddie the payback to the gambling people that got him into office, and the heck with the rest of the state. He does not care about the people and the school district does not care either.
Rugby is an adult game. It is not a high school game. However, if a local club does form, it is worth a few hours to go to a game. It takes quite a bit of skill, endurance and team work. However, it will not be in at oley. It starts at the college level. There has been local teams in Berks county for years.
I said that
Hey what is wrong with you people?
Get back to calling Dr. Cappa names and blaming the school board for leaves in your rain gutters.
I hear Al's got some late breaking news flash. Tell us Al, Enquiring minds want to know - ANS?
Public Service Health Alert:
Oley Valley retired persons.
Do not eat cat food for the next few weeks. Switch to dog food until further notice.
Dear 11:27:
I hope that what you posted was not a threat?
Perhaps you should be a little more careful with your brain.
So many cockamamie comments to answer, so little use in doing so. But, I'll try once more.
Cindy Smith said, about my reply to her anonymous accusation: "The conversation Dr. Cappa, was out in the parking lot after a board meeting, while we were having a polite conversation."
I did remember with whom I had the conversation after the blog was written, and where it took place. What you have wrong is the CONTENT of the conversation. You made this same inane accusation once before and I replied to it then. As I remember, you asked about a specific expense and whether I personally review the check list or bills that the school pays. I replied that I did neither (it is the responsibility of a specific other school board member to do so) and did not intend to do so. You subsequentlly twisted my answer to the one you enjoy spreading, along with all your other twisted versions of school and board activities.
Another brave anonymous poster repeats a peculiar version of an exchange of letters I had with Don Levan a few years ago. "How about asking the soul of the late Don Levan how he was treated by the one and only RC? That sure is some strange set of rules you follow up there on Main Street."6:48 PM, March 29, 2007
Don was a patient of mine for many years and we got along fine. A few years after I retired, I got on the board and was not impressed with his attitude on certain subjects but we still did fine-until he sent me a letter for Christmas which I considered insulting and nasty. I replied with a discussion of his attitude as I saw it. About 9 months later I found out he had died 3 months before I heard about it. Since then I have been accused by one or a couple of anonymous posters of mistreating a dying man. If I had known he was dying, I probably would not have bothered replying because it wouldn't do any good. (Of course, trying to straighten out Al's thinking is a more impossible task and I still try.) Also of course, we are all dying and some of us possibly in less than 6 months. That consideration doesn't seem to slow many of us down in our mutual recriminations, so what is the point of their complaint except as an excuse for more nastiness on their part.
Al on 6:51 PM, March 29, 2007 said
"The contention that off-budget funds would not reduce the budget expenditures is either a deliberate attempt to deceive or a shocking lack of knowledge."
I would call this a shocking lack of understanding by OCC. The budget is the same whether you use current taxes or offset part of the cost with reserve funds. What I clearly and simply challenged Al to do was to give suggestions on reducing our current budget expenditures.
He then repeats his lament about not seeing the big ticket list of current NONEXPENDITURES as if this is related to anything in the real budget. It's just a misleading smoke screen and the usual BIG LIE technique he loves.
He was correct in that "When you use off-budgets funds, you reduce the size of millage increase." But you do not thereby "reduce budget expenditures" as he claims. He seems confused.
He was also correct in that " the inflation index coupled with the exemptions to the index, gives the district more than enough money for education." However, as I pointed out earlier, THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT THE BOARD IS DOING THIS YEAR and has actually, approximately, done for the last 5 years, at least. (4 and 5 years ago there was a larger than covered increase related to paying for the Middle School. This would probably have been included in the exemptions.) However, doing this has REQUIRED the very increases in budget and tax levels that Al complains about.He then turns around and claims that our wonderful legislature and Act 1 will prevent these increases. He seems to be contradicting himself.
Could it be that today is named for you?
Thanks for your lengthy reply. It is food for thought. I'll light a candle for you.
Thanks Rob, you seem to have a firm handle on the truth. There will be those that don't want to hear it.
Thank you to you, Rob, and any board member that is giving their free time for the community. Don't expect to please any masses of people, no matter what you do, say, write, etc. It will never happen. All that God asks us to ever do is what seems as if it would be the right thing to do, in his eyes. That's not too bad.
Happy Palm Sunday.
Dr. Cappa:
You are incorrect about the timing of our conversation, as was I. Our conversation occurred right around the time I began going to board meetings, which was back in 2003, so my year-and-a-half ago time frame was incorrect. At that time, I did not even know Al Jacobs, but had been beginning to attend every meeting that I could because of the issue I had with my daughter. At that time, I didn't even know what the check runs were, but the statement that I posted was the statement you made to me.
In fact, I really didn't know that much about the budget at that time, but was merely asking the question as to why board memebers were not more involved in answering those questions, and the comment that I posted was indeed what you had stated, and I did not take it out of context. I was not talking about check runs, I was speaking about the budget, and now that you have refreshed my memory, you did say that another board member was responsible for that, but all of the board is responsible for the budget and you vote on the budget, so it is your duty to the taxpayers to understand what you are voting on, as I really didn't hear any conversation on the budget, just all the YES votes.
Cindy Smith
Mr. Cappa:
No one said that the budgeted expenditures would not be the same if you used off budget funds to offset the the budget, what we're saying is that we did not need a tax increase, and do not need a tax increase this year, because you would be using these offsetting millions to put into the general fund so that it would not generate a tax increase.
Why is not okay for the public to ask the school district to TRY and monitor its spending? That is a sure fire way to SAVE some money.
It's interesting as to how a budget grows - every year there is padding of the budget, sometimes rightly so, if this money is used for educational purposes. Everyone knows that all school districts to this, but this kind of padding can lead to spending the money for items that are not really needed, but my be desired, and in addition, things that might have been on the wish list. Just because an item is on the wish list, doesn't mean that it costs an outrageous amount of money, it is just some new toy or some different item that one wants to try, but if these wish list items continue to be put into the budget, even though they were not budgeted for, this, of course, raises the budget, and the next thing you know, our taxes are going up.
If this school district can prove to me that every cent of money that has been spent over the last eight or nine years, absolutely had to be spent, then they have made their point.
However, that is not what I am finding upon my review of the check runs, and I will continue to take the time, even if it is one hour a day, to go through these check runs, item by item, and if I should prove the school wrong, then an explanation should be offered.
I think that is a fair request.
11 AM said "No one said that the budgeted expenditures would not be the same if you used off budget funds to offset the the budget"
Actually that's exactly what Al said on 6:51 PM, March 29, 2007 in his usual inflammatory manner, as follows:
"The contention that off-budget funds would not reduce the budget expenditures is either a deliberate attempt to deceive or a shocking lack of knowledge."
I applaud your efforts to find areas or items that are a waste of money and would be very interested in your findings.I assume you will accept that there may be a difference of opinion as to what is a waste. (For example,we were once told that computers are a waste of money: or the ongoing debate over a football program)I also doubt that every penny spent can be totally justified in retrospect but we can correct recurrent and avoid new areas as much as possible.I don't jump for joy when I get my tax bill either and would appreciate any help in not contributing to waste at our level. Again, thank you for any assistance you can provide.
by gosh and by golly. 7 straight blogs without a "pound sand" or "stick it". Could this blog actually be evolving into a forum for discussion and not just insult? I won't bet the farm on it, but it's a nice change of pace.
Dr. Cappa:
Duly noted, and thank you.
CS
Dr. Cappa, It is Sunday, why are you not at church? It is also Palm Sunday. May the Lord Bless you and keep you honest and nice.
We all know you need blessings.
Dear RC,
This is all about RC.
RC, RC, RC.
Love,
RC
OCC - I rarely agree with your statement of facts, but I must give you credit when credit is due. In your last post, you mention a few items that could be cost saving idea's, such as outsourcing lunch services, etc.
I would like to see a list of these idea's that are truly possible idea's. Maybe in your next post or email you could list some of them.
I do not necessarily want to hear about teacher contracts, etc., because that is an issue that can not be easily fixed, and probably can't be fixed w/out the state backing the district (s) up. I am also not interested in requiring the students to pay to participate in extra curricular activities. However, I truly would appreciate a list of idea's that could serve the district.
I have concerns that future endeavors at the school are going in the direction of another new school, instead of spending on refurbishing the horribly maintained high school which has become disgrace. I just read fast eddies latest friday letter to the people where he is trying to force every school into the laptop scenario.
I had heard our board mention a stupid idea like this and I am convinced if they are discussing nothing but big things like the track, no efforts are being made at fixing the little things. I was raised to believe that a whole lot of littles makes up a big thing.
I was told that since we built the middle school, quite a few rooms in the high school is idle. If that is true, would it be feasible to close the admin building down, or try to rent it out for revenue purposes. Beside the admin staff and the wrestling team, is the old school to being used.
Maybe we could rent it out as office space?
“Don was a patient of mine for many years and we got along fine. A few years after I retired, I got on the board and was not impressed with his attitude on certain subjects but we still did fine-until he sent me a letter for Christmas which I considered insulting and nasty. I replied with a discussion of his attitude as I saw it. About 9 months later I found out he had died 3 months before I heard about it. Since then I have been accused by one or a couple of anonymous posters of mistreating a dying man. If I had known he was dying, I probably would not have bothered replying because it wouldn't do any good.”
Mr. Cappa’s rendition of Mr. Levan’s letter appears to be self-seving and inaccurate. Mr. Levan sent a letter lamenting school property taxes and its effect on his wife not himself when he is gone.
This flies in the face of the comment, the board member was not aware of the former patient’s condition. Mr. Cappa was also reminded of his letter after a board meeting and he had glib remarks then, as well.
Mr. Cappa considers a letter about the effect on his votes on a spouse as “insulting and nasty”.
This callous indifference is the hallmark of the board.
“I would call this a shocking lack of understanding by OCC. The budget is the same whether you use current taxes or offset part of the cost with reserve funds. What I clearly and simply challenged Al to do was to give suggestions on reducing our current budget expenditures.”
For the past year, the public has been challenging the building of a track whose cost, started at $33,000 for an architect, then $450,000 for the first estimate, then zoomed $1,400,000!
He voted on an outrageous teacher contract. It was one of the highest in the county even though Oley is not in the top percentile of earned income. Although his wife was a teacher in the district , he did not even have the courtesy to abstain from the vote.
There has been a ignored suggestion to research the possibility of contracting food service because the cafeteria fund has been losing money. Other districts are using this concept and making money.
The district now has three ISP providers for technology. They need only one. And seventeen cell phones for employees is absurd.
The board does not bid out professional services even though it is one of the more expensive budget categories.
The list is not new to Mr. Cappa. He just chooses to ignore it because he does not have the slightest of intention to be a steward of taxpayer funds.
The school board’s unwillingness to be fiscally responsible is behind the state’s action to put control on district budgets.
There is a law that will force them to act in a fiscally responsible manner.
“He then repeats his lament about not seeing the big ticket list of current NONEXPENDITURES as if this is related to anything in the real budget. It's just a misleading smoke screen and the usual BIG LIE technique he loves. “
If Mr. Cappa is so interested in hearing from the pubic about their ideas on how to keep the budget under control, then he would have no problems disclosing the wish list to scrutiny.
This way we can save him the excuse he his hands are tied when these items do show up in the budget.
But in reality, we will never know whether this pork was on the list, because the board never identifies it as such during deliberations.
The bottom line is that the district does not like to reveal controversial proposals.
Mr. Cappa still continues refuse showing us the list. He must be doing what most politicians do and that is give lip service to accountability.
“He was correct in that "When you use off-budgets funds, you reduce the size of millage increase." But you do not thereby "reduce budget expenditures" as he claims. He seems confused.”
Mr. Cappa’s actions prove is not the least bit interested in reducing the size of the budget.
He had a vested interest in not reducing the largest expense in the budget, the teachers contract.
“He was also correct in that " the inflation index coupled with the exemptions to the index, gives the district more than enough money for education." “
If the board member admits that the inflation index and exemption give the district more than enough money to operate, then he would have no problems signing the petition to eliminate these exemptions.
The petition can is located at :
http://www.gopetition.com/online/11622.html
“However, as I pointed out earlier, THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT THE BOARD IS DOING THIS YEAR and has actually, approximately, done for the last 5 years, at least.
…However, doing this has REQUIRED the very increases in budget and tax levels that Al complains about.He then turns around and claims that our wonderful legislature and Act 1 will prevent these increases”
What Mr. Cappa forgets to mention is that prior to this year the board raised taxes ABOVE the inflation index and ABOVE the state average weekly wage.
He suggests the new legislation forces him to approve a budget that allows him to vote for expenditures above the index.
This is not true.
He could have voted to approve a budget that was in compliance with the index or below, but he VOTED otherwise.
Actions speak louder than words.
“He seems to be contradicting himself. Could it be that today is named for you?”
Only a fool would try to blame others for his actions.
The problem is that the board acts foolish all year.
Al, you must really need attention. Your blogs are so long and error, that most of us don't even read them to the end. Don't you remember learning in English 101 that the most effective writing is short and to the point?
The letters between Dr. Cappa and Don Levan need to be put to rest! Frankly, I, for one, am tired of the continuous rant about the same tired old topic.
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