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Busy week at Sweetwater school district
I believe it was in July or August that several members of the community attended a meeting at the District office hosted by E2ManageTech - regarding none other than the properties. At that meeting Tom Calhoun was asked a question relative to whether E2 would be expecting the District to honor the Participation Agreement - 'I am not a mind reader' (paraphrase) was Calhoun's response, YET, a letter from E2 that Calhoun had been cc'd on PRIOR TO SAID MEETING CLEARLY states E2's intent on collecting the amount of 30% of the profits on the properties sale price promised in the Participation Agreement. Continued hiding of the truth relative to how our tax dollars are being spent - Calhoun was the SUHSD negotiator on all of the properties. Real estate license I wonder, NO I have been told. Third Avenue price tag - $7 million, yet try submitting a PRA and asking for the comps that justify the price tag. Hmmmmmm Historically this District has had issues managing the building of new schools as well as construction improvements. Those issues associated with the dreaded 2 words 'change orders'. For a couple of years now we have been hearing 'it was an SGI issue' - however recent back up information appears to indicate the ugly head of the change order controversy is alive and well. As an example I will direct to your attention to the boondoggle of the National City Middle School building. Real Estate - Building/Construction - does it not stir your interest that for the past several years the MAJORITY of controversy that SUHSD has been faced with surrounds these two very issues. Candidates, this community is looking to you to get SUHSD OUT OF the REAL ESTATE BUSINESS, OUT OF the CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS and INTO the EDUCATION BUSINESS. While I surmise and understand that said candidates have not followed the issues of property and construction issues as closely as some in the community - I would hope that they will not buy into the same ol', same ol' 'don't pay attention to them' - instead I would respectfully ask that you make yourselves available to see and listen for yourselves to the 'substantiated data' that could be provided. It is clear, the current system is broken - I am looking to Board members who are independent enough to evaluate the facts and proceed in making the changes needed. It is pretty clear that there continue use to be distrust in the community. Candidates, who amongst you are strong enough to listen to the concerns and do what needs to be done?— September 6, 2014 10:01 p.m.
Busy week at Sweetwater school district
Yes, it has been a busy week for Sweetwater - but my mind is focused on the cost - the astronomical cost all of these issues are burdening the taxpayers with. More importantly, WHAT ABOUT THE NEGATIVE FINANCIAL IMPACT ON OUR STUDENTS. While many areas of their education has been affected allow me to raise the issue of the IPADS - oh the kids have them, but they are not being used as they should be. Cart before the horse? Ah yes, we bought the expensive devices without a plan and before we were able to build the infrastructure needed to put them to good use. That is why we are NOW spending thousands upon thousands to get the IPADS up and running as they should. Over a million dollars paid to E2ManageTech, for what? For a signature that never should have been signed by Dianne Russo allegedly under the direction of Ed Brand and supposedly with the knowledge of Board members. My suspicious mind is picturing a lunch between certain parties - in this mind video I am envisioning a MANILLA envelope being laid on the nice white table cloth by one entity and picked up and carried out by another. Any idea who the cast of characters are in this scenario? Just my opinion— September 6, 2014 9:30 a.m.
Sweetwater cash cow improperly milked
OFF TOPIC - I see the McDonnell's (Virginia Governor) were found guilty on several counts of accepting gifts such as a monetary payment for a wedding party - wining and dining, as well. Husband and wife are facing MAJOR PRISON TIME!!!! Legal talking heads on CBS 'this should be a wake up call to ALL if you are in politics for the wrong reasons get out AND NOW!!!!!!!' Hmmmm, is there a way I might send this story to the honorable Judge Espana?— September 5, 2014 7:21 a.m.
How dry is it?
Why are we able to pipe in oil from Alaska yet can't pipe in water from areas that have an abundance?— September 4, 2014 8:16 a.m.
Sweetwater cash cow improperly milked
JmBrickley - ah yes, I am already identifying those who are afraid to speak their minds on important issues. Sort of like a game 'you tell me how you feel and I will structure my answer accordingly.' Take for example COMMON CORE - do you (any/all candidate/S) support it? That would be a yes or no answer, no need for pontificating - it's not a trick question. You see, we have endured double talk for far too many years and refuse to continue with any party's political BS. SPEAK UP FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN, I may not agree with you, but I am sure as heck going to respect you for it. Besides, doubt if I or any voter is going to agree with any candidate on ALL of the issues.— September 3, 2014 11:19 p.m.
Sweetwater cash cow improperly milked
That would be a 'just retired'— September 3, 2014 11:08 p.m.
Sweetwater cash cow improperly milked
Missionaccomplished - no disrespect meant but 5 years is an awfully long time to wait. We have been hearing the old 'it's not good for a member of the party to criticize one of their own' Allegedly Block spoke up FOR Arlie Ricasa, guess the party friendship of one outweighs the votes of many. Gonzalez, and, what has she done? Can't think of a thing, Again no disrespect to you meant. The message received by the community loud and clear 'we don't matter'. WE WILL REMEMBER WHO WAS NOT THERE FOR US NEXT TIME WE ENTER A VOTING BOOTH AND PICK UP THAT BLACK MARKER. just my opinions— September 3, 2014 11:05 p.m.
Sweetwater cash cow improperly milked
Mr. Brickley - your common sense, knowledge of the issues ( due to your own hard work), and direct nature are EXACTLY WHAT THE DR. ORDERED for cleaning out the cancerous inefficiency and alleged corruption in our District. Hope our 5 new Board members share those attributes.— September 3, 2014 9:51 p.m.
Sweetwater cash cow improperly milked
Candidates - please note, it is time for SUHSD to GET OUT of the real estate business and GET OUT of the construction business. THEY HAVE FAILED MISERABLY AT BOTH!!!!!!! I agree with Mr. Vasquez, if we do a mass clean out of certain top heavy District personnel who continue to fail us so miserably we could then put those savings into our schools. Concerned with how your schools look, perhaps we might get Dianne Russo back here, sit her in the witness chair and demand she answer the question why did you as Tom Calhoun reported 'squirrel away 9 million $ that was slotted for maintenance?' Want a question for the candidates in all areas: what are you going to do to reign in the overages on construction costs. Candidates, it is not enough to tell us you will bring about change, we want to know what changes and how - and please DO NOT EVEN TRY AND BLAME THIS ALL ON THE UNIONS! Ed Brand, The Board, The County, Tom Calhoun, and the other suits - NOT PART OF ANY SUHSD UNION!!!!!!! (Not to say the unions are perfect)— September 3, 2014 9:46 p.m.
Sweetwater cash cow improperly milked
Thank you for that comment - perhaps you might answer this - the letter posted today on the Districts website I thought it stated all property deals were on hold. Or did it mean 'all property deals regarding L street are on hold?' You see I am one of those people who expect my School District to give the straight and simple answer UP FRONT. I tend to not appreciate having to read between the lines - While I am on this rant might I add - DID THE COMMUNITY DO EVERYTHING SHORT OF BEGGING THEM TO NOT GET INVOLVED WITH A NEW DISTRICT OFFICE LEASE? DID WE NOT WARN THEM THEY WERE BEING LIED TO? But what the hell, it is only our children's education they are squandering away. Am I torked, oh you betcha!!!!!!!!!!!!— September 3, 2014 7:44 p.m.