Groupthink...I'll pass thank you

During a debate this past Tuesday the chairwoman threatened to have me removed because I refused to yield the floor during a debate.

Today's Tampa Tribune editorial highlights what I have been trying to shine a light on since the team building exercise when awry in 2007.

None of this would have taken place if I just 'went along to get along'. That's not what I promised my supporters and that's not what I am going to do. When I ran for office people who have been attached to the system for years told me of the intimidation and retaliation that permeated the district and I promised to work to change that.

I very carefully planned inexpensive, close to home (driving back and forth not staying overnight at some) conferences focused on achieving a balance between college focus and career focus and the committee of 3 members two of which are not my biggest fans...Jennifer Faliero and Carol Kurdell tried to deny my travel. Nobody else on the board was denied and my travel was not the most expensive.

As the editorial stated "Democracy is about the free exchange of ideas without fear of intimidation". What is so hard to understand about this and what are people fighting so hard to protect?

To quote Edward R. Murrow "We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. When the loyal opposition dies, I think the soul of America dies with it". I believe in this district and the possibilities that lie within it. At the end of the day it is not my job to be disloyal to Hillsborough County students and the taxpayers of this community. The legislature created school boards to oversee a bureaucracy that spends tax dollars. It's time for the Hillsborough County School Board to wake up and execute their legislatively mandated duty.

It's about the kids and the community...let's get back to focusing on them and quit telling other members how to serve their constituents.

'tis the season...for homecoming

And with the economy being what it is we need to think about how families in our community are affected. At the last board meeting I brought up the cost of homecoming and how we need to cut cost for our students as well as the parents and taxpayers.

I was amused by the St. Pete Times Sue Carlton's article in todays paper. Thanks for the props Sue.