Hebron Dollars & Sense

Hope all of you read the "posted minutes" to the August 12th special meeting of the BOE. This is taken directly from those minutes:



WHEN will the HBOE realize that the community wants open, TRUTHFUL discussions. As a taxpayer, I do not consider a media specialist necessary -- however, if they hired an "anger management" consultant, I would be less inclined to complain -- funds allocated for EDUCATION were spent on this nonsense!! Look at some of the "developed goals" now listed by the HBOE RIDICULOUS!!:

• identify ways to get out in front of the conversation ... translation: "Cut the public OFF at the pass"!

• determine ways to change the message mid-stream if necessary ... translation: "Back-pedal and make the message different than what it really is"!

• identify ways to restore credibility with the community ... translation: deliver the message sugar-coated - when the public demands the truth supported by facts!

• identify strategies for maintaining Board cohesiveness ... Solution: The chair must learn to handle "aggressive-mean-spirited" outbursts correctly and maintain decorum. No Board meeting should tolerate such inappropriate behavior. This boards meeting environment has rendered this board ineffective and the chair has been unable (refuses??) to control these outbursts. No other town board behaves as badly. I don't care if anyone has memorized Roberts' Rules of Orders .. outbursts at meetings should NOT be permitted or tolerated.

• identify ways to regain the energy and motivation to do the work at hand .. Solution: Adults should be allowed to disagree, carry on meaningful discussions and problem solve "together". The dynamics of this current board does NOT ALLOW this to happen!

PS Did anyone address one members inappropriate use of "text-messaging" devices at these public meetings. Notice the word PUBLIC is underlined ... private messages should NOT BE ALLOWED!!

I said this yesterday. It's a waste of money and tries to teach the boe how to BS more effectively. Change message midstream....really? We need them all out.

I agree. It is a misappropriation of the district's money. These are adults we're talking about here. If they can't deal more effectively with the public without the assitance of a public relations expert, perhaps they shouldn't be serving on a public board.

Taxpayer wrote:



WELL PUT Taxpayer

NUFF SAID

For Now


Time For Chow & 2 Hit The Rack

I wonder if The HBOE "Media/Electorate/Public Brainwasher" (AB) Is "Advising The Town Of East Hampton 2


Just Wonderful To Sea Our AT Get Caught Up( Email) In That Disfunctional Drama Playing Out Down there In Belltown

They All Stick 2ghether Don't They

BRIGHT IDEA

Why Don't "Slick Billy with Heels", Doobie & The HBOE Just Move Down To East Hampton


They Have Disfunctionality & ARROGANCE Down 2 A Science & Would Fit In Just Right Down There

These aren't bad goals - they are things the board of ed needs to work on. I agree its a shame they had to hire a media consultant to figure this out - and I hope they didn't spend a fortune on it.



identify ways to get out in front of the conversation ... why not be honest, let the public know what we're facing, and what our options are. Do this BEFORE the BOF asks for a budget, and tell the public what factors can/will change, even if we don't know how much.

determine ways to change the message mid-stream if necessary ... If you're honest, this shouldn't be hard. Don't treat us as if we are 8 year olds - if you have bad news, deliver it early, and in person. Explain what you're doing, and WHY, and you will gain the respect of your audience.

identify ways to restore credibility with the community ... Answer questions from the public. Engage in dialog.

identify strategies for maintaining Board cohesiveness ... Maybe need an executive session for this one.

identify ways to regain the energy and motivation to do the work at hand ...If members of the board are not motivated, then step aside, even if for a year or so.