From JCI’s “poor me” schtick in today’s “Overheard” column.
On Let Duluth Vote’s argument in its lawsuit that the contract violates bid laws:
“It does no such thing. Professional services are exempt from public bid laws.” – David
Even as Mr. David told the Editorial page this the School District’s lawyers were attempting to send the of the taxpayer’s case on appeal to a higher court to avoid having the case heard in the Sixth District Court on its merits. They want the Sixth District Judge to rule on an issue which would allow them to hang it up in a higher court for years until they finish the Red Plan’s construction. It looks as though they are afraid they will lose.
On the sometimes-nasty criticisms leveled in Duluth against Johnson Controls:
“It does hurt.” – Schiltz
“This is our community. We live here, too. Our kids go to school here. It is difficult to see ourselves getting beat up.” – Schiltz
“We don’t have any sort of policy [when it comes to responding], but we’ve chosen to take the high road. It’s hard. If there’s a discussion, we’d like to discuss the facts.” – David
“If we’re going to debate issues, let’s debate, get it settled and move on.” – David
“The district often gets accused of not listening. They are listening. The plan has fluidity.” – David
“It’s a very passionate debate throughout the community, and we’re equally serious about it.” – David
“Healthy debate for a community about a plan is healthy. Debate that always turns to emotions and suspicions is difficult.” – David
“Character assassinations on the superintendent and personal attacks on [school] board members hurt and aren’t part of any healthy dialogue.” – Schiltz
Healthy debate my foot. That should have taken place in a referendum two years ago. This deal was consummated to prevent public questions. That’s why two years after we’ve requested public information about the contract the District has withheld it even from the Court so far.
As to character assassination I can only speak for my actions.
I describe stupidity greed and other such human failings generally to institutions like the School Board, the City Council, JCI which keeps them from being directed at individuals by name.
I describe actions and use quotations which puts some people in bad light. If someone rolls their eyes, bullies, or withholds information that is an action which requires only the imagination of the reader to assign pejorative adjectives to. It’s my general policy to correct myself when I’m found to be in error.
There is one “nasty” thing I no longer shrink from talking about – lies. Someone who tells lies regularly is guilty of one or two things. Either they speak in ignorance, which makes them ignorant or they tell them to deceive which makes them a familiar, and yes nasty, four letter word. At some point a thinking person has to abandon the kindly notion of giving them the benefit of the doubt.
”If [Let Duluth Vote] wanted to have a true debate, we’d hear facts about an alternate plan. Then we could stack them side by side. The red plan would look very good then.” – David
If we have to depend on the muzzled Duluth News Tribune, you will never hear about our alternative which after herculean efforts is a few days away from a presentation to the Minnesota Dept. of Education. One thing should me made clear now. It will cost a hundred million less and will still lead to the so-called multiplier affect of 1.6 multiplied nearly $200 million dollars for a total spending of $320 million dollars.
That’s still too big and the current School Board will ignore a favorable vote if it goes to referendum but at least Let Duluth Vote is giving Duluth Voters a chance to express their feelings about the Red Plan.
