To being jaded but if you are going to run for office it seems to me that you should be able to answer the questions. The questions may be sharply worded but does that make them negative and even if it does so what? Is it the candidate’s position that they should be entrusted with $200,000,000 and yet they and their staffs should not be asked anything that could be construed as pointed? Apparently so.

Look at question 7. This is controversial to ask? It is a lot of tax money. Did we build too many classrooms or not? Is the student population declining or not? Do the candidates know the answers or not? Do they know how the figures for the number of students was/is arrived at or not? Is there an inherent flaw in the way the calculations of the number of students is done or not? Given the $200,000,000 they are asking to be in charge of spending should they be expected to know the methodology used to determine their budget requirements? It really doesn’t seem like an outrageous over-the-top question to me.

Q7 ends asking who should be accountable and the candidates posted that they didn’t want to disrespect the current members of the board. Fine. Suits me. I’m not asking for a mud-slinging contest. How about this for an answer: “I think the current board members have worked in good faith to the best of their abilities but if you elect me then you can hold me responsible.”

They didn't work to the best of their abilities, I think.
It is the code of the mountains (Georgia, I mean) that you don't speak badly of your peers. That is the problem.

However, the best way is to say distinctly what you want to accomplish.
Also, if you don't know whether we built too many schools or not--simply say so! There were tons of trailers for a long time! (Hope they didn't have human curing fluid in them).

Al;so, if accused of an atrocity, like are you a thief, just say no, not yet anyway!
Would anyone dare ask Randall Johnson if he ever took moonshine for free say 30-40 years ago? He might say: sure, I might have then, but more likely he would say: It is not important whether I did that or not--not in these days with 356 bars and liquor outlets in Fayette County.

If you are running for office, you should beable to answer the questions. If you can't, as I would guess would be the case in the formula for number of students, then they should answer with an honest "NO, I don't know...But I will find out" and tell people when you will have an answer.

... however, the tough questions have to be more about truth and not about conjecture and false rumors, and especially not worded in ways to promote the lies further, inciting a bashing of the candidates, if they choose not to answer them.

I will stick to the single word I used before, a "premise" to the question. In regard to Q7, it assumes there is a miscalculation. Just show the facts that one even exist before stating it so. That's all I and the candidates are asking. "Show your research.", and since that is not done in the questions, I have NO expectations of the candidates to answer as such.

I will stick to the single word I used before, a "premise" to the question. In regard to Q7, it assumes there is a miscalculation. Just show the facts that one even exist before stating it so.

“7. It looks like we built too many classrooms for declining student numbers. That’s a lot of local tax dollars. Who should be held accountable for that miscalculation?

Board Action- Repurposing = Redistricting
Submitted by Publius on Thu, 02/14/2008 - 4:03am.

“The true story of tonight's Board of Education is not any meeting of the minds. Rather, it is the Board of Education's building and near completion of a fantastic new facility for the East Fayette Elementary School district. The redistricting plan adopted tonight, under the agenda subject of "repurposing" of the current East Fayette campus, was based upon the rather frank admission that no new school was needed because the system is not currently overcrowded. In fact, the Superintendent related to the crowd that there would likely be excess classroom capacity at the elementary level for the next five years to come.”

Do you dispute that the Superintendent in effect stated, “there would likely be excess classroom capacity at the elementary level for the next five years to come.”

Is that sufficient ‘premise’ for you?

At no point have I ever stated that any thing the Citizen author listed was wrong, inaccurate or a lie, only that they did not reference the material and they presented the questions in a manner to disrepect the candidtates.

So thank you bad_ptc. You proved my case for me. It did not take you very long to publish support information on the matter. Why couldn't the wording of the question reference that same information? It was not included because it would have taken away from what the author was driving at, to disrepect the candidates and not tackle the real issues.

The quote you site is a blog post. These blogs twist the truth every which way and you site them as fact! And by the way, wasn't the purpose of building schools to have capacity left at each when they were done. Sounds to me like the school board did what they promised they'd do when they went in to office...that was get kids out of trailers, have some vision for future needs and disrupt as few kids as possible while accomplishing that task.

Where do you live? Obviously not in the Whitewater district. WHS was never supposed to have trailers, remember? ha ha What a joke. What about WMS? How long has the orchestra teacher been outside? Forever? I went to a meeting at SMHS at the end of year...guess what? They have a trailer park, too. They did what they promised to do?

There are so many points that you nailed right on the head with your last comments. Thanks.

Go to http://www.fayettechamber.org/PDFs/QuestionnaireFinalanswers.pdf Thank you Virginia Gibbs for providing us with this information all while maintaining a sense of civility and decorum!!!!

Bull. If it is hot in the kitchen stay out of it!
Politicians deserve no such things.

Think that you are right on point! This 2008 election cycle may very well be a major turning point in how campaigns are conducted -- both nationally and locally. Politicians are going to find it increasingly difficult to hide! If they do hide, the electorate is going to know it, and ask the question WHY! Sure turns the light of TRUTH on them doesn't it??? Just observe how some local politicians appear on July 1 as a result of collectively deciding not to answer questions!!!

I prefer the old saying:
"If yer skeeerd, then say yer skeeerd. Ain't no shame."

I would like a little backbone with my politician, thank you

Thanks Wheels

Seems that some are not able to survive in a new era of easy access to information via the internet and blogs. Those that are forthright and open will rise to the top, and those that wish to pretend that the world is as it once was will sink to the bottom. This is great fun!!!

Cal and Ben are doing a great job!!!

And I guess since it's "his" site, he can shut someone down whenever he wants. Amazing how the slamming hurts huh Cal?????? And you wonder why more good people don't run for office!

Cal's objection was not to the content. As I read him, it's no holds barred here, so long as there is civility and integrity--even where a blogger is sharply critical of Cal himself and his paper. The readily perceived problem was in the "blog hog" phenomenon.

for Sheriff? or should I write in sage? She is campaigning hard now. Will you help her recognize pot? She doesn't appear to have all of your qualifications ....but...maybe with some help.....

Well, believe it or not, my campaign ad was among the posts used as evidence against me. Seems that I should never have admitted to a past (i.e., 30+ years!) acquaintance with Mary Jane. I should at least have claimed that I never inhaled.

Hmmm.... Maybe if I was the only candidate who actually answered Cal's questions people would vote for me. Does it matter if my answers are stupid?

In order to be considered a true politician your answers all have to be stupid or wildly inappropriate.

If you used common sense you would be considered to be an intelligent person which is the complete antithesis of a politician.

Sorry Muddle you are going to have to dumb it down a little or I think $age will beat you. There is just no gentle way to say it.

Let's get on to the important questions. How are you going to treat people driving red convertibles?? I have been caught driving in a red car many times in Fayette County. I have gotten warnings from state patrol but not Fayette County Sheriff's Dept. Will this blatant red carism continue when you are at the helm??

You should take note that I have established my own group to support red car people. We will no longer take gratuitous abuse from law enforcement. We are the NAPDRCs (The National Association of People Driving Red Cars) Our purpose is to support red car drivers everytime they break traffic laws. Just like the NAACP we support people when they break the law.

Now how do you feel about noise ordinance violators and fun parties in general, even if they don't violate the noise ordinance??

All of our law enforcement agencies on the south side of Atlanta are short staffed due to low pay and poor benefit packages. How can the citizens of Fayette County help you bully the city councils and county commission into attracting and keeping good help in the police and sheriff's dept and also the fire and rescue people??

Thank you for your time and may the best person win.

I thought you were leaving town or I would never have run!
You apparently want a job. I do not except for sherif.
If you want it it pays purdy gude I here.
Thye wil also talk bout Mary Jane howsumever durin the campaigne!
Yhey might lso want to know how muche tim youl spend on thu beach---not sherifin!

SAGE or MUDDLE??

After tonight it will be one of you two!!

Sheriff Sage (Good ring to it)

Sheriff Muddle (OK, but not as catchy)

Deputy Muddle (That sounds quaint!)

Start your paper, and run it how you choose.

Wouldn't you feel more comfortable blogging on another site? You know one where you also could use your "real name"??

Sorry but if the politicians have something to hide, maybe they should stay out of politics.

any coach, that tries to get out of county kids in here to play, should be fired on the spot. I think the thing about the Whitewater kid a year or two ago was disgusting. Not only did we pay to educate that kid, he took a locals spot on the team. Mine doesn't go to that school, but I feel there was some child that went to that school that didn't get to play because we 'imported' talent. I wonder how many more times this was done that we don't know about.

Coaches really don't do that. There are strict guidelines enforced by the GHSA to which all public schools in the state must adhere. Violation of the rules will result in a loss of all wins (if I remember correctly). You know how cut-throat sports are in this county...the schools would quickly and happily turn-in each other for any violations.

I know the situation to which you are referring and it was legal. There are rules/laws/whatever in place to help students that are the victims of unfortunate situations. For example, if your house were to burn down and you all had to move to another county to stay with relatives during the interim, wouldn't you be comforted in knowing that they could still attend THEIR school and not have to go through another big transition? I believe that portions of these rules came into play when we took in the Katrina kids.

The rules/regulations are there to help the kids. It's not about athletes. Go to the GHSA website and you may be able to find the rules regarding athletes and eligibility. The other rules, I don't know where you would find them. My guess is that they're state rules and not county. Who knows? I hope that clarifies the situation a little for you!

high taxes, to change the lives of ...our....kids, not someone's from Clayton or Fulton.

Let this be known right now, the powers that be on the FCBOE have decided not to answer these questions and countless more asked over the years by citizens, taxpayers and parents. This is nothing new to those of us that have had the misfortune to have to deal with the majority of the members of the FCBOE. It starts with DeCotis that no one has access to because he has no email or phone. What DeCotis has is a secretary that you can't get through and a mouth piece to release crumbs of info to the hungry public when seen as beneficial to the FCBOE agenda at hand.
This goes on down the food chain with Terri Smith chair person of this board of distinction (more like board of dysfunction), and over to Janet Smola who is rude and intimidating on her nice days. Let us not forget Lee Wright, who can't make a stand on anything (probably because Janet & Terri are wearing his pants for him). Lee always provides the last vote to lock in a majority.
These actions are nothing new to the FCBOE. In fact, they are business as usual. What are Janet & Terri afraid of?

For individuals who want to serve on a Board of Education, would think that they -- above all -- would understand and appreciate the interaction of public servants with the public they serve. Have they forgotten what they learned in school -- political science 101, or even civics 101? Seems like it is time for a refresher for five. Folks, this is really kind of sad!

PREAMBLE. The First Amendment, protecting freedom of expression from abridgment by any law, guarantees to the people through their press a constitutional right, and thereby places on newspaper people a particular responsibility. Thus journalism demands of its practitioners not only industry and knowledge but also the pursuit of a standard of integrity proportionate to the journalist's singular obligation. To this end the American Society of Newspaper Editors sets forth this Statement of Principles as a standard encouraging the highest ethical and professional performance.

ARTICLE I - Responsibility. The primary purpose of gathering and distributing news and opinion is to serve the general welfare by informing the people and enabling them to make judgments on the issues of the time. Newspapermen and women who abuse the power of their professional role for selfish motives or unworthy purposes are faithless to that public trust. The American press was made free not just to inform or just to serve as a forum for debate but also to bring an independent scrutiny to bear on the forces of power in the society, including the conduct of official power at all levels of government.

ARTICLE II - Freedom of the Press. Freedom of the press belongs to the people. It must be defended against encroachment or assault from any quarter, public or private. Journalists must be constantly alert to see that the public's business is conducted in public. They must be vigilant against all who would exploit the press for selfish purposes.

ARTICLE III - Independence. Journalists must avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety as well as any conflict of interest or the appearance of conflict. They should neither accept anything nor pursue any activity that might compromise or seem to compromise their integrity.

ARTICLE IV - Truth and Accuracy. Good faith with the reader is the foundation of good journalism. Every effort must be made to assure that the news content is accurate, free from bias and in context, and that all sides are presented fairly. Editorials, analytical articles and commentary should be held to the same standards of accuracy with respect to facts as news reports. Significant errors of fact, as well as errors of omission, should be corrected promptly and prominently.

ARTICLE V - Impartiality. To be impartial does not require the press to be unquestioning or to refrain from editorial expression. Sound practice, however, demands a clear distinction for the reader between news reports and opinion. Articles that contain opinion or personal interpretation should be clearly identified

ARTICLE VI - Fair Play. Journalists should respect the rights of people involved in the news, observe the common standards of decency and stand accountable to the public for the fairness and accuracy of their news reports. Persons publicly accused should be given the earliest opportunity to respond. Pledges of confidentiality to news sources must be honored at all costs, and therefore should not be given lightly. Unless there is clear and pressing need to maintain confidences, sources of information should be identified.

These principles are intended to preserve, protect and strengthen the bond of trust and respect between American journalists and the American people, a bond that is essential to sustain the grant of freedom entrusted to both by the nation's founders.

Why don't you attend one. There have been two that the school board candidates, except Mary Kay Bacallo, have attended and there are two more. One on July 7th at the Sams Auditorium and the other on July 8th at The Gathering Place. So convenient, one in Fayetteville and one in Peachtree City. Surely you live closely enough to participate in a real civics lesson!

Pink, you make a very valid point -- BUT, why do they resist answering valid questions at a time when public education -- throughout the country -- has numerous challenges? Thank goodness, more and more citizens are asking hard questions of superintendents and school boards throughout the country. Would think that our candidates would have a great appreciation for the enthusiasm. Feel that it is a very fair to ask questions of those who wish to be in charge, WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY and HOW MUCH! If they cannot adequately respond, or will not respond, then why should we be fools to elect them?

Public forums are often times 'controlled'. Know this will come as a shock to you, but on some occassions, softball questions are even planted in the audience!! The same questions cannot, and will not, be answered and digested by those who attend.

The biggest problem we have is that they want the public to COME TO THEM, vice them going to the public via the online forum. It also speaks to their lack of appreciation for use of technology for the future. SCARY in our view! Would think that they would have applauded the opportunity. Candidates at national level who have recently achieved success flat embraced the Internet! Many who didn't LOST!

One last point, they come across as being rather omnipotent in their
"TONE". Guess what -- THEY ARE NOT!!!!

It is important to take note, that Dr. Mary K Bacallao answered the questions, as well as Marion Key. I think this speaks volumes to the people of this county, that these 2 candidates respected the voters enough to answer the questions. Let us remind the 5 candidates that didn't answer...YOU NEED US!!!! WE ELECT you! You work for the people of this county!

Think this may be the first time some of the candidates have been challenged. It is also a time when our students -- as evidenced by the recent CRCTs -- are bing challenged! The candidates should be thankful for the fact that the community -- including The Citizen -- is placing the spotlight on education.

Given what has transpired the past year, the initial questions posed by The Citizen are more than fair. Would like to add just a few to the list: 1) Have you looked at other education delivery devices to capitalize on technology? There are a growing number of schools now on line. Is Fayette County capitalizing on that technology, and if not, why not? 2) Some elementary schools in the US (i.e., Minn) are splitting actual class time (two to three days a week), with the remainder of the time spent at home with a computer. Has there been any investigation -- especially given the increasing costs of fuel and shortage of math and science teachers -- to adopt more innovative ways to adjust to the abilities of the greater society? 3) What proactive steps are being considered to reduce and ultimately eliminate high school drop outs? 4) What is being done to reach out to businesses, and those who hire, to see if their needs are being met by the Fayette County graduates? 5) A lot is said about the 'go to college rate'. What is the college graduate rate after five -- NOT FOUR -- years of Fayette County graduates? 6) Given the national shortage individuals obtaining degrees in math and science, what has been the percent of Fayette County graduates who have successfully pursued degrees in either math or a hard science, by year, since 2000?

The last question for BOE candidates is real simple: what specific and measurable goals do you have for yourself if elected, and will you release the numbers to the press at the end of each school year?

#1 I believe that East Fayette is going to house an on-line type school for kids that are behind, can't go to a "regular" school,etc. I don't believe it's going to be what has always been called the alternative school (for discipline problems) but will replace the evening school setting (however, it will have day and evening hours).

#3 The high schools are already utilizing on-line classes. These are mostly for upper classmen that have failed classes and are in danger of not graduating on time and are considering dropping out of school completely. I think that one is called Virtual High School. We have graduation coaches that are involved with "high risk" students from 9th grade on.

#4 We have a work program in the county. Some of the kids do graduate from high school and go directly to work. It's a super program and the kids love it.

Your question #2 sounds interesting, but I don't know if it would fly down here as so many households depend on two incomes. Who would stay home to watch the kids? Plus, you would truly be surprised at the number of parents that say, "I don't do the computer" or "I don't do math." What are your thoughts on that idea? What have you read?

Have a niece in Minneapolis who has two elementary school kids. They are on this regimen, and initial testing is very promising.

True enough regarding your statement about 'don't do computers or math.' But, the vast majority of kids are way beyond their parents in the use of technology anyway.

I'd expect them to have more class than to jump on the blogs negative bandwagon. Bravo 5!

Then why Mr. or Ms. PinkSlip do you bother to read it and find it necessary to comment? There is much to be gleaned by participating, reading and analyzing these blogs.

The refusal of the these candiadates and the Sheriff candidates tells me that these people could care less as to the voters to whom they propose to serve.

Mr. Sage Advice was 100% right when he retorted earlier that Mugabee doesn't pay heed to the the media also. This is troublesome. Have a good day.

Silence Dogood, can you just stay silent, pleeeeeeeease ?
If you believe the squeeze you are spewing, "... tells me that these people could care less as to the voters to whom they propose to serve.", then I must ask you to please stay silent on such topics. You have no understanding of those that dedicate themselves in this way to public service and to their communities.

Each of them has more backbone and dedication for serving, than you could ever dream about. You hide behind a Web Name and ID, posted with a silly pic, scared to show yourself.

If you insist to share your lack, excuse me, wealth of incite, share it at one of the remaining upcoming candidate forums. There you can face the candidates, without your mask, and ask them the tough questions. That way they won't be able to dodge them, nor can you dodge them as well.

Why doesn't SDogwood have as much right to voice her/her opinion as you? As for "hiding" behind a Web name and ID. Don't we all/ There are some nasty people around who would love to do harm to others as has been proved here not too long ago. As for the "silly"pic, and being afraind to show themselves--is that your actual pic? Or maybe it is--- I am sure the one with the bug running is circles is not a family photo, or the beaver or any of the others. Everyone has the right to use what name, id, and pic they choose as long as it does not injure anyone--and that goes for you also. Ain't this a great country--ain't this a great newpaper for affording us these privileges?

Oops....Oh, yeah...GrifGuy got bounced for stupidity. How is that Grifguy/ DishonestGuy4Ballard and Beaver all get the hook but Dice Man avoids the gong? Must be the good looks, tact and charm.

Keep blogging Silence.

Typed too fast and hit send instead of preview.

Shouldn’t a candidate for school board know this information by this point in the campaign and be reasonably expected to comment on it?

Q1: The millage rate is almost the maximum allowed? Is it disrespectful to inquire as to whether or not Fayette taxpayers can expect higher millage rates? If not is it disrespectful to ask if you intend to cut jobs? It’s a tough question for a tough situation. Want to not ask it and be surprised?

Q2: Look at Clayton county. Who thinks this question doesn’t need to be asked?

Q3: Darn good question! And not disrespectful at all.

Q4: I’d like them broadcast live on one of the access channels. In any event it is not inflammatory or disrespectful in the least.

Q5 & Q6: Are you afraid we’re going to hurt someone’s feelings by asking them what experience they have managing money before we turn over TWO HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS to them?

Q7: See above.

Q8: Redistricting! No candidate wants to answer that one. Just elect them and trust them, right?

Q9: Disrespectful? This is a softball question that the candidates should have used to give a long answer about their experience, the concerns which led them to run for the office and how much better our children are going to be with them in office.

Whoever gets elected works for you. The campaign is a job interview.

This is the source of the citizen's discontent. Another public official that contends that the citizen lacks the ability to "understand" the elected officials or issues at hand. The voters have had their fill of condescension from those that have been entrusted with public office. We are pleased with the opporunity that the blogs have given us in the ability to question our elected officials without fear of retribution or arrogant dismissal.

We are clearly able to articulate and discriminate between the facts and issues and demand the opportunity to do so. You would do well to remember those who would afford you the opportunity you seek and treat each and every one with the respect they deserve.

Excuse me. There is something you need to focus on. I am not the one running for sheriff or the BOE. I am not the one declining to answer the tough questions demanded by the citizens of the people who are running to represent the same citizens. I have payed taxes in Fayette County for over 30 years and I as everyone else deserve the answers to these tough questions. Anonymous or not.

Good day.

There was no intention to compare anyone personally to the dictator in Zimbabwe.
It is just that a calm answer to questions is required---even if it doesn't answer the question. They do have the right to speak or not to speak.
The media's job is to sort the facts.

How about reporting the facts, facts can sort themselves.

Bias is the business of todays media, not fact digging. Listen, watch and learn. The truth is in between the lines (lies). Personal resposibility on our part to research and find the facts. Personal accountability on the candidates part. The first part of that word is candid, and they should be.

This is a tough business, politics, and many of the citizens of this great country are tired of being overrun by career politicians. We are starting to show our teeth. We are starting to bite back. And, by those means we ask the tough questions that candid-ates should answer. If they can't, then they are just blowing smoke.

"The one constant in all of your failed relationships is you."

they read. It is our job as taxpayers to do research and sort fact from fiction.

I used to be complacent. It is much easier to sit back and do nothing. But crime is allowed to flourish when the good people sit back and do nothing.

Don't ask questions, whatever you do, don't ask the tough questions!!