Week of April 21

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Week of April 21

-- Anonymous, April 20, 2002

Answers

Hal Rowe fills out the Indian mascot questionnaire for Commissioner Mills. The candidates may want to decide on sound-bite responses for questions that may come up, but otherwise we should probably treat it as a non-issue.

-- Anonymous, April 20, 2002

I am speaking to candidates directly. Neil needs to contact me. The BBS is a good place to"put it out there". If anyone has a suggestion please feel free.

I will take more signs. I have a handful along with brochures. As gatherings happen I will need them.

This week, 25th, SOS meeting is at Kathy Hochmans, right? I can get them then.

Did Doan and Rose put in for petitions yet?

-- Anonymous, April 21, 2002


OK....it all sounds great. Here's my schedule so far. I have a couple of dates I'm booked already. April 27th (next Saturday) - only free before noon - May 5th (Sunday) all day - going with Nick to look at colleges. May 3rd (Friday) - I have a gig in NYC that night and have to leave at 1:00 - wont be home till 2:00am.... Other than that..it's open..

Thanks!

-- Anonymous, April 21, 2002


Oh...I forgot....next Friday night (26th)I have the talent show at the High School. We all should go to that....but I am definitely committed.

-- Anonymous, April 21, 2002

Hi everyone!

Regarding W. Hurley meet & greets...I spoke on the phone with Bill Epstein (HRMkt). He said next weekend (27th or 28th) was available to set up our table. Is that too soon?

I couldn't get Peter Kraft's # to discuss WHFirehouse setting. Spoke instead with Diane Downes. She said I first have to call Hurley Town Clerk Karen Horner to get permission to use the hall. She then suggested posting flyers at Stewarts & HRMkt to announce the event instead of limiting ourselves to the members of the Volunteer Fire Company. Let me know if I'm missing something.

Mary Sue D'Orazio offered to approach the WHurley PTA to discuss hosting an event with them. Thank you, Mary Sue.

All input welcomed. Thank

-- Anonymous, April 21, 2002



Busy Busy Bee's!!!

I have 4 houses secured to "Meet the Candidates". 2 to go. I'm keeping our candidates updated and secured on those dates. Pat Stroh and I are working on a senior luncheon to meet candidates. Jim suggested Sweet Sue's because it's walking distance for many. I love it 'cause it's right next to the Phoenicia Pharmacy ;-) If not there, we're getting in touch with American Cafe. I also secured 4 major private property locations for large signs on Rt. 28...one right outside of Phoenicia Village across from Woodland Valley, bottom of Broadstreet Hollow, across from Margo's Restaurant and at the Blue Barn.

Doan siting in Phoenica Village today...clip board, his 2 little dogs on leashes and talking to people at Rick Riciardella's sidewalk spot.

-- Anonymous, April 21, 2002


I will be inquring this week as to the larger signs. Tomorrow is the official deadline for the nominating petitions. Then we will know for sure who we are running against. Remeber to keep it positive!

Sounds like everyone is doing all the right things and getting positive results. Thanks for all great work!!!

-- Anonymous, April 21, 2002


Hello Everyone,

I just returned from exhibiting at the New York Book Fair. While I was there, Carol delivered a copy of the final brochure to me. I had seen the totally botched version, which was unusable. While this is somewhat improved, the text face used for the candidate statements is still a ghastly sans-serif and the margins are off. I had sent the Kingston firm (who send all their printing out) two detailed faxes explaining the errors -- there is no excuse whatsoever for this repetition of the error. I'm deeply upset that what would have been a very attractive piece of printing (of this kind) should have been messed up by what I can only describe as stupidity. Still, it will do (will have to do).

Ted.

-- Anonymous, April 22, 2002


Laurel - Best to see if Ann Marie Johansonn knows Peter Kraft's number and let him do the Fire Company contacts. He is a member and that is always best. Ann Marie's number is 845-657-2312.

Hurley Ridge has always been cooperative so that's great. We'll start around then. Never was a need to set up specific times and appointments in the past so let's not approach it in that way. But great to hear he was receptive.

PTA coffee clatch would be a nice idea...

-- Anonymous, April 22, 2002


I believe it's a bit early to be hounding people at the Hurley Ridge market...how about waiting a week. Private groups and meet and greets are fine, but the public will ge election fatigue unless we're very careful.This goes for yard signs as well.

If Doan is out on the streets, we could be right nearby handing out our "Record" sheets to folks who might otherwise buy his line...we ned the truth squad. we'll need to firm up this draft (which has been worked on some more) by the week's end also, so we feel comfortable using it. more details to follow.

Be careful out there...

any thoughts on the Ricci show last night...Meg and I were out of town...I'm sure it went well, just eager to hear from those who know.

I have placed our ad in the Wood Times/Ulster Townsman and Phoenicia Times.

Meg meets with Ward Todd today. I have the two pages of the insert ready for first look/approval...I'll post them on the bbs shortly..needs to be completed by Friday the latest.

Chime in folks...candidates especially. Tobe

-- Anonymous, April 22, 2002



Here's the front page of the insert written as an open letter to the voters..this could be our last week's full page ad.

An open letter from Marino D’Orazio, Neil Eisenberg, and Kathy Hochman

To voters of the Onteora School District: We are candidates for the Board of Education who believe raising student achievement must be the key work of the board. We pledge to support our faculty, staff, and administration to build a stronger school district. We applaud the expansion of innovative programs like Indie Works and the careful consideration of Academic Intervention Services for all students in need.

We want an open Board of Education - one responsive to the community. We believe board members must work together as a team with the superintendent in an atmosphere of trust. This means restoring a sense of respect and cooperation. The elected board must have zero tolerance for personal attacks and ambushes, secret off-agenda items, deliberate misinformation, misguided litigation, or off-budget surprises with hidden costs. The board must make fully informed decisions with the best information available. And, the board’s business must be done in public by the fully elected board - not privately and unilaterally by one or two unauthorized members.

Our first priority will be to create goals for the coming year that reflect the community’s vision for the kind of district Onteora can be. We will encourage residents to contribute to the school community in a variety of ways. We pledge to strengthen our district’s Shared Decision Making Site Based Teams with the focus on improving student learning. And we will deal responsibly with fiscal matters and budgetary constraints. We hope to shape a board that will make us all proud. We offer a moderate, respectful approach to doing the district’s business. When Onteora is in the news, we hope to see stories about the wonderful achievements of our students and our staff, not embarrassing stories about battles in the board room. May 21st is a critical election. The candidates have very different priorities. Our goal for Onteora is to insure the right educational program for each student in the district. Please help us focus on education. We seek your vote on Election Day, Tuesday, May 21st.

Marino D’Orazio, Neil Eisenberg, and Kathy Hochman

Sponsored by S.O.S. - Support Onteora Schools www.onteora.net

Here's the copy for the insert back page:

To Voters of the Onteora School District Vote Tuesday May 21st Polls open 2-9 PM at your local elementary school

• Restore Board trust, cooperation, and respect • Revitalize Shared Decision Making • Support fiscal responsibility • Support innovative academic programs • Support Academic Intervention Services • Support staff development to enrich teaching • Provide a safe and secure learning environment • Support planning for quality facilities

Vote for Marino D’Orazio Neil Eisenberg Kathy Hochman Sponsored by S.O.S. - Support Onteora Schools • PO Box 7 • West Shokan, NY 12494

-- Anonymous, April 22, 2002


Here's an alternative for the front page of the insert written as an open letter to the voters..it removes the negative issues that "we won't tolerate"...see if it's more palatable, or if it ignores the nasty behaviors that should be named.

An open letter from Marino D’Orazio, Neil Eisenberg, and Kathy Hochman

To voters of the Onteora School District: We are candidates for the Board of Education who believe raising student achievement must be the key work of the board. We pledge to support our faculty, staff, and administration to build a stronger school district. We applaud the expansion of innovative programs like Indie Works and the careful consideration of Academic Intervention Services for all students in need.

We want an open Board of Education - one responsive to the community. We believe board members must work together as a team with the superintendent in an atmosphere of trust. This means restoring a sense of respect and cooperation. The board must make fully informed decisions with the best information available. And, the board’s business must be done in public by the fully elected board - not privately and unilaterally by one or two unauthorized members.

Our first priority will be to create goals for the coming year that reflect the community’s vision for the kind of district Onteora can be. We will encourage residents to contribute to the school community in a variety of ways. We pledge to strengthen our district’s Shared Decision Making Site Based Teams with the focus on improving student learning. And we will deal responsibly with fiscal matters and budgetary constraints. We hope to shape a board that will make us all proud. We offer a moderate, respectful approach to doing the district’s business. When Onteora is in the news, we hope to see stories about the wonderful achievements of our students and our staff, not embarrassing stories about battles in the board room. May 21st is a critical election. The candidates have very different priorities. Our goal for Onteora is to insure the right educational program for each student in the district. Please help us focus on education. We seek your vote on Election Day, Tuesday, May 21st.

Marino D’Orazio, Neil Eisenberg, and Kathy Hochman

Sponsored by S.O.S. - Support Onteora Schools www.onteora.net

Here's the copy for the insert back page:

To Voters of the Onteora School District Vote Tuesday May 21st Polls open 2-9 PM at your local elementary school

• Restore Board trust, cooperation, and respect • Revitalize Shared Decision Making • Support fiscal responsibility • Support innovative academic programs • Support Academic Intervention Services • Support staff development to enrich teaching • Provide a safe and secure learning environment • Support planning for quality facilities

Vote for Marino D’Orazio Neil Eisenberg Kathy Hochman Sponsored by S.O.S. - Support Onteora Schools • PO Box 7 • West Shokan, NY 12494

-- Anonymous, April 22, 2002


Tobe, the text is excellent, just the right tone for late in the campaign. Will there be pictures on the other side? Seems like there's plenty of room for them. A caution: the difficulty we had with the brochures is probably par for the course, so let's either: leave tons of time for corrections of the Freeman's layout, or print them ourselves and be sure they're perfect.

Is this weeks meeting Thursday 7pm, at Kathy's ??

Signs have begun to appear around Woodstock. The WES PTA is a mess right now, with a faction including Rose O and some of the older teachers trying to oust principal Greg Wing, sound familiar? I'm looking for other groups for meet and greets, and have permission to campaign at the soccer fields, which is teeming with Woodstock and West Hurley parents. I want to start street campaigning this weekend, anybody up for it?

Curry

-- Anonymous, April 22, 2002


Laurel - Peter Kraft's phone number is 679-7437 - sorry for the delay...

Tobe& Ann Marie - I'll get you that artwork tonight,

The TV show went great. Hopefully someone saw it because it couldnt have been better.

-- Anonymous, April 22, 2002


Doan, Rose and Wilkens are offically candidates as they have submitted verified petitions. But the numbers are alarming Doan submitted 177, Rose 127 and Wilkens submitted enough last week.

-- Anonymous, April 22, 2002


Please note the new dates on the calendar for candidate appearances in the town of Shandaken on May 4, 5, and 11th for Shandaken Coffee Klatches. Great work by Melissa! Calendar http://www.thecodecrew.com/cgi-local/calendar/calendar.pl

-- Anonymous, April 22, 2002

The OTA is willing to make the candidate endorsements and donations that we have previously discussed BUT it is vitally important that we keep the endorsement and the funding absolutely discreet. No one outside of this group needs to know who or how much money or any details about our funding sources. THIS IS EXREMELY IMPORTANT!!! The fear is that if this becomes public before the election it will become a big issue in the election.

SOS MEETING THURSDAY THIS WEEK AT KATHY HOCHMAN's HOUSE 7:00 PM !!!!!

-- Anonymous, April 22, 2002


From this morning's Daily Freeman:

In the Onteora district, six people are running for three three-year seats on the seven-member board. Two incumbents are running, as is a candidate appointed following Joseph Vanacore's resignation. The first non-incumbent to win will be sworn in immediately to fill the rest of the appointed term as well as the full three-year term that follows.

The candidates are incumbent Joseph Doan, 547 Glenford-Wittenberg Road, Bearsville; incumbent Marino D'Orazio, 16 Park Drive, Woodstock; appointee Rose Ostrander, 124 Upper Pond Road, Bearsville; Neil Eisenberg, 43 Miller Road, Mount Tremper; Kathleen M. Hochman, 99 Private Road No. 1, Shokan; and Robert Wilkins, 3146 state Route 28, Shokan.

-- Anonymous, April 23, 2002


People are beginning to respond to the insert materials i posted. neil says make is softer still, Marino says put the nasty behaviors back in...Kathy? Others? need to finalize this ASAP I like the hard ball stuff myself, naming the bad board behaviors so the voters understand... but .... Tobe

-- Anonymous, April 23, 2002

I just got a phone call from Wendy at the District office about the drawing for the order on the ballot. Here it is:

Neil Eisenberg Bob Wilkins Joe Doan Rose Ostrander Kathy Hochman Marino D'Orazio

Although good for me....not so good for US.. Oh well...lets assume the voters arent idiots....

-- Anonymous, April 23, 2002


just heard that thew orsder fort he candidates on the ballot is a sfollows: 1. Neil 2. Wilkens 3. Doan 4. Ostrander 5. Kathy 6. Marino The luck of the draw..tell everyone to vote for numbers 1, 5 & 6. Tobe

-- Anonymous, April 23, 2002

SOS MEETING THURSDAY, 7PM, AT KATHY'S

Her phone is 657 9911 if you need directions

-- Anonymous, April 23, 2002


Tobe, I like the hard stuff. What I know is that you define the other guy before he defines you, and that the juicy stuff is the most salient definer around. Go get 'em.

-- Anonymous, April 23, 2002

tell voters vote for 1, 5 & 6 on the ballot...most can count that high :-)

very long posting below....please check it over...we're almost done with this long version...it appears we will not publish this EXCEPT as a hand-out at markets, etc. so that folks can take it home, digest it and know the real story.

We MAY excerpt from it as needed...your input is needed to help whittle this down to a workable one page ad IF we decide to go negative late in the game (depends on what THEY are doing)

three good newspaper articles today...two reval that Doan was an unregistered "engineer" for a long time...he he he.

DRAFT The Doan/Ostrander Record: The following information is taken from the Onteora Board of Education minutes and the documented record.

Doan and Ostrander Against Academic and Student Support Services September 27, 1999: Doan votes NO on creating an Academic Intervention Services Teacher position for the elementary schools. Funding was from federal grants, at no additional cost to district taxpayers. March 20, 2000: Doan votes NO on approving a social worker position. April 26, 2000: Doan votes NO on appointing a permanent certified social worker. April 26, 2000: Doan votes NO on approving state required Committee on Special Education recommendations. April and May 2000: Doan votes and works against the 2000 - 2001 school budget. Resulting contingency budget deprived the district of more than a million dollars in existing and planned academic and support programs. June 6, 2000: Doan votes YES on a hiring freeze for substitute teachers, depriving the district of needed classroom coverage. July 10, 2000: Doan votes to remove Director of Pupil Personnel Services from her seat at the board table during meetings. September 25, 2000: Doan votes NO on creating a needed special education teacher position at the High School. March 12, 2001: Doan votes NO on creating an administrative assistant position to help with Pupil Personnel Services and Committee on Special Education workload. July 9, 2001: Doan votes NO on creating a pupil personnel clerk position to insure all required district aid reimbursement documents are filed in a timely way. August 20, 2001: Ostrander votes NO on adding a consultant for psychological - educational evaluations to a list of possible providers. August 20, 2001: Ostander votes NO on approving speech therapy services as required by a student's Individual Education Plan (IEP). August 21, 2001: Doan votes NO on paying artists who performed work under a NY State Education Department Learn and Serve grant in the Phoenicia School. December 3, 2001: Ostrander votes NO for teacher training workshop on the Star Lab Planetarium Program for Bennett and West Hurley schools. January 14, 2002: Doan votes NO on adding a pediatric occupational service provider to a list of possible providers. April 8, 2002: Doan votes NO on contracting with a multi-sensory trainer for student services. April 8, 2002: Doan votes NO on contracting with professional development workshop instructors for support staff training. April 8, 2002: Doan votes NO on contracting with a licensed psychologist for required Committee on Special Education meetings. April 8, 2002: Doan votes NO to contracting with a medical doctor to perform pediatric neurology services. April 8, 2002: Doan votes NO on training and site observation services.

Doan and Ostrander Against the Bennett School Building Project June 18, 2001: Bennett teacher complains to the board about Joe Doan hammering in "Vote No" signs on Bennett Building project throughout the district. June 20, 2001: Onteora district voters approve Bennett Building Project referendum. August 1, 2001: Doan supplies district documents and support to petitioners seeking to overturn the June referendum that approved the Bennett Building Project. December 3, 2001: Doan and Ostrander vote NO on a contract for temporary classrooms for the Bennett Building Project. December 3, 2001: Doan and Ostrander vote NO on site-preparation work for temporary classrooms for the Bennett Building project. December 3, 2001: Doan votes NO on electrical work for the Bennett Building project. January 14, 2002: Doan and Ostrander vote No on leasing temporary classrooms for the Bennett Building project. January 14, 2002: Doan and Ostrander vote NO on a plumbing services contract for the temporary classrooms at the Bennett Building project.

Doan and Ostrander Against the Arts September 10, 2001: Doan votes NO on Artist in Residence Program - Dance program. September 24, 2001: Doan calls after-school arts, drama classes "extravagant." October 29, 2001: Doan votes NO on Artist in Residence Program - Dance program. Doan says, "OCS is paying too much for these individuals." November 19, 2001: Doan votes NO for a Cornerstones Program prevention specialist and storyteller for two elementary schools as part of the K-6 health education curriculum. Calls the program "…an extravagance that taxpayers should not have to pay." January 14, 2002: Doan and Ostrander vote NO for Artist in Residence - Dance program in the middle school that incorporates ways of reducing bullying behavior, as part of Project Make a Difference. January 14, 2002: Doan and Ostrander vote NO for Artist in Residence - Poetry in the Schools that helps meet the state learning standards for 4th grade ELA tests. January 14, 2002: Doan and Ostrander vote NO for hiring professional piano accompanists for student rehearsals and concerts. February 25, 2002: Doan votes NO for Outstanding Performers Series-Music in the Schools concert and mentoring program with world-renowned cellists, as part of the Woodstock School's year-long study of J.S. Bach.

Doan's Investigations and Litigation Unprecedented legal expenditures. Since Joe Doan has been on the board the district has spent at least $62,000 on legal costs in addition to the yearly legal retainer fees. Several legal matters and investigations are ongoing, with costs mounting. Doan has supported two petitions against the school district by giving district documents to the petitioners working against the district. Some examples: Shaw & Perelson investigations: Cost: $10,000. Dr. Amy Albers Special Education investigation: Cost: $9,975. Doan admits giving district documents to Gerald Ricci and Sam Mercer in support of their petition to the Commissioner of Education against the school district on the leases for temporary classrooms Doan gives district documents to William Maliha in support of his petition to the Commissioner of Education against the district, seeking to overturn the Bennett Building project vote. April 20, 2002: Commissioner Mills rejects the Maliha petition. 2002: Doan sponsors multiple Feldman investigations. Cost to district taxpayers, $165 an hour with no cap. Feldman estimates $7,500 has been spent to date. Investigation ongoing.

Doan's Unauthorized Actions and Bad Board Behavior Fall 1999: Doan conducts unauthorized asphalt testing at Phoenicia School. March 4, 2000: Doan breaks the agreement made at a board retreat two days before about no surprises on the meeting agenda. The very next meeting, he springs another ambush motion, late in the meeting with no prior board notification or back up information for board members to study. June 6, 2000: Doan conducts second unauthorized asphalt test at Phoenicia School. June 2000: Doan makes an unauthorized request for water testing at West Hurley School, and without authority directs district funds be expended for contractor. September 25, 2000: Doan wants "Trustee Badges" to wear when going into the schools, in contradiction to the State Education Law which says board members have no authority outside a legally convened meeting. October 16, 2000: Marino D'Orazio summarily removed from committee to oversee Shaw investigations. Replaced with Doan ally, Fred Perry. May 29, 2001: Doan support Millman's unauthorized unilateral directives to set up a process for filling a board vacancy. Millman unilaterally directs district funds to be spent on advertising to accept applications. This is the start of the "rigged" appointment process that results in seating Doan/Millman/Perry political supporter, Rose Ostrander. June 18, 2001: Doan plays part of his secretly recorded audiotape with attorney Kimberly Fanniff. His attempt to mislead the public by playing only a small portion of the tape was greeted with hoots and derision from the public. After months of Doan's refusal to turn over the unedited tape for the public record the board ultimately agrees to make the tape available. The complete and unedited recording does not support Doan's claims that the attorney backed up his interpretation of a state law as correct. June 27, 2001: Doan moves to appoint Rose Ostrander, dismissing 25 applicants without any interviews or a process to determine the best person to fill the vacant seat. August 29, 2001: Doan moves to appoint his candidate for interim principal of the Phoenicia School, in complete disregard of the decisions of the Shared Decision Making selection team. October 29, 2001: Doan announces he has directed school personnel to facilitate four unauthorized requests without board knowledge or approval. November 5, 2001: Doan unilaterally schedules a nurse to report to the board on STDs and condoms, ignoring district's health professionals and faculty. He refuses to say who she is, hiding her identity from the public and fellow board members. After much public pressure, he releases a resume for the nurse which hides her staff position with a "Right to Life" religious organization. January 28, 2002: Doan announces he will apply for a grant. Without authority of the board, he names himself as Onteora's "agent" and certifies that the district will have a 25% share of the grant available ($750,000.) The grant was rejected as not applicable in March, 2002. February 25, 2002: Doan and Ostrander vote NO on opening the early "public be heard" session to all topics. Ostrander incorrectly comments that the meetings are long because of the "public be heard" segment. April 16, 2002, Doan unilaterally and without board approval invites Mr. Feldman to come to a meeting to report on his incomplete, preliminary report. Costs: $165 hour.

Doan's Bad Judgment August 21, 2000: Doan votes NO to authorizing the hiring of Dennis Geisler to help in the transition of the new business manager. Doan's vote was called a vote "against the orderly business of the district." January 22, 2001: Doan votes NO to seating student representative on the board. July 9, 2001: Doan votes YES to change official newspapers from Kingston Freeman and Woodstock Times to the two papers with the smallest circulation in our district. July 9, 2001: Doan votes No to rehire Donoghue law firm after 30 years of representing the district. July 9, 2001: Doan votes YES to hire Shaw law firm. 2000-2002: The Girls' Softball Field: Doan promises at least three times to do the engineering for the girls' softball field. He says the total cost for the field will be about $2500. Over the next year his estimates repeatedly change. Costs balloon to nearly $39,000 for the field. Doan never submits any plans. 2002: Doan and Millman release incomplete student information in an attempt to create a scandal about the principal, curriculum, and teachers at the Phoenicia School. February 25, 2002: Doan moves to ban flash cameras, claiming he has a medical condition, which is bothered by the flashes. No medical records are presented to back his claim.

The Doan Deal on District Transportation August 23, 1999: Doan votes NO on creating a full-time bus driver as recommended by transportation department. September 13, 1999: Doan "…questions the accuracy and validity of the analysis for the hiring of a full-time bus driver." September 27, 1999: Doan votes NO on creating two bus driver positions. December 20, 1999: Doan votes NO on promotion of Mike Grehl to Transportation Supervisor. April 10, 2000: Doan wants to eliminate district transportation and use bus garage as a kindergarten. April 26, 2000: Doan votes NO on purchasing buses. April 26, 2000: Doan votes NO on vehicle purchase for district courier and food transport needs. Summer 2000: Doan promises $500,000 savings if district transportation is cut. Claims taxpayers will save $1 million dollars a year if the entire district transportation system is shut down. District offers early (some say "forced") retirement to bus drivers and reduces district runs. Contractors gain daily routes, the late-runs for sports teams and field trips. Cost: $110,000 extra for contracted late runs. Less flexibility to meet students' needs. November 20, 2000: Doan votes NO on reimbursing Mike Grehl for the use of his personal vehicle for school use. January 22, 2001: Doan votes NO to hiring part-time bus driver "…a contingent expense based on the health and safety of students." April 2, 2001: Doan claims Mike Grehl made "…misleading and inaccurate statements" to the Woodstock Times about transportation. April 2, 2001: Doan moves to bid out all bus routes. Motion raised as an off-agenda item, late in a lengthy meeting. May 7, 2001: Doan votes NO to having district bus drivers take back late runs, although costs of contracted out late runs are $110,000 over budget and students are being stranded when contract drivers do not show up. May 15, 2001: Doan votes NO to updating transportation study. August 20, 2001: Doan votes NO on hiring a 2-week clerical person to help prepare bus routes before school begins. September 10, 2001: Doan votes NO on approving substitute bus driver. September 10, 2001: Doan votes NO on reimbursing Mike Grehl for the use of his personal vehicle for school use. November 19, 2001: Doan and Ostrander vote NO on approving agreement for transportation study update.

The Doan Attack on District Personnel November 1, 1999: Doan memo falsely accuses Director of Pupil Personnel and her secretary of fronting for private consultants while getting use of the West Hurley fire hall for staff training sessions. December 16, 1999, West Hurley Fire Commissioners deny making the statements Doan attributes to them in his memo. The Fire Commissioners, in a public meeting, reject Doan's assertions, saying Doan's memo includes statements that are not true. March 20, 2000: Doan moves to request to Carl McCall's office audit district books looking for malfeasance. Since Doan won't supply any details, McCall's office declines to become involved. June 19, 2000: Doan votes NO on motion to invite superintendent into executive session. September 25, 2000: Superintendent uninvited to executive session. December 18, 2000: Doan votes NO on resolution honoring district's contractual obligations with the Onteora Administrators' Association. Doan accuses the teachers of taking too much time off and requests attendance records of all district employees. January 8, 2001: Doan and Millman verbally assault and berate Kathy Aley, long time district employee and internal auditor. July 9, 2001: Doan votes NO to temporary appointment of Bill Thornton as treasurer. November 5, 2001: Doan calls for executive session to discuss "matters leading to the dismissal of a particular individual," in an attempt to start formal proceedings against Superintendent Hal Rowe.



-- Anonymous, April 23, 2002


Meg met with ward Todd yesterday...it went very well...he ended up taking 10-15 briochures to pass out.

He gave some advicxe on campaigning to Meg.

he says going door to door does wortk and is helpful...it can make the difference for some voters...if they are not home, or it's inconvenient to talk, just leave the info...obviously weekends and early evenings make the best sense. I bet that Doan et al. will do this.

Also suggested wering name tags when out meeting and greeting so people can immediately recognize who they're talking with.

Tobe

-- Anonymous, April 23, 2002


Hi all:

Yes, name tags are important. I wish we had them at Boiceville Inn. Many supporters hadn't met candidates and couldn't find them in the croud. Of course, I introduced them, but it's just easier. Also, the door to door concept is in alignment with the coffee clotches at private homes. Personal and warm....let person vent and voice they're concerns....have a listening ear....then tell how changes can be made.

My letter is going in this weeks issues. I had to shorten for Freeman. I know 2 others putting in letters. Keep on people to write to papers.

I have to finish my sewing deadline.....so, see ya Thursday at Kathy's.

-- Anonymous, April 23, 2002


Here's my modified edit:

An open letter from Marino D?Orazio, Neil Eisenberg, and Kathy Hochman To voters of the Onteora School District: We are candidates for the Board of Education who believe that setting educational goals and raising student achievement should be the key focus of the school board. We pledge to support our faculty, staff, and administration in order to build a stronger Onteora School District. We want an open Board of Education - one responsive to the community. We believe members of the board must work together with the superintendent as a team in an atmosphere of trust and purpose. Restoring a sense of respect and cooperation. We feel the board should make fully informed decisions with the best information available. And, the board?s business must be done in public by the fully elected board. Most importantly, we pledge to work together as a team with all board members for the betterment of the district. Our first priority will be to create goals for the coming year that reflect the community?s vision for the kind of district Onteora can be. We will encourage residents to contribute to the school community in a variety of ways. We pledge to strengthen our district?s Shared Decision Making Site Based Teams with the focus on improving student learning and involvement. And we will deal responsibly with fiscal matters and budgetary constraints. We hope to shape a board that will make us all proud by offering a moderate, respectful approach in doing the district?s business. When Onteora is in the news, we hope to see positive stories about the wonderful achievements of our students and our staff. May 21st is a critical election for Onteora and could change the current board majority. Please help us focus on education. We respectfully ask for your vote on Election Day, Tuesday, May 21st. Thank you. Marino D?Orazio, Neil Eisenberg, and Kathy Hochman Sponsored by S.O.S. - Support Onteora Schools www.onteora.net Here's the copy for the insert back page: To Voters of the Onteora School District Vote Tuesday May 21st Polls open 2-9 PM at your local elementary school ? Restore Board trust, cooperation, and respect ? Revitalize Shared Decision Making ? Support fiscal responsibility ? Support innovative academic programs ? Support Academic Intervention Services ? Support staff development to enrich teaching ? Provide a safe and secure learning environment ? Support long-term planning for quality facilities Vote for Marino D?Orazio Neil Eisenberg Kathy Hochman Sponsored by S.O.S. - Support Onteora Schools ? PO Box 7 ? West Shokan, NY 12494

-- Anonymous, April 23, 2002


There is a good chance that a representative of the OTA will be needing the availability of the candidates for photos around the schools by the end of this week.

I am getting a price and a layout on larger signs tomorrow. They will be approxiamately 32"x48".

-- Anonymous, April 23, 2002


We should make sure the literature/ads that we put out do not reference "onteora.net" unless that site is working. I have been there a couple of times and it never comes up.

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2002

Candidates need to contact us about best date for a free breakfast we arer planning for the Phoenicia Seniors at Sweet Sue's in Phoenicia. We are looking at May 14 or 15. Please let us know best date ASAP so we can make plans. Special thanks go to Melissa Reebock, Pat Stroh, Judy (formerly from Judy's Kitchen), Sue Taylor, Doris Bartlette and anyone else instrumental in making this possible at very little expense to us.

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2002

I'll see if I have some time today to contact the new domain I want hosting it. We've been so consumed with the book fair the past couple of weeks. I apologize for not keeping up my end of things here.

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2002

Just got off the phone with Chris Collins who, along with Sheila Isenberg, wrote the terrific Dump Doan letter in the Woodstock Times last week. What they did is called an acronym, and I picked up on the form and sent another Dump Doan letter to all the papers, for next week. It would be great to continue this until the election !!! Anybody else want to give it a try?

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2002

Seems Josh had taken last year's version off his servers without even notifying me. DNS changes have gone into the appropriate places, should be active within the next few days. Neil, I'll let you know when it's up, and give you FTP information for anything you want to put on there during this new campaign.

BTW, just found that onteora.org seems to have been released by the school system (which had been holding onto it), and is now available. Any of you who wish to snap that domain name up, now would be a real good time. I don't want it, I'm sitting on 4 domain names already...

In other online news, I don't expect we'll have any more storms that are enough to close school, but if we do, cancellations.com is offline for substantial reconstruction until next fall. Just know you can't count on it for emergencies. I'll alert Hal to pass the word on to the appropriate people, just in case.

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2002


The Shandaken Senior Group is invited to a luncheon, not breakfast, on either May 14 or May 15. It will be 12:30. Candidates, let me know which date is best...I really want all three of you. The host homes for candidates in Shandaken are working on voter registration lists to get folks to come. The dates are posted on calendar and when Senior Luncheon is settled it will also be posted.

I received the minutes at last ONTEA meeting. In responce to my letter they voted 11 to 0 to give funds to SOS. You should be hearing from them very soon. Good for my collegues. I'm proud of them.

My son and his girl friend are arriving Friday night for weekend, I'm going to Barbara Boyces' Award Dinner on Friday night, my son Jesse turned 16 (!) and I still need to meet my work deadline. If I don't make the thursday evening SOS meet at Kathy's....sorry. I'm sure I'll need to coordinate to get signs and brochures.

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2002


Melissa - you are doing great and we'll cover for you.

I have, in hand, 3 x $1000 checks from the OTA. They are made out to the candidates and need to be transferred ASAP into the SOS account. Please be sure to keep this discreet and quiet. We don't want their contribution to be the election issue.

Signs and brochures will be available at Kathy Hochman's Thursday night.

The OTA is planning a newspaper campaign and will be asking our candidates to be photo op'ed for the ads in the Freeman. Because of the nature of our collaborative efforts (and they just gave us $3K) I have invited Susan Rosen (who can't attend) and Rick Schneller.

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2002


Here's a disappointing email I received tonight from Pat Stroh.

Jim...besides not being able to get on the Bboard (I just can't click in and I'm having trouble sending answers!!), the Shandaken Senior Citizens said "thanks, but no thanks"..they are tired of hearing the fighting, if they let one group in they would have to let the other group in...I'm getting concerned! What groups are we targeting?? Are we FIGHTING TOO MUCH..??? As a political animal, I have to wonder if we are pushing the negative buttons too much?...

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2002


Well...I guess its moot to tell you either date would have worked for me....at this point. Too bad about the Shandaken Seniors....but they dont need a free lunch to make up their minds. If theyre tired of the fighting they must be on our side already.

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2002

I'm not sure what "fighting" they're referring to. Is it their fight for lower taxes? or the fighting on board. Anyway, we've got a place to go and no one getting dressed up. Is there anyone else we can target to utilize this opportunity? Sweet Sue is very open to day and time of day as long as Tues or Wed.when her place is closed. We could even do an early evening? what a shame.

-- Anonymous, April 25, 2002

Alison's bus (Olivebridge from Onteora) seems to have just had a collision with a mail truck somewhere on the way home. Word from the school when we called about the delay is that it's nothing much, but they are checking kids to be sure. Earlier this week Suki's "purple duck" bus hit the corner of the protective chain link fence around the corner of the modulars outside Bennett.

Someone who is friendly with Mike Grehl may want to find out if any of this is attributable in any way to the transportation privatization initiatives. I don't want him or the bus drivers to get in trouble, but this had better not be another consequence of Doan's work. I am not at all happy to have both my kids in bus accidents in one week.

Don't think I'll be able to be at the meeting tonight, having to now wait around to make sure she is OK is really throwing things off here.

-- Anonymous, April 25, 2002


Carol: Mike is great and wouldn't mind you calling him. He's in his office very early, so, get him then. I hope everyone is OK! Let us know.

-- Anonymous, April 25, 2002

FYI:

More and more word around is "let's get rid of 'em all".

I keep hearing it more and more...

Dennis

-- Anonymous, April 25, 2002


Melissa - We had a great meeting last night with a good turnout. The Hochman's were gracious hosts and provided delicious food and drink. One topic that came up was the demographics of the previous voting trends. Who votes for whom in what towns. It seems we decided to shift our focus into Woodstock more heavily and Olive as well. That's were our numbers are best. With that in mind, let's drop the Sweet Sue's and Pine Hill ideas and move eastward. Keep the Koffe Klatches intact.

Curry will be coming up with venues in Woodstock for public/private candidate meet and greets.

Ads were discussed and editied by all. Tobe was very patient considering the vast amounts of time and efforts he puts into the ads. Thanks to everyone for all the hard work.

-- Anonymous, April 26, 2002


Yes, a fine meeting last night. Thanks to Kathy & Rick for their great hospitality.

Next SOS meeting: next Thursday, May 2, at Anne Marie's: Take rt 28 to Boiceville, then turn onto rt 28A. Go 4 miles on 28A to West Shokan. Just past the Olive Free Library, turn rt onto West Shokan Heights Road. Go 1/2 mile to T with Highpoint Mt Road, and turn right. Go 1/2 mile on Highpoint Mt Rd to #111, on the right, a brown converted barn. Anne Marie's phone is 657 2312.

The concensus at last night's meeting was that street campaigning should begin after 5/1, so let's keep up with prep, but be ready to hit the streete next week!!!

-- Anonymous, April 26, 2002


Please forgive me. I forgot to communicate that I would be missing last night's meeting in order to celebrate my birthday with my children. We had a lovely dinner at Joshua's. On the way home I stopped to talk with Mr. Epstein (HRMkt). He said any day is good. Haven't heard back from Peter Kraft yet, but should I initiate the paperwork with the Hurley Town Clerk to access to WHFirehouse, or do you really just want to focus on Woodstock/Olive? Please let me know if I missed any instructions from last night's meeting. See you next week. Best regards, Laurel

-- Anonymous, April 26, 2002

Yes Laural we missed ya! Happy belated Birthday!

IMHO-I think we should hold off on the firehouse as I recall it is about $200 to rent. If we are invited to speak that is another scenerio. But I had a talk with a fireman from W. Hurley and he thought that it was a mixed crowd with definite Doan support from the Clyde Russell (District bus contractor) crowd. I think we need to concentrate on getting out our supporters rather than to change a points of view. There is always the moderate voter who we will need to appeal but that can be more easily done through letters and media. Maybe better to work the PTA's through local contacts. The Koffee Klatches in Shandaken is a nice scenerio because it draws out our supporters who can then go out and influence their friends. Most of this local appeal is to get out the vote. The meet-and-greets at the local markets is a nice way to put the face to the name and perhaps change some opinions. But it is really to garner momentum and get the voter out.

The letter writing campaign is starting to get to a critical phase. Watch the letters and be sure to respond or make a point in the LAST issue of the paper before the election so that the opposition will not have the opportunity to respond and twist the truth. Look what happened to Tobe and the softball field. He got an appealing reply by Doan which isn't true at all ( but who really cares about the facts?). Be careful about specifics and keep the tone positive and forward looking. Bigger signs are coming soon to a street near you!! I saw the first oppostition print material and I beleive there is a grammatical error in it. It is a card which has the names and date of the election. I saw it at the Dependable gas station (Doan supporter Joe Julliano) in Shokan near the cash register.

-- Anonymous, April 26, 2002


Opposition signs are slowly making an appearance. Of note there are two signs at the Door Jamb in Shokan. Anybody knows what gives there? Feel free to give them a call and voice your displeasure.

-- Anonymous, April 27, 2002

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