THUMBS DOWN: Superintendent Stan Rose’s denial of a recent Free
Lance public records request came as no surprise, telling by his
initial reaction to the question whether food service worker Nancy
Polizzi is still being paid by the district and the same, recent
sentiment about the district’s investigation and how it precludes
him from divulging her pay.
THUMBS DOWN: Superintendent Stan Rose’s denial of a recent Free Lance public records request came as no surprise, telling by his initial reaction to the question whether food service worker Nancy Polizzi is still being paid by the district and the same, recent sentiment about the district’s investigation and how it precludes him from divulging her pay.
Rose argues that the district can keep her paid or unpaid status secret while she’s under investigation for her March testimony during which she admitted to giving two convicted killers money to buy the handgun used to kill San Jose resident David Owens as well as money to start a “marijuana operation.” Polizzi has denied knowing they were using the money for a gun.
Whether Rose or other school officials want the matter kept away from the public, it’s not their choice. The law is clear, as ruled upon in 2007 by the California Supreme Court, and Rose has shown he either completely misunderstands a crucial element to open records law or that he’ll do anything, despite the clarity involved, to handle taxpayers’ business behind closed doors.
The question is clear: How much is Polizzi being paid right now, if anything?
There are tax dollars involved. The people paying her – or not – have a right to know where their money is going.
The gray area to which Rose alludes simply does not exist, and it only leaves open the question of whether there is something to hide.
THUMBS UP: This Tuesday, voters will head to the polls and choose county supervisors in Districts 1, 2 and 5. All seven candidates on the ballot deserve credit for even running because it’s a taxing commitment to community, but an important commitment, nonetheless. They also did a fine job of keeping the campaigns fairly clean, which doesn’t always happen around these parts. The candidates include Margie Barrios, Grant Brians and Bonnie Flores-Voropaeff in District 1; Anthony Botelho and Anthony Freitas in District 2; and Marian Cruz and Jaime De La Cruz in District 5. Good luck to all the candidates, and thanks for the efforts.
THUMBS UP: Federal officials recognized the Aromas Post Office’s value to that community reached far beyond revenue numbers. It has been, after all, the only presence of a state or federal office in the three-county cross section. It will remain so after Congressman Sam Farr’s office this week announced the post office would stay put instead of moving into a mobile trailer as the U.S. Postal Service had planned. Officials reversed course after more than 200 residents – in a town of 3,000 – opposed the move at a February town hall-style meeting. Those residents showed what community spirit and activism are all about, and federal officials stepped up to the plate and listened.
