The Martin County
Defender
The e-newsletter for aware citizens - No. 254
Potentially good news about the cost of dredging the inlet
The upcoming Commission meeting on Jan. 24 will deal with the bids by contractors to dredge the St. Lucie Inlet. This has been a vexing problem, especially since the Corps of Engineers shirked its responsibility to keep the channel open. The County has had to bid out the dredging job, and pay for the work.
County Administrator Taryn Kryzda has kept her competent hand on this complex project since day one. Now, with dredging bids having opened, she reports what could be financially good news:
“The bids came in less than we initially anticipated (roughly $2.0 million) – but there are some project inspection and permitting issues that are not included in that number, that we are finalizing prior to the [Commission] meeting, we will lay out options for the Board to consider – the bids look good – the lowest was the hydraulic option, which is the most efficient – the next bid was $400,000 higher, so the lowest bid seems to be okay as far as we can see – company has been in the business 113 years.”
We’re keeping our fingers crossed, and hope that there will be sufficient funds on hand that the five-year loan once thought necessary will not be needed [See DEFENDER No. 248].
In Martin politics, it’s what is not written that reveals issues voters should consider
If a hypothetical candidate released a biography that detailed his background and work experience – but failed to mention that he’d been fired from every job he held – it would be clear that he was ashamed of his work history, and wanted to prevent voters from learning about the firings.
If a newspaper writer reporting on this same fictional candidate listed the jobs he held, but failed to note the firings, people might suspect bias or incompetence. The excuse that the article reported on jobs held, but not firings, would be a pathetic alibi. The public has a right to know all pertinent facts if a reporter wants to be recognized as unbiased. [NOTE: The DEFENDER reports hard facts, and (unlike standard newspaper reporting) adds the editor’s analysis and personal opinions as commentary to help readers better understand the significance of those facts.]
We present the above hypotheticals to offer perspective on the realities below – actual examples of omissions in Martin County reporting that obscure the true picture.
COMMISSION CANDIDATE’S ELECTION AUTOBIOGRAPHY
Every candidate has the opportunity to submit a brief autobiography, which is posted on the Supervisor of Elections website. In viewing the self-description by District 1 Commission Republican primary candidate Tom Fullman, we learn that he he’s a lecturer at Barry University; that he volunteered for the Red Cross; and that he was president of the Martin County Seminole Boosters (FSU). All well and good, but not a word is said about his more important political activity in 2008.
In 2007, Tom Fullman switched from Republican to Democrat registration because he knew he could not win the Republican primary. In 2008, he ran as the Democratic nominee for District 1 Commissioner. He was soundly defeated in the general election. Then, about a year ago, Fullman switched back to being a Republican to improve his chances of election success in 2012.
To demonstrate his leadership qualities, Fullman states in his autobiography: “I am a founder of the civic organizations Jensen Beach Group and The Martin County Consensus. I am the past Chairman of the Consensus.” That is correct.
What is missing from that resume is the fact that Jensen Beach Group soon replaced him in the leadership. Furthermore, because he was easily (mis)led into bad decision making by the same people now running his campaign, the Martin County Consensus rapidly declined from a high profile, active organization that repeatedly filled the large Blake Library meeting room, to its present non-entity status that no longer holds such meetings.
NEWSPAPER TELLS ONLY PART OF THE STORY
Stuart News columnist Eve Samples is one of our favorite local journalists. Her work is usually marked by competence and fairness – but even such a writer can unintentionally mislead by that bugaboo – omission of a clarifying part of the story.
Recently, Samples wrote that Fullman has raised much more campaign contributions than his opponent. True. However, in the interest of complete and impartial reporting, it would seem in order to note that Fullman had entered the race about seven months earlier. Her excuse that she did not report on anyone’s solicitation time, rings hollow.
Samples also wrote about an “independent law firm” that found that Superintendent Nancy Kline violated district policy by creating a hostile work environment. True. But here again, she failed to also note the key to the story - that the supposedly independent law firm investigation was seriously tainted by bias. Matter of fact, the report of the state auditor essentially justified Kline’s actions. Wasn’t that worth a mention?
Maybe I’m too demanding about our favorite journalist friends. But as I learned decades ago as a junior editor, my typewriter (now my computer) is my best friend in order to serve readers effectively. Neither friend or foe is above having his or her work critiqued.
Further corroboration of outburst by School Board Chair
In DEFENDER No. 253, we reported on a disturbing tantrum at a Budget Committee meeting by School Board Chair Sue Hershey. We have obtained a copy of a memo by the School District employee, who was the main target of Hershey’s ire. It is printed below:
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MEMORANDUM
Office of: BRYAN M. THABIT, CPA, CGFO
Executive Director of Finance
To: Nancy Kline, Superintendent
DATE: January 12,2012
FROM: Bryan M. Thabit, CPA. CGFO ~~ Executive Finance Director
SUBJECT: January 10, 2012 Budget Committee
As you are aware from emails and phone calls from members of the Budget Committee that met on January l0. 2012. An unusual event occurred when Ms. Hershey approached me before the start of the meeting and demanded in a loud voice that Mr. Busha's name tag be removed from tbe main table and placed on a chair in the back of the room. I requested why and she said if I did not remove his name from the table that she was leaving due to a violation of tbe Sunshine Law. I explained to her that neither she nor Mr. Busha were voting members of the committee and that this was an advertised Sunshine meeting and declined to remove his name from the table.
She then threw her name tag at me and addressed the committee saying she was the "Ex Officio Chair" of the Budget Committee and this meeting was in violation of the Sunshine Law and left the meeting. All of this occurred in front of the entire committee, the names of which are on the sign in sheet. In addition to the members of this committee there were public members and local businesses in attendance. Mr. Busha did not attend this meeting.
As tbe Executive Director of Finance you assigned me as the Chair of the Budget Committee and I have always followed the Sunshine Law and Board Policies. Ms. Hershey is now claiming she is the Chair of the Budget Committee by way of "Ex Officio." If this is in fact true then I will need clarification. I believe this would be covered by Robert's Rules of Order.
Additionally, Ms. Hershey made an incorrect statement when she informed the Budget Committee and the public that this meeting was in violation of the Sunshine Law. I have specific requirements in writing from the Scbool Board Attorney that explains what is required to comply with the Sunshine Law and in none of these requirements does it state where an elected official sits violates the Sunshine Law.
The tone and demeanor of Ms. Hershey was intimidating, disrespectful and inappropriate and as an educational institution I would believe that a Board member would act with respect toward employees of the District. This event coupled with the recent event of the School Board Attorney insisting that I violate School Board Policy to pay a legal services invoice when Ms. Hershey, School Board Chair, was informed of all the circumstances and failed to intervene, demonstrates further intimidation and a hostile work environment. I am respectfully submitting this memorandum as documentation of recent public events..
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Clearly, Hershey’s outrageous behavior is intolerable. Furthermore, appropriate authorities should investigate her possible violation of Title XLVIII, K-20 Educational Code - Florida Statute 1005.147 which specifically states:
“Bullying and harassment prohibited.—
Bullying or harassment of any student or employee of a public K-12 educational institution is prohibited:
“Harassment” means any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, use of data or computer software, or written, verbal, or physical conduct directed against a student or school employee.“
INTIMIDATION AND SUPPRESSION OF FREE SPEECH BY SCHOOL BOARD’S “OBSTRUCTIVE TRIO”
Bryan Thabit, the School District Director of Finance, who was the target of Hershey’s ire noted above, is not the only employee who has been victimized by School Board Members Sue Hershey, Laurie Gaylord and David Anderson. Below is a copy of the complaint against them filed by an assistant principal who had the audacity to exercise his First Amendment free speech rights:
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David Ruiz
Risk and Employee Benefits Manager
Martin County Public Schools
500 East Ocean Boulevard
Stuart, Florida 34994
Dear Mr. Ruiz,
As the Martin County School District Equity Officer, I am informing you by way of this letter of my official complaint against the Martin County School Board for violating School Board Policy 3142 Non-Discrimination and Prohibition of Harassment. This policy specifically states that harassing conduct includes threatening, intimidating or hostile acts. As an employee of the School District, I believe that based on my coming forward in a public forum to reveal the truth about a professional trip I was approved to take, as well as the revealing the illegal acts of a School Board member, that I am being threatened and retaliated against.
At the June 21, 2011 Martin County Regular School Board meeting, I utilized my right to speak the Open to the Public forum. During this time, I discussed a public records request that was made in regard to a professional trip I took to South Carolina in April 2011. For the record, I indicated that this trip was an “educator tour” that was sponsored by the Army and that the Army funded the entire trip. Additionally, prior approval to attend the tour was provided by my Principal, Mr. Dave Hall, and in addition to me, the Army also provided the funds for South Fork High School guidance counselor, Dr. Small to attend. The purpose of the trip was to learn about the Army as an opportunity for students beyond high school. As an assistant principal and guidance counselor, we gained the knowledge and experience that have allowed us to better counsel students on the benefits of choosing to enlist in the Army after graduating from high school.
While at the podium on June 21, 2011, I also addressed the issue of School Board Member, Mrs. Laurie Gaylord using the School District’s purchasing card (P-Card) to take a personal trip to Las Vegas in April 2007 and explained to the public and on record that the use of a school district’s purchasing card is for conducting official school district business, not for personal trips.
After this meeting, during the Martin County School District Special School Board Meeting on June 28, 2011, School Board Member Laurie Gaylord stated, “I have given tremendous thought whether to reject or not the nomination for Emilio Gonzalez for cause. His appearance at the podium of our School Board meeting last Tuesday was disrespectful and unprofessional. His statements were false and purely a personal grievance which had nothing to do with the official business of the School District… So, at this time, after searching and researching and weighing the pros and cons, I am recommending reappointment for Mr. Gonzalez, but I am advising you Madam Superintendent that next year, I will move for non-renewal for cause if there’s anything remotely improper by Mr. Gonzalez. I am also advising you Madam Superintendent that if Mr. Gonzalez or someone from this staff of public appears before this Board and personally libels and slanders me, I will file a lawsuit personally against them.”
In addition to Mrs. Gaylord’s statements at the June 28, 2011 Special School Board Meeting, School Board Chair, Sue Hershey stated, “It was inappropriate. He (Mr. Gonzalez) should not have been up there and I think he should be censured, too. I would have might, maybe even thought about going a little bit further. But I will go along with Mr. Gonzalez on this. He was wrong…The second part was clear insubordination to this Board and disrespectful.”
At this same meeting, School Board Member, Dr. David Anderson stated, “And I had planned to suggest something if Laurie didn’t and I discussed it with Mr. Gonzalez. I discussed it with the Superintendent because I’ll tell you what, if I were the Superintendent of Schools and one of my employees got out of line like that, they’d get the axe.”
In closing, I believe based on my coming forward in a public forum to reveal the truth about a professional trip I was approved to take, as well as the revealing the illegal acts of a School Board member, that I am being threatened and retaliated against. It is my understanding based on Martin County School Board policy 3142.01 that the Board will vigorously enforce its prohibition against discrimination/harassment and encourages those within the District community who feel aggrieved to seek assistance to rectify the problems.
Therefore, please accept this letter as my official complaint notifying you of these types of acts against me. Furthermore, School Board policy 3242.01 gives the Board authority to investigate all allegations and due to the nature of this complaint, I am requesting an external investigation be conducted. During the investigation, please consider current Martin County School Board Rules and policies, Florida Law including the Florida Constitution, Florida Civil Rights Act, the Florida Public Whistleblower’s Act; and federal law to include the U.S. Constitution and the Civil Rights Act, specifically §1983. In particular, the Public Whistleblower Act, §112.3187, “forbids adverse actions against employees of state government” who disclose information believed to be a violation of law and agency regulation, or who disclose suspected acts of malfeasance, misfeasance or neglect of duty.”
Finally, it is my hope that based on the external investigation, individuals who are found to have engaged in unlawful acts will be appropriately disciplined.
Sincerely,
Emilio Gonzalez
Assistant Principal
South Fork High School
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Hershey and her School Board cohorts, Laurie Gaylord and David Anderson, have too long abused their authority with their arrogant attitudes and autocratic actions. It is past due that they be called to account. Removal from the Board may be appropriate – and defeat at the polls of candidate for superintendent Gaylord - would serve the interests of Martin’s school children.
[And why the hell is the Stuart News simply ignoring this scandal , these abuses of school employees, unfolding right before their eyes?]
Presidential poll of Florida voters
Quinnipiac University’s January poll of 1,412 Florida voters asked:
Does Barack Obama deserve to be re-elect4ed? 44% say YES; 52% say NO
Whom do you support in a general election matchup? Obama 43%; Romney 46%
WONDERING OUT LOUD: Character Counts in Martin County. Does it count in presidential candidates?
Quotable quote
“Democracy is government by bullies, tempered by editors.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Al
Al Forman, Editor 1/21/2012
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Martin County DEFENDER No. 254