Public Accountability
This discussion started with Jim Brink's quotes in the Pickerington Times-Sun. As a public figure, he is accountable to the public for his comments. He's the board member who chose to be quoted publicly before taking office. While some people do know him personally and feel comfortable calling him, the public also needs answers. The fact that any discussion exists is because people in this community care about the community, and some seem to be wondering about his leadership skills.
Some very good issues have been brought up in this discussion, and they can't be swept under the rug by making outrageous accusations against the posters. They include:
-Being quoted as no longer wanting to strive for an Excellent rating for the district
-Possibly trying to hijack the school board presidency over his promises to Gail Oakes
-Possibly falling back on his campaign promise for ethical government
-Possible closer ties to Wes Monhollen than some posters are comfortable with
-Possible discriminatory feelings toward Columbus children within the district
-Possible lack of commitment to educating students with special needs
Perhaps Mr. Brink has learned an important lesson from all of this. What a public figure says and does in performing his duties matter. None of this was directed toward his personal life in any way. Public figures in this community do receive quite a bit of scrutiny - we've been hung out to dry by public officials for far too long.
Implying that this is similar to a KKK cross burning is as inappropriate an analogy as comparing the discussion to Jesse Jackson being paged to a white courtesy phone. Interesting, though.
Attending a school board meeting is an excellent idea. The next board meeting is January 12, 2004 at 7 p.m. at Heritage Elementary School, 100 East Street.
This discussion started with Jim Brink's quotes in the Pickerington Times-Sun. As a public figure, he is accountable to the public for his comments. He's the board member who chose to be quoted publicly before taking office. While some people do know him personally and feel comfortable calling him, the public also needs answers. The fact that any discussion exists is because people in this community care about the community, and some seem to be wondering about his leadership skills.
Some very good issues have been brought up in this discussion, and they can't be swept under the rug by making outrageous accusations against the posters. They include:
-Being quoted as no longer wanting to strive for an Excellent rating for the district
-Possibly trying to hijack the school board presidency over his promises to Gail Oakes
-Possibly falling back on his campaign promise for ethical government
-Possible closer ties to Wes Monhollen than some posters are comfortable with
-Possible discriminatory feelings toward Columbus children within the district
-Possible lack of commitment to educating students with special needs
Perhaps Mr. Brink has learned an important lesson from all of this. What a public figure says and does in performing his duties matter. None of this was directed toward his personal life in any way. Public figures in this community do receive quite a bit of scrutiny - we've been hung out to dry by public officials for far too long.
Implying that this is similar to a KKK cross burning is as inappropriate an analogy as comparing the discussion to Jesse Jackson being paged to a white courtesy phone. Interesting, though.
Attending a school board meeting is an excellent idea. The next board meeting is January 12, 2004 at 7 p.m. at Heritage Elementary School, 100 East Street.
