It May Not Be The Last Bond, But It's The Last Straw !

In the April 5, 2001 PATENT TRADER "GUEST COLUMN", Bedford Central Board of Education President Dot Fallon wrote:

"In last month's presentation to the board, the Facilities Advisory Committee identified projects totaling $91.1 MILLION DOLLARS, including $44.2 MILLION in potential new construction, $22.4 million in priority renovation projects and $25.5 MILLION in such related costs as CONTINGENCIES AND PROFESSIONAL FEES."

The Incumbents running for re-election this year are also running for cover when this spending proposal is mentioned. And with good reason. This plan has no justification AT ALL!!!!

Keep in mind a few things about this $91.1 MILLION  spending proposal:

The $91.1 MILLION DOLLAR figure is theirs not ours! But just try to get them to own up to it. The fact is this spending proposal is purposely deceptive with phony crystal ball enrollment projections and absolutely laden with PORK!!!!

The Firm assisting in the proposal is slated to make almost 10% profit.

I urge all District residents to visit their library before the election and look at the proposal for themselves....BECAUSE....

Whoever sits on the board this July 1st will decide if this $91.1 MILLION proposal goes through.

What's NOT to Like About This potential BOND?

1- The Facilities Advisory Committee (FAC) that produced it was comprised of hand picked vested interests. I can name at least two people I know who were excluded from the very beginning, less they express a contrary view.

2- While proclaiming to want public opinion, the FAC provided little opportunity for the public to have any input and called the Bedford Police on a taxpayer who dared attend a meeting with a tape recorder (which was never turned on).

3-In February the FAC held a closed door meeting where the public was expressly NOT invited by the school board president with the logic that they did not want people to know how the "Decision-makers" came up with their conclusions.

4-With just two weeks left before residents elect a school board no one (except the FAC members) has a clue as to what the $91 Million BOND is supposed to cover. There is no real cost breakdown.

5-When I called the District to ask for a copy I was told that it was as big as the Webster Dictionary and that at 25 cents a page it would be expensive. I took a pass on that. The report is now available in the library. I urge residents to take a look.

6-The two incumbents Elin Sullivan and Mel Comberiati have been distancing themselves away from the "Total" cost of the $91 MILLION bond all the while stating the dismal shape the physical plant is in. Mr. Brad Sacks is on the FAC and completely supports this boondoggle.

Taxpayers have to be reminded that whoever is elected to the Board this May 15 will decide whether or not this $91 MILLION BOND will fly.

The Incumbents suggest YES, the challengers give a absolute NO!!!

7- The District is currently paying off three BONDs. Ironically some provisions of the $18 MILLION 1997 BOND were never done and are shamelessly included in this year's budget again.

8-The "Walking Tours" which are supposed to convince the public of the need for a $91 MILLION in repairs are staged contrivances. I did the Fox Lane Tour and was shocked at the shabby state of the classrooms and general grimy ambience. When the Principal pointed to the original ceiling tiles and floors and desks in the poorly lit and unventilated rooms from the 50's, I thought to myself.... The same people who deferred maintenance for decades now want us to trust them with this extravagant sum. No WAY!!!!