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Post by doctorwho on Apr 9, 2009 19:10:33 GMT -6
kids first, I will disagree with you a little. I went to one of the forums and heard a lot about DiFuscos business and the skills he would bring to the table. I would say DiFusco went out of his way to spell out very specific ideas about how he would approach cost cutting, AC in the ESs etc. JH works for the MacArthur Foundation, he discussed how he manages $350M for them. He too was very specific about how he would approach extending Dr Ds contract etc. I would agree that you can't fit all that stuff on a yard sign. That's good to know rew. Was this at the public forums or meet-and-greets? I unfortunately could not make any of the meet and greets. If this was mentioned at a public forum, I missed it entirely. I did hear some specific ideas about outsourcing, A/C etc. which were great, but I was more interested in how they ran their businesses since this was their platform. Maybe some examples of cost-cutting there would have impressed me. You brag on your resume and I just didn't see any bragging about his business accomplishments. Obviously not enough time in the forums to talk about yourself which is too bad. I did read what some of them published on their websites and again, I didn't see expanded detail except for Jerry. All I saw on Doug's bio was that he coached kids to a Pee Wee little league victory championship. Nothing about his business or its assets. That would have been an excellent place for the average joe to find out about them and how they work from a financial perspective. It's unfortunate that the meet and greets are really a place to find out about the candidates and they are poorly attended. If a semi-informed voter such as myself missed it, then I can imagine the apathetic ones won't care. For all of the mass mailings, I got nothing from this group. I even signed up on their email list, but was not given any additional info from them that told me more about them. Yes, 20 lashes with a wet noodle for my not inquiring myself. But I just don't think I should have to do that. They should be expounding on why they are so great and I just heard them say they are great but not providing the proof. It's a short time to get to know someone. And perhaps the fact that they are businessmen made me be a little extra hard on them. I just didn't see much of a resume on anyone besides Jerry and if I was a CEO, I wouldn't have hired any of them except Jerry. Maybe that is why the PTA ladies have such good luck. People have gotten to know them and are more comfortable voting in someone they know than someone they don't know. It's unfortunate that you were not able to make any of the appearances- as throughout the district they were so poorly attended - time to spend with each was not a problem and they were at 10 different functions listed on the web site.... I think you might have had a different opinion |
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Post by insider on Apr 9, 2009 19:23:11 GMT -6
"CB is a University of Chicago MBA and a VP for a financial firm so he definitely has biz experience and CV has worked for a law firm for a number of years ( although not an attorney) - as well as 4 years SB experience - however the majority will be very light on business/financial acumen it appears.
Since the last election, we are down a Finance MBA (Glawe) and a BS Fin/Econ businessman (Stephens). While I completely support a diverse board, I think we've swung too far away from the business leaders we need to navigate the fiscal issues heading our way. "
Look at all these fine titles, degrees and accomplishments. Where has all this fine business experience gotten us? BG wasn't sure you needed an appraisal to buy a home and he's a CEO of a bank (not to mention the fact that he misanalyzed the enrollment numbers before and after they were corrected in March 2008). I wouldn't ask him to prepare a 1040EZ form. JB and CB did the same thing. How could a stedfast business person completely move forward on a plan where substantial numerical or monetary facts have changed? Let's remember the millions in expedite costs they were willing to support and spend. What about extending our debt for us? Do these actions or inactions show good common or business sense? I'm sorry but I put Bruce Rodman and MM in the same boat as the others. They have all held hands and ignored information as a team. Does it always have to be about political agendas and nothing to do with business? I'm sorry to say but so far the "qualifications" and "experience" of these people have less than impressed me as a business person. Are they politicians? Yes. Can it really get any worse than this? Who put us here in the first place? These educated businessmen with "impressive" business experience.
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Post by kidsfirst on Apr 9, 2009 19:24:52 GMT -6
That's good to know rew. Was this at the public forums or meet-and-greets? I unfortunately could not make any of the meet and greets. If this was mentioned at a public forum, I missed it entirely. I did hear some specific ideas about outsourcing, A/C etc. which were great, but I was more interested in how they ran their businesses since this was their platform. Maybe some examples of cost-cutting there would have impressed me. You brag on your resume and I just didn't see any bragging about his business accomplishments. Obviously not enough time in the forums to talk about yourself which is too bad. I did read what some of them published on their websites and again, I didn't see expanded detail except for Jerry. All I saw on Doug's bio was that he coached kids to a Pee Wee little league victory championship. Nothing about his business or its assets. That would have been an excellent place for the average joe to find out about them and how they work from a financial perspective. It's unfortunate that the meet and greets are really a place to find out about the candidates and they are poorly attended. If a semi-informed voter such as myself missed it, then I can imagine the apathetic ones won't care. For all of the mass mailings, I got nothing from this group. I even signed up on their email list, but was not given any additional info from them that told me more about them. Yes, 20 lashes with a wet noodle for my not inquiring myself. But I just don't think I should have to do that. They should be expounding on why they are so great and I just heard them say they are great but not providing the proof. It's a short time to get to know someone. And perhaps the fact that they are businessmen made me be a little extra hard on them. I just didn't see much of a resume on anyone besides Jerry and if I was a CEO, I wouldn't have hired any of them except Jerry. Maybe that is why the PTA ladies have such good luck. People have gotten to know them and are more comfortable voting in someone they know than someone they don't know. It's unfortunate that you were not able to make any of the appearances- as throughout the district they were so poorly attended - time to spend with each was not a problem and they were at 10 different functions listed on the web site.... I think you might have had a different opinion You are probably right doc. And that is why I would love to see DiFusco or Jerry on the next committee for finances. I would love to get to observe them in action. I hope Jerry runs again in '11. |
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Post by Arch on Apr 9, 2009 19:31:21 GMT -6
... They all preached they knew what they were doing now we shall really see. Flaws in skill sets will be exposed 10 fold under this pressure. Observing how this unfolds shall be of interest to many. ... Amen. I'm buying a bunch of popcorn for this show. |
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Post by doctorwho on Apr 9, 2009 19:43:56 GMT -6
It's unfortunate that you were not able to make any of the appearances- as throughout the district they were so poorly attended - time to spend with each was not a problem and they were at 10 different functions listed on the web site.... I think you might have had a different opinion You are probably right doc. And that is why I would love to see DiFusco or Jerry on the next committee for finances. I would love to get to observe them in action. I hope Jerry runs again in '11. My understanding ( after inquiring myself ) was that the original finance group was asked back first and it appears they all accepted - therefore doubtful you'll see new blood on it. I hope that changes and if it does I will update this |
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Post by Arch on Apr 9, 2009 19:48:37 GMT -6
You are probably right doc. And that is why I would love to see DiFusco or Jerry on the next committee for finances. I would love to get to observe them in action. I hope Jerry runs again in '11. My understanding ( after inquiring myself ) was that the original finance group was asked back first and it appears they all accepted - therefore doubtful you'll see new blood on it. I hope that changes and if it does I will update this Their conclusion:  "We Need an Operating Referendum" |
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SouthernWolf
Junior
Dean Wermer; when is the parade?
Posts: 139
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Post by SouthernWolf on Apr 9, 2009 21:44:09 GMT -6
I took the time to sit down and map out where the 7 SB members (post election) were located geographically. Two are in the North, two in the South, and three in the center of the district. Very evenly spread out. I don't believe the "North/South division" exists to the degree that many would like to suggest. I don't think it is fair to paint the "South" with one brush. There is an small area in the southwest part of the district that is disgruntled. It is this "hotspot" that has drawn a lot of emotion by people all over the district. Right or wrong, agree or disagree this area has been very vocal and has sparked reaction from others in the district. This will hopefully eventually cool down and dissipate. I do not believe people voted based on North vs. South. I believe most people voted based on who they thought were best qualified and would best serve the interests of the district as a whole. I voted for Dawn DeSart. She lives further south than any of the 4 candidates on the slate. I felt she had school/education related experience and service that would qualify her for the position. I voted for Cathy Piehl, she live is the same area as Jerry Huang. Again, she had direct Dist. 204 experience and service I felt translated well to the board. I voted for Sue Rasmus. She lives north. She has been involved in her schools PTA for years and has been the PTA president for 2 years--direct, applicable experience and a knowledge of what is going on inside the school. I did not vote for the Slate of 4 for a number of reasons, none of which had to do with their geographic locations. First, I did not feel it was in the best interest of the district to elect 4 people as a group that if elected would come in with a collective agenda and have the majority vote on the board. I feel the board should be made up of 7 individuals. Secondly, none of the candidates had any significant service with any of the 204 schools. Some coached sports but none were in any way related to the school district. Third, I did not like the camouflaged campaign contributions by the teacher's union. I think these men would have been better served to run individually. Their slate strategy, IMO, backfired on them. It came across as though they were going to come in and try to strong-arm the district and the existing board. I was turned off by that. My thought... Stop this North vs. South nonsense. It is not truly as many would like everyone to believe. The members of this district, aside from a very small group, are just interested in the best interests of the district as a whole regardless of geographic location. which "groups" are you speaking of Caliber?" the voter splits will and dupage are most interesting. even the sun caught onto it. I agree that it is not the entire south and the entire north (rather samller groups containued within these goegraphies) but the voter splits do not lie. I think the district overall has an issue regarding this |
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Post by Arch on Apr 9, 2009 22:31:48 GMT -6
which "groups" are you speaking of Caliber?" the voter splits will and dupage are most interesting. even the sun caught onto it. I agree that it is not the entire south and the entire north (rather samller groups containued within these goegraphies) but the voter splits do not lie. I think the district overall has an issue regarding this Just re-watch some of the public comment portions from April 14, 2008 that I clipped up here the other week under the School Board area... I'd take a stab in the dark and say 'those groups'; but that's just my belief. |
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Post by southsidemom on Apr 9, 2009 22:32:15 GMT -6
... They all preached they knew what they were doing now we shall really see. Flaws in skill sets will be exposed 10 fold under this pressure. Observing how this unfolds shall be of interest to many. ... Amen. I'm buying a bunch of popcorn for this show. I'll bring the Twizzlers. ;D |
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Post by doctorwho on Apr 9, 2009 22:32:22 GMT -6
I took the time to sit down and map out where the 7 SB members (post election) were located geographically. Two are in the North, two in the South, and three in the center of the district. Very evenly spread out. I don't believe the "North/South division" exists to the degree that many would like to suggest. I don't think it is fair to paint the "South" with one brush. There is an small area in the southwest part of the district that is disgruntled. It is this "hotspot" that has drawn a lot of emotion by people all over the district. Right or wrong, agree or disagree this area has been very vocal and has sparked reaction from others in the district. This will hopefully eventually cool down and dissipate. I do not believe people voted based on North vs. South. I believe most people voted based on who they thought were best qualified and would best serve the interests of the district as a whole. I voted for Dawn DeSart. She lives further south than any of the 4 candidates on the slate. I felt she had school/education related experience and service that would qualify her for the position. I voted for Cathy Piehl, she live is the same area as Jerry Huang. Again, she had direct Dist. 204 experience and service I felt translated well to the board. I voted for Sue Rasmus. She lives north. She has been involved in her schools PTA for years and has been the PTA president for 2 years--direct, applicable experience and a knowledge of what is going on inside the school. I did not vote for the Slate of 4 for a number of reasons, none of which had to do with their geographic locations. First, I did not feel it was in the best interest of the district to elect 4 people as a group that if elected would come in with a collective agenda and have the majority vote on the board. I feel the board should be made up of 7 individuals. Secondly, none of the candidates had any significant service with any of the 204 schools. Some coached sports but none were in any way related to the school district. Third, I did not like the camouflaged campaign contributions by the teacher's union. I think these men would have been better served to run individually. Their slate strategy, IMO, backfired on them. It came across as though they were going to come in and try to strong-arm the district and the existing board. I was turned off by that. My thought... Stop this North vs. South nonsense. It is not truly as many would like everyone to believe. The members of this district, aside from a very small group, are just interested in the best interests of the district as a whole regardless of geographic location. which "groups" are you speaking of Caliber?" the voter splits will and dupage are most interesting. even the sun caught onto it. I agree that it is not the entire south and the entire north (rather samller groups containued within these goegraphies) but the voter splits do not lie. I think the district overall has an issue regarding this "I voted for Dawn DeSart. She lives further south than any of the 4 candidates on the slate. I felt she had school/education related experience and service that would qualify her for the position. I voted for Cathy Piehl, she live is the same area as Jerry Huang. Again, she had direct Dist. 204 experience and service I felt translated well to the board. I voted for Sue Rasmus. She lives north. She has been involved in her schools PTA for years and has been the PTA president for 2 years--direct, applicable experience and a knowledge of what is going on inside the school." the concern we were NOT voting for a PTA or IPPC position, but that of School Board. Why a 3rd organization of the very same people qualifications ? .... |
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Post by doctorwho on Apr 9, 2009 22:34:59 GMT -6
Amen. I'm buying a bunch of popcorn for this show. I'll bring the Twizzlers. ;D Be there on the 13th when they vote not to ratify the teachers contract - thus begins one more split for Tim Waldorf to write about... save a few schekels - spend $10M on expedite costs- yep the SB is the taxpayers friend.. I'll bring the Ju Ju Bees ( if I can still find those ) |
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Post by d204mom on Apr 10, 2009 9:02:42 GMT -6
They all preached they knew what they were doing now we shall really see. Welcome, notaxnoreferendum. I didn't see that they preached that they knew what they were doing. One winning candidate claimed that they had no agenda and just wanted to keep learning. And got elected. Ouch. |
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Post by Arch on Apr 10, 2009 9:08:19 GMT -6
They all preached they knew what they were doing now we shall really see. Welcome, notaxnoreferendum. I didn't see that they preached that they knew what they were doing. One winning candidate claimed that they had no agenda and just wanted to keep learning. And got elected. Ouch. Where are they going to choose to learn from... That's the $74 million dollar question. |
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Post by doctorwho on Apr 10, 2009 9:19:56 GMT -6
They all preached they knew what they were doing now we shall really see. Welcome, notaxnoreferendum. I didn't see that they preached that they knew what they were doing. One winning candidate claimed that they had no agenda and just wanted to keep learning. And got elected. Ouch. yep and the other said basically - 'we're fine' |
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Post by JB on Apr 10, 2009 9:54:23 GMT -6
It looks like the SOP for DuPage is to wait three weeks before posting precinct numbers. Here is an 11/11/2008 quote from the STNG: In both counties, election results remain unofficial, showing results for votes that have been counted and deemed valid. But Saar said it is a DuPage commission policy not to post precinct results until three weeks after the election |
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