The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
Posted on
>BOE President and Hawes Principal Place Calls to Petition Signers
>
“Why did you sign the petition? I just wanted to know.” This greeting was the first inkling many residents received via personal phone calls from public officials after their names had appeared on the petition to remove reformed math from our schools. That’s why voting in America is secret, to prevent such “innocent” methods of intimidation. But this is Ridgewood. And here, unlike elsewhere, dissent with the official party line is not tolerated. Just ask the HSA, whose purpose, as representative of the … umm “parent community,” is to ensure full parent compliance with every administrative initiative. A phone call, one can argue, is nothing like getting a horse’s head in your bed. But do we really need to go that far to chill dissent in our leafy Village? Or, can it simply be accomplished when a call is received from a BOE president or your child’s principal?
The BOE president declares that his call to a fellow fireman (his subordinate) was just a call to a long-time friend. He didn’t harbor any concern to the obvious fact that he was a public official and a fire captain whose brother just happens to be the fire Chief, calling a subordinate to ask why his name and that of his wife appeared on the petition. In the case of the Hawes principal, she perused the petition and called “all of her parents” who had signed it.Chilling effect?
To echo a BOE statement, one might consider “this to be a most unfortunate situation for the Village and schools. It is not reflective of Ridgewood’s supportive community and its values.”Link to New York Times article running today.
39 thoughts on “>BOE President and Hawes Principal Place Calls to Petition Signers”
Anonymous
>The whole thing keeps gettng worse and worse. Now I’m thinking that Bombace should step aside. When he was elected, no one expected a genius to emerge–just a dedicated volunteer with logic and commitment to the district to guide him. His actions vis a vis the petitions are unscrupulous and need to be addressed. They ARE chilling. Rodgers-Sachs needs to be spoken to as well. Her actions were wrong.
>Nothing in this article suggests that Brooks received THREATENING phone calls. Such phone calls are unnacceptable and should be a police matter.
Bombace’s quote in the NY Times suggests that the anti fuzzy math voices were capable of violence to achieve their ends. This lie is a profound insult to our community. We deserve better.
I have no doubt that the BOE is miffed at what bloggers have to say, not only about fuzzy math, but about BOARD members and would like nothing better than to shut down these voices.
The BOE president and a principal call parents to query their reasoning for signing the petition. One would think the reason self-evident by now. How dumb are these Educrats?
One the other hand, there is no evidence of “threatening phone calls” to Brooks or to anyone else for that matter.
As for e-mails and bloggers, how is that construed as threatening? Were there actual threats made? Where’s the proof? I haven’t read one from the “housewives” or their supporters.
On the contrary, one suspects this is a deliberate attempt at disinformation on the part of the BOE, Brooks and the flaks in their employ.
Calling parents and subordinates – this is unethical at best and perhaps a violation of the law.
“I believe that 80 percent of the parents in this community feel comfortable with the math instructional program in kindergarten through eighth grade.”
And what does Mr. Arilotta base this 80% figure on? Come on Paul, nice try. Sounds good but did you do a poll?
>If reform math is so good and is worth such an investment in time and energy to protect, Board of Education please introduce these programs at Hawes, Willard and GW. We want all village students to benefit from this wonderful approach to math.
>Is it possible that the Board of Education will agree to abandon at least the TERC curriculum. This battle is ridiculous. Everyone knows TERC stinks. Many teachers at Travell know it stinks – of course the one’s interviewed were handpicked and the ones that hate TERC have gone into hiding to protect their jobs. Several teachers boycott TERC altogether and you just have to hope your kid gets one of those teachers. This is so unfair to the parents and children at Travell and Orchard. Dr.Arilotta has his reputation vested in protecting the program at Travell, this despite the poor test scores that can no longer be ignored. This is a sickening mess. Parents at Travell are afraid to fill out the survey that was sent home in some grades. What is wrong with you administrators that seem to love TERC. Why, Why, Why, are you hell-bent on protecting something when reasonable alternatives exist. It simply makes no sense. Your children aren’t even in the school. How dare you do this to us and sleep at night. How dare you do this to us and gloat over your own children’s excellent educational accomplishments. Do our children deserve less than your children received.
>Dr. Arilotta – you are covering your _ _ _. You know parents hated this program from the very beginning. Remember the first night that Regina Botsford was introduced to the community, people were pissed then and are even more frustrated now. You can only silence people for so long and then POP! Very bad.
>This town is screwed up in many, many ways. Priorities are skewed and convoluted. The educational system is a reflection of the parochialism, narrow-mindedness, exclusionary attitude and secrecy of this town. The HSA groups are little more than country club associations which exercise high school social techniques in deeming who is appropriate for membership. The teachers are a devoted and loyal lot, however. It took an article in The New York Times to bring this to my attention since all the goings on here are so petty and unimportant. Yes, the math curriculum STINKS. Absolutely convoluted and illogical. By the way, the reading program is no better. Ridgewood schools are a great disappointment. I am heartened and gladdened that there are actually some intelligent people in this town who are NOT intimidated by the cronyism which is perpetuated by officials as well as landlords, realtors, etc. Hoping that something is effectuated. Also, that this movement in defiance of a lousy curriculum doesn’t get caught up in the pettiness of the powerplay of such narrow minded officials. GO BACK TO BASICS!!! They worked for generations and MADE SENSE. Same for the reading program. Good luck!
>To be fair, here is the response from the fireman and his wife. Perhaps it should be posted on the front page.
Unquestionably, Bombace used poor judgement (again) but perhaps he was genuinely interested in hearing from a dissenter and went to a trusted friend for discussion. Does this make him a terrible human being and a bully?
Thank you Joan Monton.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to set the record straight. I think it’s always best to go right to the source. Yes, Mark and I spoke about the Ridgewood math program. Mark does happen to rank above my husband in the fire department but he’s also a friend. I’ve known Mark since 1989 and seeing as I don’t work with him everyday at the firehouse, I don’t interoperate our relationship as that of a superior to lower ranking co-worker.
Mark and I discussed mine and his opinion on the controversial math program here in Ridgewood. We kicked around the pros and cons in order to have a better understanding of the whole program and each other’s views. At the end of our conversation, I felt better having had the chance to have my voice heard (Mark’s a good listener). While I don’t agree Mark on this issue; he’s got my respect because he’s working towards something that he believes in. And, it’s important that you realize that I had Mark’s respect too.
It’s too bad you didn’t have the respect for yourself to sign your name on your email. I don’t know who you are; we might possibly know each other. I hope you do know me. Because if you do, you’d know very well that I am a person that stands strong on matters that are important to me. And, if I believe in something, I’m going to be straight up in telling you I do. You’d know that I am not easily swayed in my opinion. I am so surprised to see that somehow someone somewhere feels that Mark tried to change my position on this matter; how could anyone know but Mark and I what we talked about. What’s sad about these emails detract from the issue at hand.
Let’s stick to the facts (not word of mouth gossip). I think the best way to support this cause is to get the facts in place as to what the pros/cons of this math program are and base your campaign on that. To create a stir about something that didn’t happen does nothing but distract from the important issues at hand.
Stick to your guns if you believe in something, but most importantly respect others for their opinions.
>My understanding is that this fireman does not report to Bombace they don’t even work together. The community wants the BOE to listen and when they reach out they get shot. I am sure Mrs. Rogers-Sachs called with the same intention. That is what school administrators and board members are supposed to be doing folks. So, damn if you do, damn if you don’t
By the way, does anyone have the threatening email sent to Bombace on this subject anonymously? Yes, there is one. That one has been conveniently left out of this discussion.
>”Does this make him a terrible human being and a bully?”
No, it does not Ms. Monton. But it sure as heck shows poor judgement to call someone up who works for you, when on top of that you are the President of the BOE.
A bit of common sense goes a long way. So far, Mr. Bombace has failed to show precious little of it.
At the last BOE meeting Mr. Bombace began the discussion by saying, I see no reason to change the math program but I will listen to parents’ concerns.
Now, that makes a lot of sense doesn’t it? Or was he deliberatly being patronizing?
>In law, defamation is the communication of a statement that makes a false claim, expressly stated or implied to be factual, that may harm the reputation of an individual, business, product, group, government or nation. Most jurisdictions allow legal actions, civil and/or criminal, to deter various kinds of defamation and retaliate against criticism.
“Defamation” is the general term used internationally, and is used in this article where it is not necessary to distinguish between “slander” and “libel”. Libel and slander both require publication. The fundamental distinction between libel and slander lies solely in the form in which the defamatory matter is published. If the offending material is published in some fleeting form, as by spoken words or sounds, sign language, gestures and the like, then this is slander. If it is published in more durable form, for example in written words, film, compact disc (CD), internet blogging and the like, then it is considered libel.
>What everyone seems to be missing here in this ridiculousness is that Mr. Bombace did NOT call Firefighter (I am uncertain of his rank) Monton, he called his friend, Mrs. Monton. That is not to say that he could not also be friends with her husband but he chose to speak to her. As usual the rumor mill in Ridgewood has taken one statement and turned it into something completely false. Her statement should be enough to put an end to this insanity, unless next you’re going to say that he strong-armed her. Well then I guess you don’t give her nearly enough credit. She is a strong woman; she made that evident by speaking up to correct this mess and by her statements.
As far as complaints regarding how the BoE is handling things….
I recall there was recently an election, how may people ran? Hmm…That’s what I thought. If you want to affect change get up off your as*es and DO SOMETHING!!! Get in the game. Hecklers are the only people sitting on the sidelines. I for one am absolutely amazed at how many people on here consider themselves to be the voice of reason, or working towards the betterment of Ridgewood. All I see is a group of unhappy residents that can do nothing but whine. Now when I say this I cannot speak with regard to the “Housewives” I do not know enough about what you have done and how you have done it. Is this what you want to teach your children? That if you whine loud enough you will eventually get your way!?!? I thought we were supposed to teach our kids to work towards the things we want, no matter how tough or inconvenient. The reality is that until someone steps up and takes the effort, time and dedication required to ‘get in the game’ and see how the system works and change it from within nothing is going to change. From the looks of things the next person that runs won’t have any trouble getting elected. Are you that person?
>Only the firefighter, his wife and Mr. Bombace are privy to who called whom. Until one of them decides to be more clear on the matter, what exists is what was initially communicated on the subject. That is, that a call was placed by Mr. Bombace to the firefighter who then asked Mr. Bombace to discuss the matter with his wife, who he explained was more informed on the math issue.
If this is untrue, then I beg those with more accurate information to provide it for clarity.
>1:18 wrote..until someone steps up and takes the effort, time and dedication required to ‘get in the game’ and see how the system works and change it from within nothing is going to change.”
It is not possible to change monopoly systems from within. You should read a history book.
What everyone seems to be missing here in this ridiculousness is that Mr. Bombace did NOT call Firefighter (I am uncertain of his rank) Monton, he called his friend, Mrs. Monton.
I do not know who initiated this conversation, but in my opinion it really does not matter. It was a conversation between two friends. One was not trying to persuade the other to change their view, it really seems to me that maybe they were trying to gain a different perspective. Isn’t that something we look to our friends and peers for?
>1:51 PM Anonyous said… It is not possible to change monopoly systems from within. You should read a history book.
Is this what you tell your children when they want to do something? Don’t try cause your going to fail?!?! What kind of attitude is that? History can repeat itself but it doesn’t always have to. It’s easy to have courage on an anonymous blog, showing the people around you that you have the courage to stand up for and attempt to initiate change is something else completely. Nothing is impossible.
‘Start by doing what is necessary; then do what is possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.’
>2:20 was that an intellectual argument against why history has shown us that monopoly systems do not change from within?
Read carefully.
I did not say that change is impossible. I said that change of a monopoly system is only possible from the outside.
History has not given us even one example where this is untrue, no matter what Francis of Assisi has to say about doing the impossible.
You can teach your children to try with virtually no chance of success if it’s enough just getting to say “you’ve tried.” I prefer to teach my children the lessons of history so their efforts are efficient and not aimless pissing in the wind.
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) – im·pos·si·ble – adjective
1. not possible; unable to be, exist, happen, etc. 2. unable to be done, performed, effected, etc.: an impossible assignment. 3. incapable of being true, as a rumor. 4. not to be done, endured, etc., with any degree of reason or propriety: an impossible situation. 5. utterly impracticable: an impossible plan. 6. hopelessly unsuitable, difficult, or objectionable.
Did you not say “It is not possible to change monopoly systems from within…”
Which could also read ‘it is impossible…’
Anyway – enough of the semantics.
History is important, there is no arguing that. But does history have to define our actions in the present?
If enough people are fed up with the current situation and take the initiative to run in the next election. Something will have to change. You all complain about the BoE but you either voted for them, didn’t care enough to get out and vote or you were among the minority who voted against them. How can those of you that voted for them be up in arms when YOU voted for them? Conversely if you didn’t care enough at the time to vote why do you suddenly care now?
How can it all be on the shoulders of the BoE when these are the people the residents elected? The residents of Ridgewood are ultimately responsible for who sits on the board. Maybe its time we turned this around on the parents/residents who only have the time to care when it becomes ‘cool.’ (read: hot topic) How many people actually pay attention to what the board is doing until someone makes a stir? Granted those people have that right, and it is important for people to stand up for those things they believe in, but when the people who could care less for so long decide to join the Mob Mentality and start a schmear campaign in order to further the cause they only know about because it has become the hot topic… If you want to further your cause do the work, take the higher ground and have respect for yourself and the people you are representing.
The whole thing has become a joke.
I am actualy ashamed to say that I am from Ridgewood.
I’m an attorney and that email to Bombace was a heads up, and a wise one to a public official crossing the line.
By making that call he may very well have violated the law. That piss’d off citizen did him a favor by warning him off such unbalanced and dangerous behavior. It might be too late, however, since he did the deed.
Now we have a principal engaging in such shenanigans.
>You guys have a lot of nerve talking about Bombace and the Hawes Principal calling parents….one of your own sends a clearly threatening letter based on information which has been disputed by the person Mr. Bombace spoke with and you still go on and on….which only goes to prove you clowns (and I am being really kind here) really are capable of anything including being stupid!.
The whole thing keeps gettng worse and worse. Now I’m thinking that Bombace should step aside. When he was elected, no one expected a genius to emerge–just a dedicated volunteer with logic and commitment to the district to guide him.
Oh my GOD! What an unmitigated arrogance! How the hell do you know what anyone, but yourself, was thinking! Earth to butthead, I know this will come as shock to you and I am sure you mommy wouldn’t tell you this but the world does not revolve around you!
>Is it at all possible that Bombace was trying to get more information? Maybe he was truly trying to find out more about the opinions of those who he knew that signed the petition? No where did it say that he made threats. No where did it say that he had any kind of menacing tone. Everyone is ready to persecute him without further info. If he doesn’t reach out to the community, he’s isolated and aloof. If he does, he’s threatening and intimidating. Get a grip on yourself, people.
Warning: Undefined array key "sfsi_riaIcon_order" in /home/eagle1522/public_html/theridgewoodblog.net/wp-content/plugins/ultimate-social-media-icons/libs/controllers/sfsi_frontpopUp.php on line 165
Warning: Undefined array key "sfsi_inhaIcon_order" in /home/eagle1522/public_html/theridgewoodblog.net/wp-content/plugins/ultimate-social-media-icons/libs/controllers/sfsi_frontpopUp.php on line 166
Warning: Undefined array key "sfsi_mastodonIcon_order" in /home/eagle1522/public_html/theridgewoodblog.net/wp-content/plugins/ultimate-social-media-icons/libs/controllers/sfsi_frontpopUp.php on line 177
>The whole thing keeps gettng worse and worse. Now I’m thinking that Bombace should step aside. When he was elected, no one expected a genius to emerge–just a dedicated volunteer with logic and commitment to the district to guide him. His actions vis a vis the petitions are unscrupulous and need to be addressed. They ARE chilling. Rodgers-Sachs needs to be spoken to as well. Her actions were wrong.
>ARE YOU KIDDING ME??????
>Nothing in this article suggests that Brooks received THREATENING phone calls. Such phone calls are unnacceptable and should be a police matter.
Bombace’s quote in the NY Times suggests that the anti fuzzy math voices were capable of violence to achieve their ends. This lie is a profound insult to our community. We deserve better.
I have no doubt that the BOE is miffed at what bloggers have to say, not only about fuzzy math, but about BOARD members and would like nothing better than to shut down these voices.
>This just gets better and better.
The BOE president and a principal call parents to query their reasoning for signing the petition. One would think the reason self-evident by now. How dumb are these Educrats?
One the other hand, there is no evidence of “threatening phone calls” to Brooks or to anyone else for that matter.
As for e-mails and bloggers, how is that construed as threatening? Were there actual threats made? Where’s the proof? I haven’t read one from the “housewives” or their supporters.
On the contrary, one suspects this is a deliberate attempt at disinformation on the part of the BOE, Brooks and the flaks in their employ.
Calling parents and subordinates – this is unethical at best and perhaps a violation of the law.
>NY Times 6/14/07
Paul Arilotta is quoted as saying…
“I believe that 80 percent of the parents in this community feel comfortable with the math instructional program in kindergarten through eighth grade.”
And what does Mr. Arilotta base this 80% figure on? Come on Paul, nice try. Sounds good but did you do a poll?
The spin machine is in full swing.
>If reform math is so good and is worth such an investment in time and energy to protect, Board of Education please introduce these programs at Hawes, Willard and GW. We want all village students to benefit from this wonderful approach to math.
>Is it possible that the Board of Education will agree to abandon at least the TERC curriculum. This battle is ridiculous. Everyone knows TERC stinks. Many teachers at Travell know it stinks – of course the one’s interviewed were handpicked and the ones that hate TERC have gone into hiding to protect their jobs. Several teachers boycott TERC altogether and you just have to hope your kid gets one of those teachers. This is so unfair to the parents and children at Travell and Orchard. Dr.Arilotta has his reputation vested in protecting the program at Travell, this despite the poor test scores that can no longer be ignored. This is a sickening mess. Parents at Travell are afraid to fill out the survey that was sent home in some grades. What is wrong with you administrators that seem to love TERC. Why, Why, Why, are you hell-bent on protecting something when reasonable alternatives exist. It simply makes no sense. Your children aren’t even in the school. How dare you do this to us and sleep at night. How dare you do this to us and gloat over your own children’s excellent educational accomplishments. Do our children deserve less than your children received.
>Dr. Arilotta – you are covering your _ _ _. You know parents hated this program from the very beginning. Remember the first night that Regina Botsford was introduced to the community, people were pissed then and are even more frustrated now. You can only silence people for so long and then POP! Very bad.
>This town is screwed up in many, many ways. Priorities are skewed and convoluted. The educational system is a reflection of the parochialism, narrow-mindedness, exclusionary attitude and secrecy of this town. The HSA groups are little more than country club associations which exercise high school social techniques in deeming who is appropriate for membership. The teachers are a devoted and loyal lot, however.
It took an article in The New York Times to bring this to my attention since all the goings on here are so petty and unimportant.
Yes, the math curriculum STINKS. Absolutely convoluted and illogical. By the way, the reading program is no better. Ridgewood schools are a great disappointment.
I am heartened and gladdened that there are actually some intelligent people in this town who are NOT intimidated by the cronyism which is perpetuated by officials as well as landlords, realtors, etc. Hoping that something is effectuated. Also, that this movement in defiance of a lousy curriculum doesn’t get caught up in the pettiness of the powerplay of such narrow minded officials. GO BACK TO BASICS!!! They worked for generations and MADE SENSE. Same for the reading program. Good luck!
>When anyone signs a petition against an official policy they are DISSENTING.
How dare any official call them up to ask them why?
And then to think for even a minute that they did nothing wrong!
Bombace and company you are unethical. That statement about Brooks is lower than pond scum. Do you care how you look?
If you don’t care about yourself, think about us. YOU REPRESENT US.
You are making all the residents of Ridgewood look like fools for electing you.
PLEASE GET OUT OF THE WAY.
We want our good name back. That means, you must go.
>To be fair, here is the response from the fireman and his wife. Perhaps it should be posted on the front page.
Unquestionably, Bombace used poor judgement (again) but perhaps he was genuinely interested in hearing from a dissenter and went to a trusted friend for discussion. Does this make him a terrible human being and a bully?
Thank you Joan Monton.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to set the record straight. I think it’s always best to go right to the source. Yes, Mark and I spoke about the Ridgewood math program. Mark does happen to rank above my husband in the fire department but he’s also a friend. I’ve known Mark since 1989 and seeing as I don’t work with him everyday at the firehouse, I don’t interoperate our relationship as that of a superior to lower ranking co-worker.
Mark and I discussed mine and his opinion on the controversial math program here in Ridgewood. We kicked around the pros and cons in order to have a better understanding of the whole program and each other’s views. At the end of our conversation, I felt better having had the chance to have my voice heard (Mark’s a good listener). While I don’t agree Mark on this issue; he’s got my respect because he’s working towards something that he believes in. And, it’s important that you realize that I had Mark’s respect too.
It’s too bad you didn’t have the respect for yourself to sign your name on your email. I don’t know who you are; we might possibly know each other. I hope you do know me. Because if you do, you’d know very well that I am a person that stands strong on matters that are important to me. And, if I believe in something, I’m going to be straight up in telling you I do. You’d know that I am not easily swayed in my opinion. I am so surprised to see that somehow someone somewhere feels that Mark tried to change my position on this matter; how could anyone know but Mark and I what we talked about. What’s sad about these emails detract from the issue at hand.
Let’s stick to the facts (not word of mouth gossip). I think the best way to support this cause is to get the facts in place as to what the pros/cons of this math program are and base your campaign on that. To create a stir about something that didn’t happen does nothing but distract from the important issues at hand.
Stick to your guns if you believe in something, but most importantly respect others for their opinions.
Respectfully,
Joan Monton
(not anonymous)”
6:44 AM
>My understanding is that this fireman does not report to Bombace they don’t even work together. The community wants the BOE to listen and when they reach out they get shot. I am sure Mrs. Rogers-Sachs
called with the same intention. That is what school administrators and board members are supposed to be doing folks. So, damn if you do, damn if you don’t
By the way, does anyone have the threatening email sent to Bombace on this subject anonymously? Yes, there is one. That one has been conveniently left out of this discussion.
>So what exactly is the “gossip”? That he called your husband?
If that is gossip, why won’t you dispute it?
>”Does this make him a terrible human being and a bully?”
No, it does not Ms. Monton. But it sure as heck shows poor judgement to call someone up who works for you, when on top of that you are the President of the BOE.
A bit of common sense goes a long way. So far, Mr. Bombace has failed to show precious little of it.
At the last BOE meeting Mr. Bombace began the discussion by saying, I see no reason to change the math program but I will listen to parents’ concerns.
Now, that makes a lot of sense doesn’t it? Or was he deliberatly being patronizing?
>When did this become the “reach out and touch someone” administration?
>In law, defamation is the communication of a statement that makes a false claim, expressly stated or implied to be factual, that may harm the reputation of an individual, business, product, group, government or nation. Most jurisdictions allow legal actions, civil and/or criminal, to deter various kinds of defamation and retaliate against criticism.
“Defamation” is the general term used internationally, and is used in this article where it is not necessary to distinguish between “slander” and “libel”. Libel and slander both require publication. The fundamental distinction between libel and slander lies solely in the form in which the defamatory matter is published. If the offending material is published in some fleeting form, as by spoken words or sounds, sign language, gestures and the like, then this is slander. If it is published in more durable form, for example in written words, film, compact disc (CD), internet blogging and the like, then it is considered libel.
>What everyone seems to be missing here in this ridiculousness is that Mr. Bombace did NOT call Firefighter (I am uncertain of his rank) Monton, he called his friend, Mrs. Monton. That is not to say that he could not also be friends with her husband but he chose to speak to her. As usual the rumor mill in Ridgewood has taken one statement and turned it into something completely false. Her statement should be enough to put an end to this insanity, unless next you’re going to say that he strong-armed her. Well then I guess you don’t give her nearly enough credit. She is a strong woman; she made that evident by speaking up to correct this mess and by her statements.
As far as complaints regarding how the BoE is handling things….
I recall there was recently an election, how may people ran? Hmm…That’s what I thought. If you want to affect change get up off your as*es and DO SOMETHING!!! Get in the game. Hecklers are the only people sitting on the sidelines. I for one am absolutely amazed at how many people on here consider themselves to be the voice of reason, or working towards the betterment of Ridgewood. All I see is a group of unhappy residents that can do nothing but whine. Now when I say this I cannot speak with regard to the “Housewives” I do not know enough about what you have done and how you have done it. Is this what you want to teach your children? That if you whine loud enough you will eventually get your way!?!? I thought we were supposed to teach our kids to work towards the things we want, no matter how tough or inconvenient. The reality is that until someone steps up and takes the effort, time and dedication required to ‘get in the game’ and see how the system works and change it from within nothing is going to change. From the looks of things the next person that runs won’t have any trouble getting elected. Are you that person?
>Only the firefighter, his wife and Mr. Bombace are privy to who called whom. Until one of them decides to be more clear on the matter, what exists is what was initially communicated on the subject. That is, that a call was placed by Mr. Bombace to the firefighter who then asked Mr. Bombace to discuss the matter with his wife, who he explained was more informed on the math issue.
If this is untrue, then I beg those with more accurate information to provide it for clarity.
>1:18 wrote..until someone steps up and takes the effort, time and dedication required to ‘get in the game’ and see how the system works and change it from within nothing is going to change.”
It is not possible to change monopoly systems from within. You should read a history book.
>By the by, just to clarify my earlier statement
What everyone seems to be missing here in this ridiculousness is that Mr. Bombace did NOT call Firefighter (I am uncertain of his rank) Monton, he called his friend, Mrs. Monton.
I do not know who initiated this conversation, but in my opinion it really does not matter. It was a conversation between two friends. One was not trying to persuade the other to change their view, it really seems to me that maybe they were trying to gain a different perspective. Isn’t that something we look to our friends and peers for?
>1:51 PM Anonyous said…
It is not possible to change monopoly systems from within. You should read a history book.
Is this what you tell your children when they want to do something? Don’t try cause your going to fail?!?! What kind of attitude is that? History can repeat itself but it doesn’t always have to. It’s easy to have courage on an anonymous blog, showing the people around you that you have the courage to stand up for and attempt to initiate change is something else completely. Nothing is impossible.
‘Start by doing what is necessary; then do what is possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.’
— St. Francis of Assisi
>The content was informative, not threatening and not anonymous, as the sender’s profile was available to him at all times.
The choice to characterize it as “anonymous” was his alone
REALLY? I did not see a name to this…
>This is a math test. Can anyone in this blog reply back with the answer. Who created the number Cero.
Bye
Un amigo( I placed a hint).
If you find this absurd then I find the previous comments equally matching.
>2:20 was that an intellectual argument against why history has shown us that monopoly systems do not change from within?
Read carefully.
I did not say that change is impossible. I said that change of a monopoly system is only possible from the outside.
History has not given us even one example where this is untrue, no matter what Francis of Assisi has to say about doing the impossible.
You can teach your children to try with virtually no chance of success if it’s enough just getting to say “you’ve tried.” I prefer to teach my children the lessons of history so their efforts are efficient and not aimless pissing in the wind.
>Anonymous said…
2:20 Your not arguing with a person who has any brains…..why bother?
>To Board President Bombace,
Please do not allow the unsigned e-mail or other inappropriate correspondence cause you concern.
Let me assure you, you have support in the community. Anyone who would send such e-mail is clearly a disturbed individual.
>”We possess more education than you and your fellow BOE members, the administrators who work for us and the teachers who teach our children”
The “housewives” and their supporters do appear smarter than the lot at the BOE.
Why is the BOE and its supporters going to the mat over this, proven to be bad, math curriculum?
It seems really dumb.
A resident of a neighboring town.
>Just to be clear…
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) –
im·pos·si·ble – adjective
1. not possible; unable to be, exist, happen, etc.
2. unable to be done, performed, effected, etc.: an impossible assignment.
3. incapable of being true, as a rumor.
4. not to be done, endured, etc., with any degree of reason or propriety: an impossible situation.
5. utterly impracticable: an impossible plan.
6. hopelessly unsuitable, difficult, or objectionable.
Did you not say
“It is not possible to change monopoly systems from within…”
Which could also read ‘it is impossible…’
Anyway – enough of the semantics.
History is important, there is no arguing that. But does history have to define our actions in the present?
If enough people are fed up with the current situation and take the initiative to run in the next election. Something will have to change. You all complain about the BoE but you either voted for them, didn’t care enough to get out and vote or you were among the minority who voted against them. How can those of you that voted for them be up in arms when YOU voted for them? Conversely if you didn’t care enough at the time to vote why do you suddenly care now?
How can it all be on the shoulders of the BoE when these are the people the residents elected? The residents of Ridgewood are ultimately responsible for who sits on the board. Maybe its time we turned this around on the parents/residents who only have the time to care when it becomes ‘cool.’ (read: hot topic) How many people actually pay attention to what the board is doing until someone makes a stir? Granted those people have that right, and it is important for people to stand up for those things they believe in, but when the people who could care less for so long decide to join the Mob Mentality and start a schmear campaign in order to further the cause they only know about because it has become the hot topic… If you want to further your cause do the work, take the higher ground and have respect for yourself and the people you are representing.
The whole thing has become a joke.
I am actualy ashamed to say that I am from Ridgewood.
>Get real 3:06 pm
I’m an attorney and that email to Bombace was a heads up, and a wise one to a public official crossing the line.
By making that call he may very well have violated the law. That piss’d off citizen did him a favor by warning him off such unbalanced and dangerous behavior. It might be too late, however, since he did the deed.
Now we have a principal engaging in such shenanigans.
>When the law is on your side, pound the law. When the facts are on your side, pound the facts. If neither is on your side, pound the table.
The BOE is pounding the table.
>Exactly why I did not sign the petition. I knew that it would be abused.
>You guys have a lot of nerve talking about Bombace and the Hawes Principal calling parents….one of your own sends a clearly threatening letter based on information which has been disputed by the person Mr. Bombace spoke with and you still go on and on….which only goes to prove you clowns (and I am being really kind here) really are capable of anything including being stupid!.
>Is there really someone out there stupid enough to write such a threatning letter, or is this just a hoax?
>Anonymous said…
The whole thing keeps gettng worse and worse. Now I’m thinking that Bombace should step aside. When he was elected, no one expected a genius to emerge–just a dedicated volunteer with logic and commitment to the district to guide him.
Oh my GOD! What an unmitigated arrogance! How the hell do you know what anyone, but yourself, was thinking! Earth to butthead, I know this will come as shock to you and I am sure you mommy wouldn’t tell you this but the world does not revolve around you!
>Is it at all possible that Bombace was trying to get more information? Maybe he was truly trying to find out more about the opinions of those who he knew that signed the petition? No where did it say that he made threats. No where did it say that he had any kind of menacing tone. Everyone is ready to persecute him without further info. If he doesn’t reach out to the community, he’s isolated and aloof. If he does, he’s threatening and intimidating. Get a grip on yourself, people.
>While you’re all busy complaining about TERC math, have any of you taken a look at the grammar and spelling in some of these posts?
Perhaps you should be more concerned with your kids’ spelling and writing skills, which are far more important than memorizing multiplication tables.
>Anonymous said… at 4:46 PM
Get real 3:06 pm
I’m an attorney and that email to Bombace was a heads up, and a wise one to a public official crossing the line.
Yea, your an Attorney and I am Elvis! I hope you don’t pratice law in this state, you have just proven how stupid you are!
>While you’re all busy complaining about TERC math, have any of you taken a look at the grammar and spelling in some of these posts?
RHS grads?
>I’ve read these comments carefully and for you bloggers claiming that Mark was threatened by an email – I just don’t believe you.
I don’t believe you because you include only snippets of the email. You are obviously pulling them out of context, trying to manipulate opinion.
Let us see the whole email and judge for ourselves. Otherwise, your credibility is nonexistent.