|
Since I've been busy reviewing and verifying some material that I've obtained for a future report, I had originally intended not to write The Heidcamp Report this week. However, reading James Harris' most recent letter has inspired me to "take pen in hand" once again. I'll have to remember to thank him for that motivation.
A Problem that Needs to be Fixed By now I'm sure Saugerties taxpayers have received their new school tax bills–and I'm just as sure that there aren't very many of us who are happy about it. Remember that school taxes account for approximately 68-percent of our total real property taxes. But, to complete the picture, and truly appreciate their burden, to those increased school and other property taxes, one must add the burgeoning cost of gasoline and other energy related expenses such as home heating (fuel-oil, gas or electricity), automobile expenses, health insurance and food, and then factor in the enormous capital expenditures for school, town and county projects (such as school repairs and jail costs), a 49% increase in County taxes, lawsuits, millions of dollars in school bonds, and the $218,000 taxpayers fork over each year for health insurance for 33 part-time county legislators. And let's not forget that Kingston Freeman report from a few weeks back ("Gas, electric rates going up Aug.1," Kingston Freeman, July 20, 2006) that told us to expect gas and electric bill increases of up to 11%. The tax bills will reveal that we've just been hit with another school tax increase. And we continue to pay more than $6,200 each year for health insurance for former school superintendent Karen Hong (and will for the rest of her life), as well as more than $12,000 yearly for former superintendent Michael Singleton and wife (for the rest of their lives), and more than $170,000 annually for Rhau, which includes an $11,000 cash buyout for his health insurance (in spite of the fact that he receives a full pension with paid medical health insurance from New Jersey). To add insult to injury, Rhau recently received a 4.75% increase in salary with a guaranteed increase of another 4% in just a few more months plus the possibility of yet another 4% on top of that (the equivalent of an 8% pay increase in 2007) after evaluation by the Board–and we can just about be assured that at least four of Rhau's cronies (Buono, McCaig, Kovac and Parisian) will give a "thumbs-up" on his evaluation, thus entitling him to that 8% raise. It's disturbing to witness this entire picture unfold as the board's "elite" take care of Rhau and the administration and how the administration take care of themselves, while our educators work without a contract and our children go without proper textbooks. People in Saugerties are selling their homes because they can no longer afford or are unable to pay the high taxes–we need to fix this problem, not make it worse. The solution Rhau suggested to Mrs. Spada, a Saugerties senior (and even to his very own mother), of mortgaging her home to help pay her taxes certainly is not a practical one. And what, pray tell, will his suggestion be for next year's taxes? It seems more and more evident that Rhau and crew just don't care about anyone but themselves. This character trait will be discussed at length in a future Heidcamp Report. Mrs. Brown's husband was right on target when he wrote, "Don't hire Rhau because he is a politician." I totally agree with him; but he's more than just a politician, it goes way beyond that: in my opinion he is a "con-artist," the proverbial "used car salesman" concerned only with what he can get, and the power or control to get it. For instance, as examples of how members of the administration are getting everything they can for themselves with little regard for the rest of us: Rhau sidekick Cheryl Nucifaro, in my opinion another con-artist and control freak, is penny-pinching the District by charging us 62-cents each and every time she drives up or down Washington Avenue but, at the same time, avoids paying taxes in Saugerties by residing at Schenectady. She certainly creates the impression that she cares little about our town or its residents. Both, Nucifaro and Rhau–neither of whom have any real ties to this town–have also been the driving force behind the removal of Mary Gambino from her job as "Special Friend," another example of a lack of concern for this community. Rhau knew he had the support of his "four loyal cronies," Buono, McCaig, Parisian and Kovac, to go against Ms. Gambino, but he would need–and expected–a majority to pull it off. Inconveniently, and making matters worse than they already were, Kovac was absent that night (as was Fisco). So, when the motion was amended to grandfather Ms. Gambino in to her position, Rhau, in fear that his plan would slip away, became angry and argumentative with the board. Unfortunately (or fortunately for Rhau, et al.) the motion carried when quasi-loyalist Brennan joined the others to cement a majority vote of 4-3 and remove her from the position (in spite of the immense public support in her favor). As a result of what had occurred in the open, a feud subsequently erupted behind closed doors between board members and the administration with Vince Buono becoming so enraged with fellow board member Tucker (because of Tucker's support of Ms. Gambino) that he called him a derogatory name. In another acrimonious incident, board president Brennan, in a visible display of anger, admitted he had leaked information out of Excessive Session and then, using the "f-word," lashed out at a fellow board member. So we have Vince Buono becoming enraged with a fellow board member because he dared to vote in favor of Mary Gambino, and the board president shouting obscenities at other board members. Such demonstrations coming from elected officials constitute unacceptable and unprofessional behavior by any standard, and both incidents have been confirmed. I have known and worked with Mr. Tucker for many years and I can tell you that, without reservation, that he is an honest, dedicated, hard-working and compassionate gentleman who is well-respected in the community. And he has always conducted himself in a professional manner. Not only does Vince Buono owe Don Tucker a personal apology for his vehement outburst, he should apologize to the rest of board and the public for his disgraceful conduct as well. In fact, Buono should resign. The Saugerties School Board obviously has some serious problems with certain members and this is precisely why a change on that board is so sorely needed. Board members Tucker, Petramale and Fisco, unfortunately in the minority, have been trying to do the right thing for the District, children, teachers and taxpayers, but they continuously face resistance from the "elite" at every turn. As I've pointed out previously, board members Vince Buono, Ed Kovac and Mike MacIsaac each have a term expiring for the next election. Keep in mind that the three individuals elected to the board next May will have the final say in just whom our "next" school superintendent (and assistant) will be. They will also have a say on their contracts.
Keep an Eye on MacIsaac In another matter, as you will undoubtedly recall, I had filed a FOIL for e-mail communications (which are public record) between Superintendent Rhau and the board members. I received only 28 e-mails and was told that the others could not be released because they are personnel-related. Although I have personal knowledge that there were many more than 28 e-mails sent back and forth between Rhau and board members that were not related to personnel, I really was not expecting the administration to provide me with all of them in the first place. However, what I did find interesting in the 28 that I received, was the back-and-forth communication between Rhau and board member MacIsaac: (1) to make arrangements to meet at different locations such as Johnny G's; and (2) Rhau praising MacIsaac for his vote in support of redistricting. Remember, MacIsaac originally voted against redistricting but then, just a few weeks later, voted in favor of it (of course it did benefit his family). He criticized the administration, saying, "I don't feel the administration worked in good faith; the committee was set up for failure." Two weeks later he praised Rhau for doing a wonderful job. What triggered this change of heart? If MacIsaac steps up as president, I guess we'll have to keep an eye on his voting record when it comes to Rhau's needs.
Shock and Awe In closing, I have uncovered shocking new evidence that will probably stun this community. Coming soon in The Heidcamp Report–you won't want to miss it. Stay tuned.....
George D. Heidcamp, Sr. September 7, 2006 |