Common Sense Matters tells voters in this campaign mailer that "the Tea Party doesn't want you to vote in Tuesday's (Wake County school board) runoff election."
"The Tea Party is on the brink of controlling Wake County public schools; now it all comes down to Tuesday's runoff election," says the mailer. "If Tea Party activist Heather Losurdo wins, so does the Tea Party — because then they will continue their partisan, slash-and-burn agenda that's hurting our public schools. So it's no wonder that Tea Party extremists have poured more than $14,000 into Losurdo's campaign."
The mailer includes a screen capture of Losurdo being interviewed by WTVD, where she said "Yes, I support the Tea Party."
The mailer is one in a series sent by Common Sense Matters, which is affiliated with local Democrats. One of the donors is the N.C. Futures Action Fund, a group led by Democratic activist Dean Debnam.
Comments
Hill's dismal record and vile campaign tactics
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 09:09 — woodstockI really don't understand to whom Common Sense Matters hopes to appeal. They are nothing more than a hastily assembled organization of very angry, very desperate, far left-wing radicals hired to orchestrate fear mongering and character assassination. Their mission is two-fold: 1.) turn back the clock and reinstate forced-busing for "diversity" and 2.) facilitate getting rid of Tata. They have gone all-in in what has become an enormously desperate attempt to make that happen.
And don't forget, the offensive lies, deception and mudslinging by Common Sense Matters are at the direction of Kevin Hill himself. He so desperate to retain his seat, he is willing to stoop as low is necessary to misrepresent his opponent and deceive the public.
We all know Hill cannot run on his dismal record, so all he can do is try to malign his opponent. In his bid for reelection, Hill has employed the lowest of the low of the political attack rats. The lies, insults and outrageous innuendo that they spew may just as well come from Kevin Hill's own mouth. It seems those who said Hill was not political have now been proven wrong.
The depths to which Hill has gone in this campaign has shocked and dismayed many of his now former supporters. He has embarrassed the moderate Democrats with his vile lies and go-for-the-throat approach to campaigning. With a dismal record to show for his time on the board and his truly offensive and unacceptable actions during this campaign, Hill MUST go... and I trust the voters will ensure that happens.
YOU MUST...
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 11:48 — ClearThinker...you must work around exhaust fumes all day, because your mind is completely gone now! And you lie about Kevin Hill as easily as you breathe, if you call the toxic in-and-out you do "breathing"!
Kevin Hill seems to me to be a good and decent man. As an educator, he's spent the past 35 years doing his best for children, many of whom have gone on to be productive citizens in our society.
I think there are 35 years worth of parents - THEIR parents - who would agree with that!
And as an adminsitrator and school board member, Hill has made sure that teachers are both heard and respected.
You talk about "dismal" record, Smokin' Woodsy, but the people have spoken - they saw NOTHING in the record of this current boatrd to re-elect Chairman Margiotta for, and by a two-to-one margin in two races ( and four to one in District 4), the good people of Wake County elected DEMOCRATS to take over, and clean up the filthy partisan mess of the past two years.
So you don't like Kevin Hill, Woodsy? Fine. But you hurt your own cause when reasonable people read your blatant lies and realize that you're actually, and pathetically, trying to prop up a failed Republican majority school board.
Now THAT'S the truth, and on Tuesday, the job will be complete!
Hill's dismal record is well-known... he must go!
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 12:42 — woodstockHill's dismal record is well-known. You can deny it all you want, but his votes on policy issues are public record. He supported forced-busing and repeated and burdensome reassignments, zero tolerance policies that led to increased suspension and drop-out rates, and policies that discriminated against low-income and minority students. Plus. he voted against hiring Tata and the new student assignment plan that has garnered such broad public support.
And another thing, you and others keep bringing up Hill's supposed 35 years of "public education experience" and that he was such a fabulous school administrator. That brings up questions. Does he really have 35 years of experience and was he really such a great administrator? How do you know this? If he was so fantastic, why did he quit/retire/resign at such a young age from a Principal's position -- with its 6-digit salary -- to become a low-paid, part-time adjunct instructor at NC State?
I thought a person with even 30 years of experience automatically received the Golden Pine Cone Award? He doesn't have one. Why?
...
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 11:58 — SideburnsI keep hearing the 35 years of experience. Can someone break that down for me?
He was a WCPSS teacher for 14 years and a WCPSS assistant principal/principal for another 14 years. He claims he retired in 2005 yet don't you have to have 30 years of service to have a full retirement in Wake County? Why did he retire after 28 years?
Keung, do you know?
I actually asked him about a
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 14:05 — KeungHui (author)I actually asked him about a couple of weeks ago. He's counting the 28 years in the school system and the last seven years working at N.C. State training aspiring teachers. He said he's been careful to say in the mailers 35 years in Wake County and not 35 years in the Wake County school system.
Now I'm curious. Quitting
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 14:33 — loriacNow I'm curious. Quitting at 28 years makes no sense, that's a huge hit to your retirement. Did you ask his reason for doing this, or the circumstances?
It's not as uncommon as you
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 15:37 — KeungHui (author)It's not as uncommon as you think. It seemed that 25 years was a bigger deal for principals before they retired. Keep in mind you at least in the past were able to "purchase" additional years in the retirement system.
Did you ask him? I still
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 19:34 — loriacDid you ask him? I still think that is uncommon enough to ask about. Was there some special deal In going to NC State to train new teachers?
I believe state employees
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 19:52 — virginiadareI believe state employees are allowed to use accummulated leave as years of service. It is possible that after 28 years he had enough leave to put him up to 30 years.
Two years of leave? Ah...
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 20:10 — woodstockTwo years of leave? Ah... no. Next.
Yes
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 20:28 — Solon77Contrary to your belief that you know it all, a close friend retired from the MA school system two years early by using accrued sick and paid time off and this was just to hit 25 years. It is very plausible to accrue this much sick and paid time off over a 28 year period.
If that is true --
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 23:51 — woodstockIf that is true -- which I very much doubt -- no wonder our country is in such a financial mess. That would not be possible in the private sector because no one could afford it.
Still, Hill would get credit for having worked 30 years and he did not. The more I learn, the more suspicious this sounds.
Unless you have access to
Mon, 11/07/2011 - 08:33 — danofncUnless you have access to his financial records, you don't know that he isn't getting 30-year retirement benefits.
If he used accrued leave to get to 30 years, it wouldn't mean that he all of sudden worked in WCPSS for 30 years instead of 28.
Wow - accumulate 2 YEARS of
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 23:00 — loriacWow - accumulate 2 YEARS of leave? Most corporations did away with this years ago (I think 20 years ago where I work) - no more saving up vacation and getting a bonus when you retire, and sick leave is not something you save up.
I'd still like to know if Keung asked him about that. If the state is still allowing this, no wonder we have budget problem.
...
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 18:07 — SideburnsIs that what he did? Purchase additional years to get full benefits?
I still find it odd that he would work 28 years in WCPSS and retire 2 years shy -- at 50ish years old.
Odd is....
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 18:19 — valsparI find it odd this is interesting to you. My stars - no wonder Ron lost. You cannot see the forest for the trees. Hill retired because he wanted to, and after 28 years deserved to. To jump back into education at the collegiate level and on the school board level is admirable. Hey! Idea! After Tuesday, Heather can run Malone's State campaign, along with Williams.
...
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 18:55 — SideburnsI thought that was the new bar you set, valspar. "What can be dug up on you?" Wasn't that what you wrote?
Now you're saying it's odd that I want to know why Hill resigned 2 years shy of full retirement? Hmmm... maybe there really is something more to it.
Working at NC State is not
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 14:26 — woodstockWorking at NC State is not working for Wake County, so it is a bit disingenuous for him to suggest he has 35 years in Wake County.
Also why did he leave after 28 years when he was so close to full retirement and with the Silver Pine Needle Trophy within his grasp? And it was at such a young age (50)... did he really volunteer to go from a 6-digit principle's salary to a low-paying, part-time instructor position? (What's he make at NC State $20-25K?) That seems like a very odd move for one to make. I think the voting public would like to understand this a little better. To me, it sounds like he is padding his resume and trying to be deceptive.
In not for
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 15:58 — Solon77Last time I checked NC State was in Wake County. If you were deceived it is because, like always, you ignore the facts and only believe what you want to believe.
Oh I see, so I have 25 years
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 19:30 — woodstockOh I see, so I have 25 years of Wake County experience too. Cool! I will put that in my resume.
The General Assembly is also
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 16:08 — starsonoursThe General Assembly is also meets in Wake County. So all members can list their time in the Assembly as "service to Wake County." And don't forget Central Prison is in Wake, remind the inmates to list their time incarcerated as "time in service to Wake County."
Or are these State institutions that are located in Wake County. Kinda like NCSU?
Central Prison
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 16:15 — Solon77I suppose if an inmate said he/she served law enforcement for 25 years in Wake County it would be an accurate statement.
Service at NCSU does not
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 16:24 — starsonoursService at NCSU does not mean service to Wake County. NCSU is a state institiution located in Wake County.
Soldiers at Fort Bragg don't say they were in the service of Cumberland County.
Prepositions
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 18:31 — Dove314It's all in the preposition, isn't it. According to Keung, Mr. Hill used the preposition "in", not "to".
He said he's been careful to say in the mailers 35 years in Wake County and not 35 years in the Wake County school system.
Service "in" Wake County is true as both WCPSS and NSCU are located "in" Wake County. Soldiers at Fort Bragg serve "in" Cumberland County. Service "to" Wake County or Cumberland County is not really possible for anyone. In that instance, it would be service to citizens of Wake County or citizens of Cumberland County. But that is an aside as the preposition which should be under discussion is "in", not "to".
But...
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 20:18 — Bob_SconceIt does sound an awful lot like the same sort of resume-padding that his side is accusing Losurdo of doing.
Great answer so anyone who
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 19:08 — starsonoursGreat answer so anyone who works for WCPSS for a day and 34 years 364 days for a company that resides in Wake County can make the same claim? I am sure no one who supports Mr. Hill would have an issue with that.
Wow
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 20:54 — Dove314Now you all have just gone off the deep end. I do hope you realize that your posts here are having unintended consequences on at least three voters in D3 who have worked hard to try to steer through the rhetoric and campaigning to really look at each of the contestants without the red haze of political nonsense. Neither are great candidates but this sort of stupidity from both sides has gone far, far beyond ridiculous.
In response to your rather ridiculous response -- the answer is yes. If someone told me they have worked for 35 years IN Wake County, I would not assume nor interpret that to mean that they had worked for WCPSS for 35 years. It could be anywhere from your example of 1 day in WCPSS with 34 yrs, 364 days at a myriad of other companies to 35 yrs with WCPSS to 35 yrs with a tree and stump removal company. Similarly, if someone works in RTP for 35 years, I would not assume they worked at one place for the entirity of that time. If someone said they worked in Washington, DC for 35 years, I would not assume that meant they worked for the Federal government for 35 years, just that their physical offices were in DC.
This is arguably the most ridiculous attempt to make a controversy out of nothing seen to date in the stupidity that has been this run-off campaign.
It was an extreme example to
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 22:21 — starsonoursIt was an extreme example to prove a point. Ms. Losurdo has faced numerous attacks for perceived embellishment of her resume but Hill's ad's mislead and a grammar lesson is given as the reason it is technically correct. The average reader would assume 35 of service to Wake County not "I have worked in Wake County for 35 years." I am not trying to make a controversy out of this, I just find it amazing that the same people who ridiculed Losurdo defend Hill for this. The hypocrisy amazing.
Hmm..
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 22:29 — Dove314I hope you would not be suggesting that I ridiculed Losurdo on this topic. As that would be inaccurate. I thought that was ridiculous too.
?
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 23:30 — starsonoursI find it ridiculous that you chose to defend Hill with a "it depends on what meaning of is is" defense. And no I did not say you ridiculed Losurdo.
Wow, eerily similar thinking
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 12:29 — woodstockWow, eerily similar thinking here.... Makes me think many other have similar questions.
OR ARE...
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 13:00 — ClearThinker...as dumb as you, Woodsy!
Wow, what a really cutting and clever retort.
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 13:08 — woodstockWow, what a really cutting and clever retort. LOL!
Of course, it completely ignores the issue. I assume you have no explanation. However, I bet someone does....
LOSURDO'S WRAL PERFORMANCE...
Sat, 11/05/2011 - 21:37 — ClearThinker...was dreadful. Really! She wasn't cool or confident. She stumbled through her plan of attack on Hill. You could see her sweat, her eyes work. Her ability to properly memorize her platform was seriously impeded. I mean, the only thing I give her credit for was showing up, and sitting taller in her seat than Hill, otherwise the poor woman did her case no favors.
Kevin Hill, on the otherhand, was knowledgable, explained himself and his "no" votes well. He clearly knows the function of a school board (Losurdo didn't); was the first to even mention student achievement, and its importance in the overall picture of education.
It was clear that Hill has forgotten more than Losurdo will ever learn about education. So the only real reason for Kevin Hill losing on Tuesday will be politics, not competency.
One more thing - Pope, Luddy and the NC GOP own every hair on Heather Losurdo's head...and EVERYTHING underneath as well, given all the money they've pumped into this race to hold onto the balance of power. I realize Crabtree sucker-punched her into that,"Neither John Tedesco nor anyone else pressure me into voting...," answer, but we all know that Losurdo will NEVER pull a Debra Goldman and EVER vote with the board Democrats. So she can drop that act now. No one's buying, Losurdo!
Fiscal Responsibility
Sat, 11/05/2011 - 22:16 — Solon77So Losurdo was in favor of the highest priced search firm and spending millions of $ on leadership academies without any details - this is called fiscal responsibility ? Separately she is on record of wanting to create more neighborhoods schools - more spending.
You're being penny wise and
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 03:46 — jeffrey1You're being penny wise and pound foolish. The extra money spent on finding Tata has already been repaid many times over.
Leadership academies??? Does it cost any more to educate a classroom full of a single sex as opposed to both sexes. Really??? Are you thinking about the extra funding to install more urinals in the male academy???
If you're thinking about capital expenditures, again you're being penny wise and pound foolish. Single sex learning institutions have been around for centuries. The benefits are well documented. And additional operating costs should be NIL.
Penny wise
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 16:11 — Solon77The only thing penny wise and pound foolish is the cutting of the custodian staff. As far as the search firm -do you think Tata and other qualified superintendents only go through one source that does not specialize in education placements. If I recall the other candidates put forward were extremely weak - so were we really presented with the best candidates ?
Leadership academies - good point, which leads me wonder where all about all of this talk that magnets receive extra funding. I mean really does it cost anymore to teach a Spainish class than a German class. But back to the academies - the plan seems to be in flux right now, first rent additional space and put capital into an existing building now it is this agreement with Peace. While the idea is good, the details are far from being fleshed out. In the meantime Tata has his blank check.
As far as the search firm
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 23:32 — jeffrey1As far as the search firm -do you think Tata and other qualified superintendents only go through one source that does not specialize in education placements. If I recall the other candidates put forward were extremely weak - so were we really presented with the best candidates ?
I doubt very much that the search firm that Hill wanted to go with would have even had Tata on their radar. With that firm, they were only going to get administrators from other school systems in NC. Dr Hargens would have been a better candidate than anyone they would have found.
Yes we were presented with the best candidates because the list inlcuded Tata. The second best candidate doesn't really matter when you get the best.
Tata on their radar? maybe you have that backwards
Mon, 11/07/2011 - 11:25 — EBDarcyGiven the huge amount of coverage of WCPSS by the mainstream and educational press I doubt there was a superintendent, deputy superintendent, senior administrator, etc. any where in the country who didn't know about the position. I'm sure the Broad people keep up with all superintendent openings as part of their mission of putting Broad alum in urban districts across the country. They've been very successful, are they actively marketing their people to districts and search firms?
Didn't the search firm say at one meeting that they had many candidates contact them? Do we know if they recruited Tata or if he contacted them, or had someone he knows recommend him (like the guy at CMS)
Of course the less expensive search firm might not have considered someone with only 18 months experience with a low-performing district a viable candidate.
I think Tata has done a good job in a difficult situation but based on his actions he seems to be actively promoting the Broad model of a strong super/weak board. Not sure the people who hired him had that in mind.
I doubt very seriously if
Mon, 11/07/2011 - 12:33 — jeffrey1I doubt very seriously if the North Carolina School Boards Association would have considered Tata, and it would have had nothing to do with his experience in DC schools. NCSBA would have likely only considered existing school superintendents with an emphasis on in-state candidates. And we already had the best in-state candidate in Dr. Hargens.
If your diaper is in a wad
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 16:37 — FSandYOUover cutting the janitors, you might want to go ahead and remove them before next year when there is nothing left to cut except teachers. And cut in mass they will as they will have no choice. Right Stan!
Guess we'll be blaming that on Evan and Martin huh.
Probably so
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 21:37 — Solon77The schools are a pit - just ask the teachers. But that is ok. Not worried about next year, the fed $ runs out but there is still tens of millions of $ of waste and then there is always the fall back position - double shifts
The correct term is split shift
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 23:11 — FSandYOUas the former regime of Head and Millberg penned it. You are correct though, the free ride and band-aids end pretty quick. From there it will be the sky is falling and there is no doubt this county will have some real crying to do. It's been coming for years and now it's going to land on the Evans/Martin watch. Wonder what Billy will say about that.
WRAL with Crabtree
Sat, 11/05/2011 - 18:26 — Dove314For voters in D3, this is more helpful than any of the mailers, phone calls, or sound bites.
http://www.wral.com/news/education/wake_county_schools/video/10337657/#/vid10337657
Much better than the rhetoric flying here.
Tea Party & WCPSS?
Sat, 11/05/2011 - 18:02 — paulastamLosurdo tries to reassure us that she is an "independent thinker" that won't be influenced by Tedesco and political parties. I'm not convinced given she was a local Republican leader (not a bad thing on its own, but removes claim to independence) and she is on record saying she is a Tea Party supporter (at a Tea Party rally!). With Tedesco speaking at a Tea Party rally and in line to be the school board chair if Losurdo wins a board seat then it may indeed be very reasonable to state that the Tea Party is on the verge of running WCPSS. Scary stuff when you consider Tea Party activists are very vocal about eliminating the Department of Education at the Fed level!
Then you factor in all the talk in the media about Losurdo being linked to the following: a strip club, bankruptcy, online profanity, racially charged humor, and her husband tied up in controversy - investigated by the Feds!. I say: Thank you Ms. Losurdo for your willingness to serve, but NO THANK YOU to you actually sitting on our board.
Paula, "Independent, Fair & Speaking Up for MY Kids."
Sorry
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 09:06 — FSandYOUYou only get to vote once, if at all, so no one cares what you think. Save your usual diarrhea for the after party. The one where the Confused CPA and Psychotic Professor will unveil their plan to put an end to the new assignment plan before it ever starts.
FS, "Where Genius and Common Sense combine to PO the morons among us."
Not just a Supporter
Sat, 11/05/2011 - 22:16 — liberal1Heather is more than a supporter of the tea party, she went to the Glenn Beck rally in DC to be with her tea people. And even though she claims she only gets email blasts from the local tea party group, she had Donna Williams come to their last meeting to as for money and people to make calls and knock on doors. Now Donna did ask them not to wear any tea party gear becausee they know that this will hurt them in the election. It is perfectly fine for Heather to be a member of the tea party, but it is only fair that those that she is asking to vote for her know that is part of who she is. And it is dishonest for her to try to claim otherwise.
A vote for Heather on
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 06:56 — GODBLESSNCA vote for Heather on Tuesday means.....
A. A Vote for John Tedesco as the new School Board CHAIRMAN
B. A Vote for Donna Williams Future (since she lost to 60% of Kushners vote)
C. A Vote for Representative Marilyn Avila's husband's agenda (Alex Avilia). Marilyn has a stake in this School Board Race, she doesn't want her constituents to know the truth! What a shame!
D. A Vote for a NON-DEGREED TEA PARTY individual (with ZERO 0 Education) In other words a 0 on your kids assignment! Are parents happy with when they see their kids assignments and or tests maked with a 0?
E. A Vote for DISASTER for our children and Wake County Community!
A vote for Kevin On
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 09:17 — FSandYOUA vote for Kevin on Tuesday means.....
A. A Vote for an END to the NEW assignment plan!
B. A NO Vote to most everything else from him for the next 4 years!
C. More Schools and Families being ignored and thrown under the bus! Just ask Sam and Brassfield how Kevin has worked out for them!
D. The VERY REAL possibility of SPLIT SHIFT High Schools in the near future!
E. More delays at every turn to accomplish the simplest tasks because no one stonewalls, delays, ignores, avoids and in general does nothing more than Kevin Hill! That's a fact! Look at his record!!
And a BONUS just for Johnny Come Lately,
F. A Vote for DISASTER for our children and Wake County Community!
I hear you are being fitted
Sun, 11/06/2011 - 08:04 — woodstockI hear you are being fitted for a straight jacket. Good luck. I hope your recovery goes well.