Did Wake County school board member John Tedesco break the board's code of ethics when he made his speech at last week's Tea Party rally?
Several speakers at Tuesday's board meeting accused Tedesdo of crossing the ethical line and said he should be punished. The board's code of ethics says members should avoid being placed in a position of conflict of interest and refrain from using his or her position for personal or partisan gain.
Tedesco talked about fighting social engineering and promoting conservative values during a speech in which he repeatedly praised the Tea Partiers.
"I thank all of you today, here a few months later, after we've taken the helm of the state's largest school system because people like you said enough to the social engineers that we stand battered and beaten and every day they come out there swinging at us," Tedesco said. "But I thank all of you because today I still stand honored and humbled before each of you to have the opportunity to serve and to represent the people."
Later in the speech, Tedesco talks about how people are surprised the school board majority is fulfilling its campaign promises.
"They said surely the intimidation of such big bureaucracy will stop them," Tedesco said. "We said no. They said surely they'll come up and drink the Kool-aid when we tell them. We said no. The reason we said no is because there's an army of people like you out here today who said enough."
Here's the teaching children to fish remark that has drawn controversy.
"I thank all of you for standing behind us and I promise you that we're going to keep, keep bringing conservative values to education, keep putting more family choice in there, put more rights and responsibilities on our parents," Tedesco said. "Because I believe when we teach a man to fish, or in this case our children, we can feed them for life and not have the government have to feed them."
Chase Foster, a registered lobbyist for the liberal N.C. Voters for Clean Elections, was the most vocal of the critics at Tuesday's board meeting. As you may recall, Foster wrote a post for the liberal N.C. Policy Watch's Progressive Pulse blog based on on a conversation he overhead Tedesco engaged in.
Foster put his remarks from the board meeting online too.
Foster accused Tedesco of compromising the integrity of the board by speaking to "an extremist and sometimes violent political group."
Foster said Tedesco should be "professionally punished for using this public office to advance your partisan, political career in such a cheap and repellant way."
"One thing is for sure, Mr. Tedesco," Foster said. "By speaking to this fringe group, you have outed yourself… as a right-wing extremist who is set on destroying and balkanizing our school system, as a pawn of Bob Luddy and Art Pope’s school privatization agenda, and as a self-aggrandizing, Palin-esque politician seeking fame off the backs and lives of Wake County’s 140,000 students."
The Great Schools in Wake Coalition had also questioned whether Tedesco violated the board's code of ethics in a newsletter last week.
During a break at Tuesday's board meeting, Tedesco defended himself against the charges of unethical behavior.
"I don't believe that to be the case," Tedesco said. "I received no benefit from it."
Some of his Democratic colleagues appear at party events and donate money, Tedesco said. Tedesco is a Republican.
Comments
So it IS a Party?
Sun, 04/25/2010 - 07:51 — lovingpenelopeInteresting post, Bob. So you're conceding that the Tea Party is a political party, albeit one that is in its infancy?
If that's true, shouldn't Mr. Tedesco be forced to resign for violating Board policy?
For me, this ain't about anything other than showing an egotistical politician that he, too, must follow the rules. The new board has consistently broken policies designed to govern those who govern, and they do it with an arrogance that is unparalleled.
How can anyone who believes in fair government ever support them, even if they do want to see our system changed? Is destroying the democratic processes that built this nation really worth it?
Free speech applies to
Sun, 04/25/2010 - 11:34 — woodstockFree speech applies to everyone, even elected officials.
Free speech certainly
Sun, 04/25/2010 - 20:39 — danofncFree speech certainly applies to everyone.
But, you aren't guaranteed anything but free speech. If you are in a position that requires a certain amount of restraint, then you can be removed from that position if you say something you shouldn't.
position of convenience?
Sun, 04/25/2010 - 22:04 — red_balloon...http://blogs.newsobserver.com/wakeed/del-burns-out-as-wake-county-schools-superintendent
If he only spoke out about the new board's intent to dismantle the
diversity policy, and the process for that to happen is going to take
9-15 months, what is really the big deal?
Who said something they
Sun, 04/25/2010 - 21:08 — woodstockWho said something they "shouldn't?" What are you talking about?
You are back to the two
Sun, 04/25/2010 - 21:27 — user12345You are back to the two questions in a row pattern ... you really should change up, ask fewer questions and try to provide more potential solutions / options ... surely you have more to offer than defending everything John says and does.
Let's make it three in a
Sun, 04/25/2010 - 22:19 — woodstockLet's make it three in a row.
Who said something they shouldn't?
I'm pretty sure that you
Mon, 04/26/2010 - 06:38 — danofncI'm pretty sure that you supported getting rid of Del Burns. Where do you stand on his right to free speech? You wanted him fired for speaking out against his "bosses", right?
Well, aside from all the other questionable/inappropriate comments, JT spoke out very critically (and in much, MUCH harsher tones) of the governor.
The governor controls the state budget, which makes her the de facto boss of the school board.
Your positions seem inconsistent.
If you're going to yell "free speech", you shouldn't have wanted Del Burns fired.
Your agrument is pretty
Mon, 04/26/2010 - 07:46 — woodstockYour agrument is pretty weak.
The school board does not work for the Governor. They are an elected, independent body that works for and answers to the citizens of Wake County.
Burns on the other hand works -- worked -- for the school board in an official capacity. They had the authority to hire him and the right to fire him...or in this case, put him on leave to enjoy an extended vacation. You are right about one thing, Burns had the legal "right" to say what he said. However, as everyone knows, there can still be consequences to telling your boss that you will not perform the job you were hired to do.
Uh...
Sun, 04/25/2010 - 08:36 — Bob_SconceThe Tea Party movement certainly is political. I don't know enough about it to determine if it's an actual "political party."
As to resigning for violating "board policy," (1) board policy is only binding on the administration, not on the board itself; (2) even if it ws binding on him, he hasn't violated any board policy. If you think he has, the policies are on-line at the WCPSS website; please make your case. Which elements of which policy have been violated?
I don't even understand your last paragraph -- who's destroying "democratic processes," and how are they doing it? What's happening now is the epitome of democratic process: members of the public become fed up with how their giovernment is currently run and organize to elect new leaders, who then proceed to implement the things they were elected to do.
Liberalism Exposed
Sat, 04/24/2010 - 13:24 — SpocksBrainFeel the love? Hear the tolerance? See the support for diversity?
The TEA Party is NOT about hate. Tedesco's agenda to foster local schools is NOT racism. Being called Palinesque is a compliment, contrary to what emasculated, misogynist liberals would have us believe.
The vitriol, intolerance and threatening tone of Mr. Foster's rant is borderline hysterical. I fear he may become unhinged once conservatives reclaim this state and our country. Contrary to the dire predictions of the left that TEA Partiers are gun carrying militiamen on the verge of violence, it is the left that already has and continues to attack and kill people. Beware of what you sow, Mr. Foster. It may be a bitter harvest.
Tedesco's Political Affiliation is the T-Klan Party
Fri, 04/23/2010 - 19:10 — rpt10nycEvery time Tedesco opens his mouth--a lie tumbles out. It is clear he is a reactionary trying to turn back the clock. As someone overseeing the schools --he has breached his fiduciary contract with the children, teachers, parents and the system. He took his racial hate before the people of Wake County and the world. He is single-handedly turning away companies that could bring jobs to N.C. in hard economic times.
How does this myopic, little man wield so much power over Wake County and even over other school board members? In other parts of the country, the board answers to the superintendent, the State Board of Ed and even the Governor. In addition, the so-called journalists in the RTP appear timid in their coverage of him. Not one reporter has challenged him. Not one politician has questioned his authority to rule by ambush. It appears that all of our "watchdogs" have become "hush puppies."
Please refrain from using
Mon, 04/26/2010 - 10:33 — KeungHui (author)Please refrain from using T-Klan party. It doesn't help the discussion and is pretty inflammatory.
I will also point out this comment to all you people who think the coverage of the new school board majority is too negative.
Keung.....WHERE R U? You
Mon, 04/26/2010 - 09:39 — shearertwKeung.....WHERE R U?
You responded to my joke about "hoodies" in about 35 seconds. This guy puts "T-KLAN PARTY" in his title, its been posted here all weekend and nothing from you, not a word...
Apparently it IS WHO you are referring to that matters, not what you say.
I haven't seen that
Mon, 04/26/2010 - 10:30 — KeungHui (author)I haven't seen that particular comment until today. I saw your comment fairly quickly because I was actually caught up to reading the comments that day. I'm in the process of getting caught up right now on the latest barrage of comments. I had focused this weekend and today on reading the comments on the zone presenation. I'm now getting to the ones about this post.
Fair enough...
Mon, 04/26/2010 - 10:37 — shearertwFair enough...
You are revealing your hate,
Sun, 04/25/2010 - 11:50 — woodstockYou are revealing your hate, bigotry, ignorance and intolerance. Perhaps you should not post when you are red-faced with anger.
"Every time Tedesco opens his mouth--a lie tumbles out."
Name even one lie and prove it.
"He is single-handedly turning away companies that could bring jobs to N.C. in hard economic times."
LOL, right. Care to share some facts?
"He took his racial hate before the people of Wake County and the world."
This preposterous and bald-baced lie just highlights your bigotry and ignorance. You will never be taken seriously making asinine comments like that. Tedesco has dedicated most of his career helping our most vulnerable children.
^^
Fri, 04/23/2010 - 12:40 — RiversideRealistYou, sir, are an ignorant hate monger.
Awesome video! Thanks
Fri, 04/23/2010 - 11:16 — woodstockAwesome video! Thanks Keung.
Ain't free speech a wonderful thing!
Go Tedesco!!! If your political career moves beyond the school board, more power to you. It is way past time for our county's -- and state's -- Democrat good-ol'-boy (and -girl) network to end.
The Tea Party participants are comprised of an accomplished, educated and multi-partisan network of citizens and voters that are fed up and they will be a monumental factor in the coming elections.
End Democrats?
Fri, 04/23/2010 - 13:08 — user12345I thought Tea baggers wanted lower taxes and limited government and were not Republicans? It sounded from John's speech that he wants to instill conservative values in my children ... I would prefer since he does not have any children that he stick to running the school system and leave indoctrinate children with values to their parents.
LMOA! They are not "tea
Fri, 04/23/2010 - 14:21 — woodstockLMOA! They are not "tea baggers," you fool. My God, man, please keep you sexual perversions out of this. I am embarrassed for you.
BTW Tedesco referred to shared values. You know, the values that most normal people share...well. maybe you don't know.
Also, those who participate in Tea Parties may be more conservative than most, but calling them Republicans is off-base. Unfortunately, these days there is often a huge difference between being a Republican and being conservative.
You sure seem to be up
Sat, 04/24/2010 - 13:49 — user12345You sure seem to be up on "sexual perversions" ... your areas of interest are always amusing ...
LOL I don't think you are
Sun, 04/25/2010 - 11:54 — woodstockLOL I don't think you are helping yourself...whatever.
Woodstock/Tedesco Twosome
Fri, 04/23/2010 - 17:06 — jgegbgmgYou sure love everything Tedesco does and stands for. Might want to keep your feelings about him private. I'm sure it would be embarrassing to him. Maybe when his $ runs out he can come live with you instead of in his car.
That's your come back? LOL @
Fri, 04/23/2010 - 17:57 — woodstockThat's your come back? LOL @ jgegbgmg.
"Our (My) values need to be
Fri, 04/23/2010 - 11:57 — user12345"Our (My) values need to be instilled in our children" That always sounds like social engineering to me ... I think values come from parents not the BOE. You would think that "social engineering" was the biggest problem Wake has the way John speaks of it ..... while it only includes 10% of the poor kids ending up in the wrong schools where they are not welcome. I am disappointed that John is not a better cheerleader for the schools but seems to be a cheerleader for himself. He will end up using the school system as a political stepping stone to buy conservative votes, dividing community support such that nothing gets done (e.g. no additional funding for schools).
When they can't refute the
Fri, 04/23/2010 - 09:37 — wireless200When they can't refute the ideas... attack the person
That is a dumb thing to say
Fri, 04/23/2010 - 11:59 — user12345That is a dumb thing to say ... since it keeps being said John has no ideas .... after 4pm, we can see what he wants to do with our children ...
Seems to be true on all sides
Fri, 04/23/2010 - 09:51 — Dove314And an inherent aspect of being in a public office, although not limited to being in public office judging from the way we all jump all over anyone who publicly supports a position different from our own.
So, do you also have
Fri, 04/23/2010 - 10:04 — CaryCurmudgeonSo, do you also have objections about the other elected officials who spoke at that meeting? Do you know which other elected officials were there?
If you look carefully
Fri, 04/23/2010 - 10:10 — Dove314You'll note that I have not been one critical of Mr. Tedesco for speaking at this meeting. I thought he rather blundered the proverb but was not out of line for attending the meeting.
I'm just noting that, in general, no matter which side of any debate here, there are a lot of personal attacks happening to any politician, organization, or, in some cases, individuals that step forward.
Yeah...
Fri, 04/23/2010 - 09:48 — Bob_SconceSo, the "extremist" stuff is a routine political trick democrats use to marginalize their opposition -- nobody really knows the Tea Party yet, so the more the Democrats can call them "extremists," the more the public will believe it, even if the label isn't true. It's cynical.
Of course, I suspect that hard-core democrats may actually believe that anybody in favor of smaller government is "extreme." But, that speaks far more about those democrats than it does about the tea party.
Horse Hockey
Fri, 04/23/2010 - 12:24 — chaboardnobody really knows the Tea Party yet
We've seen them on TV and heard their inane ramblings for nearly a year now. We've seen them proudly waving their racist signs all over the country. We can read their violent diatribes daily on extremist hate sites (check freeper land any day of the week). We've seen detailed solid reporting documenting the top-down funding so we know exactly who is behind them and what the agenda is.
We know that they scream about deficits while 57% *still* support George W. Bush - the man who gave us trillion dollar deficits as far as the eye can see - and while calling for the head of the President who has ALREADY cut those deficits even while saving the country from the biggest existential threat it faced in decades. We know they scream about taxes while calling for the head of the man who cut taxes for over 90% of Americans last year. We know they spew absurd nonsense about government takeovers of healthcare (about what is essentially the GOPs own 90's bill!) while nearly half of them get their own healthcare from....the government!!! We know that well over 40% of them are "Not sure" that SECESSION is a bad idea! SECESSION!
We know that roughly half of them don't believe the President of the UNited States was born in America....even though believing so not only requires them to ignore official birth certificates, it also requires them to believe there was a conspiracy *40* year ago to place birth announcements in Hawaii newspapers!
We know that only 35 percent of them said they believe blacks to be hardworking, only 45 percent said
they believe them intelligent and only 41 percent said they believe them
trustworthy.
It's ridiculous to say we don't know them yet. We know beyond any shadow of a doubt that they are a loud tiny minority from the far, far rightwing without ANY consistent principles or positive ideas. We know that their whole MO is to obstruct, disrupt and shout down reasoned debate. We know that blind hatred is their defining characteristic. We know they cannnot articulate any position coherently, that they are a product of big money and that their movement is shot through with out & out racists.
And if you think these teabagger nutjobs want "small government" then you're just not paying attention. Theese are the very people that gave us not only the huge expansion of government debt under Bush and two futile wars but also such Big Brother-like abominations of big government as the (so-caled) Patriot Act. Plus they openly revere Ronald Reagan....the man who instigated and oversaw the explosion of federal debt from 33% of GDP in 1980 to close to 70% of GDP in 1988.
Of COURSE they are extremists. They are pretty much BY DEFINITION (one that they claim proudly most of the time, I might add) the people farthest out on the rightwing side of the spectrum. And being farthest out on an edge is pretty much the definition of "extremist".
These people are not just extremists, they are dangerous.
So...
Fri, 04/23/2010 - 16:03 — Bob_SconceDo you have citations for any of that other than from the left-wing blogosphere?
A lot of the other stuff you mention -- the part about liking Reagan, for example -- is hardly extremist.
I don't deny that there are some conservative nut-jobs out there, and that some of them are probably in the Tea Party movement. But, there are liberal nut-jobs out there as well who are part of otherwise mainstream liberal-leaning organizations. If you recall, Obama's team had a great time squelching crap posted by his supporters to his campaign website. (see, e.g., http://bit.ly/3PdIB5 )
Oh, and about those supposed racial remarks? Didn't happen. See here: http://bit.ly/9GCcXO
Wow
Fri, 04/23/2010 - 09:31 — supportwcpssHow can you not say this man is looking to move up the political ladder. It is so obvious.
Rosa Gill certainly showed
Fri, 04/23/2010 - 10:06 — CaryCurmudgeonRosa Gill certainly showed that you can use a school board position for political gain, so I guess that's possible.
Extremist? Violent?
Fri, 04/23/2010 - 09:26 — Bob_SconceLet's see here....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1968_Democratic_National_Convention