[Vision2020] "Weitz's actions 'reckless'"

[Saundra Lund]

Moscow-Pullman Daily News

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Thursday, May 17, 2007 - Page Updated at 12:00:00 AM

Weitz's actions 'reckless'

Prior to the levy election, Gerald Weitz called a school district
administrator and invited her to attend a career fair in Pullman. The
invitation was issued the day of the event. After hearing that she would be
unable to clear her schedule upon short notice, Weitz determined she
attached no importance to vocational education. A case of "telephone rage"
followed. Reading from her notes regarding the exchange, the administrator
quotes Weitz saying, "You'll never pass your levy. We are going to hold the
district hostage. We are going to take you down. You'll never see your two
mils."

Other individuals report conversations where Weitz discussed withholding
financial support from the Moscow district to force agreement regarding his
vocational/technical agenda. A majority of Moscow voters approved the levy.
District administrators practiced due diligence by obtaining legal advice
concerning levy elections, but Weitz is now using litigation to accomplish
his goal of disrupting the District. It is a reckless action that will hurt
this community, its schools, employees and their families, and children.

Certainly Weitz has a record of support for children and education. He has
served on the Moscow School District Board of Trustees. His support for the
alternative school has been exemplary. 

Unfortunately, flares of impatience and temper occasionally negate his
strengths. His record of service on the Moscow School Board includes
petulant resignations when his ideas were not embraced.

I would urge the following:
- Drop the lawsuit.

- Select a committee to complete an assessment of Moscow's
vocational/technical programs relative to needs and interests of students.
Prioritize and plan incremental steps to accomplish any changes agreed upon.

- Legislators should work to clarify state law with respect to election
issues Weitz has raised.

Shirley Ringo, Moscow