The Alternative Press

Dear Editor:

 

As a lifelong Paterson resident and a very proud graduate of Eastside High School, I know what the Paterson school system once was, and what our community has allowed it to become. It truly saddens me watching school board members showboat instead of fighting to help our children get an education.

 

While one board of education member shamelessly hustles a book he claims to have written, another one prances around Paterson telling everyone he is a medical doctor.This is rather pathetic because he has no license to practice medicine, and has not had one for over a dozen years. Just ask him where he practices. The truth is he does not and cannot because the law does not permit him to without a valid state issued license. Yet he still tries to politically control the policies of the Paterson Board of Education.

 

And then there are the three incumbents running for re-election.  They sat there and did not stop the Superintendent when he bullied through his political agenda, like the $100,000 legal suite? Clearly, this money should have been spent on our children. School buildings are falling apart.

 

Where are the voices of our board of education members??? Sadly, they are politicking in order to run for council-at-large seats next year. Where is their commitment to our children??? The three incumbents have all indicated they want to campaign for council seats in 2014. I want to see a public commitment from the three incumbents

stating in writing that they will serve the full three years of their school board terms if re-elected.

 

In the April school board election, vote for the candidate who will commit to serving the full term, and not use the school board as a political stepping stone.

 

The children of Paterson cannot vote. But the adults of our community can vote, and you can vote for board members who have the courage to speak out. The children of Paterson are counting on you. Remember, actions speak louder than words.

 

William A. Connolly

 

[Editor's note: Connolly is a candidate in next month's Board of Education elections.]