The widely advertised Kid-PAC met for its second public meeting at Minnesauke School, on May 2nd of 1996. Established by Mia Jacobs, Frank Navetta and Tom McDonald the group was organized "to create opportunities for children." With perhaps 100 people in attendance, the evening was to provide area residents with their second opportunity to meet all the Board of Education candidates. Sadly, that was the last intelligent act planned or occurring that evening. An evening that might have provided an excellent springboard for Kid-PAC to achieve real political influence in the community. That chance may have disappeared forever.


Because of scheduling conflicts, at least two candidates had expressed an inability to participate. As a result, the organizers found the need to create an alternative event to stimulate and hold the attention of its audience. Before they could do so, however, they had a problem.

Act I, Scene I: Seated in the audience was Walter Denzler, the only one of the seven Board candidates who chose to attend despite the forum's cancellation. He had come to participate as a parent and resident of the community, with all the rights and privileges of anyone else in that room. A room in a public building, the occupancy and use of which being covered under District Policy 1500 and section 414 of New York State Education Law. Also present in that room was William Connors, Jr. and Linda Raphoon, both members of the present Board of Education.

Delaying the meeting some fifteen minutes, Mia Jacobs stood frustrated over seated Denzler and, as quietly as one could expect under the circumstances, demanded that he leave! Denzler explained both the ethical and legal impropriety of her directive but finally acquiesced, politely explaining that he would report the event. He did, the next day, in a letter to Superintendent Barter and to local newspapers. Neither Connors nor Raphoon ventured one verb in defense of Mr. Denzler's right to remain at the meeting. Their silence speaks volumes about TVCSD arrogance and disrespect for law.

Act II, Scene I: With the room now presumed clear of "dangerous characters," Kid-PAC organizer Frank Navetta introduced Mark Wolff, as something of a guest speaker. Mr. Wolff is a former member of the district's Budget Advisory Committee. He had been chosen to represent business interests in the community, being a local dentist.

Speaking for perhaps 10 minutes about how our children are in the top 4% of this and 10% of that, of how teachers are making only a fair and appropriate wage and how the cause for the district's financial problems could be alleviated with more state aid, this listener waited breathlessly to hear his suggestions for "creating opportunities for children." Instead, all of his remarks suggested the Kids were already doing well, the much anticipated "booming economy" and Albany understanding would make all the pain go away, and that teachers are the greatest thing invented since canned beer. And, cheap at twice the price.

Act II, Scene II: At the conclusion of his presentation, Mr. Wolff was asked about his expertise in these matters. He proceeded to cite sources. He was interrupted and asked what made him an expert. He then proceeded to provide a litany of professional credentials and affiliations with Stony Brook University. Again interrupted, he was asked "Are you a member of a teacher union?" Without hesitation Mr. Wolff said, "Why, yes, I am a member of the teachers' union." Then raised his eyes to the ceiling, with a "so what" look springing across his face.

There was a five second pregnant pause before the Chorus exclaimed irately, with accompanying incoherent mumblings in the background, "You mean he can't be a teacher and a concerned parent too??!!!!" Yes, I thought, he could be both, but at a teachers' convention.

Act III, Scene I: Mia Jacobs, with chalk in hand, approached a chalkboard on casters. One of those that you can roll anywhere, with writing faces that flip from one side to other. She remained standing there. Frank Navetta then warmed up the audience, explaining how they were "now going to review the cumulative impressions of the Board of Education candidates, observed at the League of Women Voters' meet the candidate night of a few weeks ago." [Oh, Oh! Denzler would have loved this bit of chicanery. No wonder they "asked" him to leave. Rebuke and crucifixion while in absentia.]

Then as the candidates names were placed on the board, the audience was asked what they remembered each candidate had to say about different issues. When Navetta had finished, what do you suppose had emerged on the board? A list of names in alphabetical order. Next to some: perceived flaws. Next to others: nary a flaw in sight.

Then, this next part was great. Then Navetta said to his class, "Shall we now look at these names and rate them from 0 through 5." But the audience was really getting into this thing now and one woman said, "Forget that rating stuff. It's late. Let's just give 'em a yes or a no."

A true stroke of genius. So, as each name was called, the "class" sang out "YESSSS!" or "NOOOOO!" They had chosen Fourman, Tobias and Ilamathi as the only possible candidates. Navetta looked at the board and glibly remarked "Jeez, somehow you've chosen the same names we [implying Jacobs, McDonald and himself] would have."

And then, everyone went home.

Reflections: Ladies and gentlemen, there is something terribly, terribly wrong around here. Is there something in the water? School Boards deny freedom of speech. Teachers and parents pack Board of Education meetings, trying to intimidate others with opinions different from their own. Anger unrecognized is neither diffused or defused. Teachers manipulate students into demonstrating. Teachers send propaganda leaflets to parents, suggesting the end of educational opportunity in Three Village district, unless they fight the forces of "ignorance, evil" and fiscal responsibility. Teachers send those leaflets to parents in the tiny hands of their children. Committees are dominated by teacher influence. Members claiming to represent business interests and speakers claiming to have the best interest of children at heart, only when confronted with the truth, admit that they are "Card Carrying Members" of teachers' unions. These kinds of things were done in 1930's Germany.

Kid-PAC just joined the ranks of those that have more recently shot themselves in their political feet:

* To have ousted Denzler from a public meeting was STUPID, a likely violation of law and an outrage.
* To choose speakers that are "Card Carrying Members" of teacher unions, whether working in public schools, in either community or four year colleges, or in universities is STUPID.
* Association with teachers' unions has, in general, become a political "kiss of death."
* If Kid-PAC is looking for financial support, borrow from a loan shark. You'll lose less, than if supported by the teachers' unions.

Kid-PAC should represent the "Kids," if you will, the Taxpayers Association should speak for its constituency. And both should recognize that the teachers have a union expressing their own interests, all of which are self-serving efforts to increase teacher employment numbers as well as local, state and national influence on ALL manner of things educational. Each of these groups must contentiously vie for power within this community. None should have it all. Only in the dichotomy of interests will we all see progress.

But the unions are a Trojan horse in Kid-PAC's midst. If the group is to survive, Kid-PAC should shed the impression already observed that they are but a pawn and instrument of the Three Village Teachers Association.
Think about it.