Last night they kind of admitted last night that Patti Capano BROKE the rules when she allowed non-residents to speak at OPEN-MIKE but they provide cover for her by muddling up the water by shifting the debate to whether the rules were policy or guidelines. Really do you think we are that stupid? Obviously you do. Aren't they kind of, the same thing.
Anyway there'll be no confusion next time cause, our Honorable Mayor put forth a rules change that was adopted that anyone could speak, no matter where they live. Does that mean I can have my family in WV sign my next petition, seems like residency no longer matters.
I was very happy that Maria Carrasco spoke up against Pat Capano for not taking a vote before letting others speak. As usual the Mayor's pals stuck together.
ReplyDeleteTo twist it and try to justify by suggesting hypothetical case where out of town parents want to talk at an open session is irrelevant.
Allowing employees to voice opinion is not what school committee meetings are about - it is about the people that actually live here and pay taxes - not the people that chose to raise their families elsewhere. Can't imagine questioning a parent's address if the child is schooled here. That was an excuse to justify a wrong.
There is a reason why only registered voters get to sign petitions!
Wow!! Looks like I left the meeting too early. I missed all this good stuff!! Perhaps my speech calling Patti Capano out actually did have an impact afterall!! What I really found entertaining though was Patti voting against Donna's motion to "suspend the rules" to allow an audience member to speak. Talk about hypocritical!! Patti only proved that I was correct about her taking it upon herself to "suspend the rules" only when it benefited her vote! Looks like proper procedure really was not followed by Patti Capano (sorta makes you question the ethics of some of those representing our schools and districts, doesn't it)
ReplyDeleteno you have it backwards - Mayor and Capano claimed there was no real procedure in effect in the past so now after their vote last night (usual 4-3) it is in writing that anyone from anywhere gets to talk in the open session. Maria did make comment about the fact that Capano went ahead and let the principals speak without discussing with the committee but with the Mayor's backing the rule is now in writing.
ReplyDeleteWhether they claim there was a real procedure in effect or not doesn't matter. The rules for open mic clearly state that you must be a resident. Therefore, Patti did violate procedure. But it is still entertaining to watch and listen to them struggle when they are called out on things. Between Tom, Patti and Judy, there are about 4 versions of what happened (Tom himself had 2)
DeleteMs.Damico does not have it backwards. The rules of open microphone were explicit that all speakers must be over 18 and Lynn residents. Years ago, Dr. Crane wasn't allowed to speak on behalf of her own school during an open mic session when the superintendent and school committee was closing the Ford Annex because she lived out of town.
DeleteWhy don't we start another petition to have that rule reversed too? It's absurd to allow anyone to speak at open mike. The residents of Lynn should be the only ones speaking at open mike. Period.
ReplyDeleteSo what was the acutal ruling?? Can anyone now speak at open mic regardless of what city or state you live and work in and regardless of whether or not you are employed by LPS?
DeleteI think so!
DeleteWe could do that but you know the clock is ticking1
Delete