JUST THOUGHT I WOULD SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH EVERYONE.
I am writing to bring to your attention, what I consider to be, a potential community crisis -- namely, the effort by Southfield Public Schools union leadership to effectuate a recall campaign against certain members of our school board. As I am sure you are well aware, the board recently had the distasteful task of making the tough decision to privatize certain non-teaching aspects of the districts public schools. As a result, about 350 support personnel of the district have been pink slipped, although they are eligible to seek employment with the successful bid contractors. The background for this action, and all its' ramifications, is extensive and I do not choose to rehash it here, although I will be happy to attempt to do so on an individual basis for those who might be desirous of discussing the subject. As vindictive punishment of the 5 board members who voted in favor of the privatization contracts, union leadership has successfully petitioned the Oakland County Election Commission to permit union representatives to circulate petitions to have the issue of recall placed on the ballot for a decision by the electorate of the school district. I contend that our community does not need to have this divisive, unwarranted, punitive measure taken, which in my mind, will accomplish nothing but cause further dissension, bickering and greater argument over the fiscally responsible management of our school district during these difficult economic times. If this board is recalled, who will the unions offer up to fill the places for these thankless positions? I hate to think of that situation coming to pass. It is tough enough now to get responsible, dedicated people to step up and fill the slots.
For the past 4 years, I have closely followed the actions of this board as it has wrestled with the tough issues of declining enrollment, increasing costs, extremely restrictive labor contracts, and trying to change/correct past management decisions that were offered as sacrifices at the alter of labor management to maintain peace and harmony within the district. This is a board that has been willing, and continues to be willing, to stand up and be counted when it comes to making the right, fiscally responsible, tough decisions in the management of our school district. With a clouded future, and more difficult decisions on the horizon, this is no time to change the leadership of our district. If your thoughts are similar to mine, please join me at an organizational meeting being held Thursday, July 10th, from 7:00-9:00 PM, in the Community Room of the Lathrup Village City Hall, 27400 Southfield Road. The plan is to determine what we, as concerned community members, might be able to do to counteract the action taken by union leadership against designated members of our school board. Please join me, and others, in this attempt to preserve our school district and give this board the support that they badly need, and richly deserve ... the silent majority can no longer remain silent. We need your help, and the help of other members of our community, to thwart union leaderships' actions. I would also encourage you to invite your family, neighbors and friends to attend this important meeting. Thank you, I look forward to meeting you on the 10th, Thom Bainbridge Just another concerned citizen 248 559 3466 or 248 557 4515 "Until we meet again,
May God keep you in the hollow of his hand."
