Concern for the future of education in Pleasanton led Sandy Piderit to run for the school board, she told a small crowd at her kickoff event Friday.
Piderit, who moved to the area with her family in 2008, said part of the reason for the move was the quality of Pleasanton schools. She said she became concerned after hearing about the state cuts to education and wants to explore new ways of looking at the district and new financial options, to bring in money.
"I think that the district could put more emphasis on grant writing, partly as a way of piloting new kinds of teaching experiments," she said, explaining some of the options could include online learning and new types of tutoring.
More than that, Piderit said she wants to get people talking.
"I think the real key is to get all the members of the community talking with one another about what's most important and how we can support our students and teachers, getting the work of learning done," she said. "We need to make sure that teachers are the best quality teachers we can recruit and be sure we challenge them to be sure they develop their skills throughout their career."
Piderit, who is a visiting associate professor at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, drew from her experience at the school. She pointed out that all naval programs are evaluated every three years to make sure they're accomplishing what they were designed to do, and hopes to bring a similar approach to the district.
"I want to do everything possible to make sure our schools here stay strong," Piderit said.
She has served on the Site Council at Alisal Elementary since August, 2009, and volunteered at the school in several different capacities.
Piderit holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and has taught management and organizational behavior courses for more than a decade.
Piderit and her husband Scott, live in Mohr Park. They have a 9-year-old daughter, Julia, who attends Alisal.
Piderit is one of three candidates seeking election to one of two open seats on the school board in the Nov. 2 election. The others are Joan Laursen and Jeff Bowser.
Two current board members, Jim Ott and Pat Kernan, are stepping down, choosing to not seek re-election to their posts.
The other members of the school board, whose terms expire in 2012, are Chris Grant, currently the president, and Valerie Arkin and Jamie Hintzke.
Comments
Registered user
Mohr Park
on Aug 28, 2010 at 1:21 pm
Registered user
on Aug 28, 2010 at 1:21 pm
thanks to all who attended last night, even though the wind made it quite chilly.
I enjoyed talking with Pleasanton folks at the Farmers' Market this morning, and will be there often over the next two months. Please stop by to say hello!
Hart Middle School
on Aug 28, 2010 at 1:39 pm
on Aug 28, 2010 at 1:39 pm
Sandy,
You were an outspoken supporter of the parcel tax. You were (and are) very new to the district, without enough history to understand the concerns of many parents and community members who opposed it.
Your original posts were strident and intolerant of opposing, more informed, opinions. I feel you evolved into your campaign voice. Can we believe that you are really objective and open to other perspectives?
Are you fully convinced that the district deserves a yes vote on a parcel tax?
Highland Oaks
on Aug 28, 2010 at 4:10 pm
on Aug 28, 2010 at 4:10 pm
"She pointed out that all naval programs are evaluated every three years to make sure they're accomplishing what they were designed to do, and hopes to bring a similar approach to the district."
Applying a system of accountability is a quantitative means of evaluating the quality of district programs and those administering them. I would be interested in knowing how you would handle programs that fail to accomplish what they were designed to do and the administrators responsible for such programs.
Having served in the military myself, I would be keen to know whether your approach would reflect habits formed working within that system or if it would exhibit characteristics of administration practiced in the corporate world.
Hart Middle School
on Aug 29, 2010 at 10:08 am
on Aug 29, 2010 at 10:08 am
Strange that big corporations and the military are continually waved in our faces as paragons of efficiency and virtue, yet most of the debacles of the past ten years have been caused by big corporations and the military.
Is this "efficient military" the same one that pays $780 for hammers?
And don't get me started on big corporations: Enron, British Petroleum, Bears Stearns, et al, have brought the American economy to ruin.
Can we please stop saying that public agencies must emulate corporations or the military?
Corporations and the military have an entirely different mission than our schools. A public school district is a non-profit entity designed to nurture the minds of children and young adults. We already have quantitative measures in place in PUSD to evaluate our success, and by all those measures--the Academic Performance Index, high school graduation rates, SAT scores--PUSD is a resounding success.
People who are attacking PUSD as a mismanaged failure have a political agenda that has nothing to do with the reality of our schools. I don't know whose side these critics are on, but it's not the side of our schools.
Highland Oaks
on Aug 29, 2010 at 4:03 pm
on Aug 29, 2010 at 4:03 pm
". . . an entirely different mission than our schools."
'nuff said?
Registered user
Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Aug 29, 2010 at 4:20 pm
Registered user
on Aug 29, 2010 at 4:20 pm
This is the first time I've seen the military waved as a paragon of efficiency and virtue in school issue debates. But there is a point about having a system of accountability to ensure that programs are doing what they were intended to do. The lawsuit Robles-Wong v. California asserts that the State funds education with a complete disconnect between standards and programs and that this is a big problem.
Hart Middle School
on Aug 29, 2010 at 11:31 pm
on Aug 29, 2010 at 11:31 pm
Stacey:
Ok, let's stick with the "why can't the schools be run like corporations" model that *you* are always waving in our faces.
Fact: When corporations lose clients, they cut back on staff because there are fewer customers to serve.
Fact: PUSD has stable enrollment, meaning the same number of "customers" that it did before the teacher layoffs. The difference is that now the quality of "service" to the "customers" (students) is suffering because there are fewer staff (teachers) to deliver those services.
Fact: The success of a corporation is measured by profits.
FACT: The success of a school district is measured by test scores and the Academic Performance Index in California. By those measurements, PUSD is a resounding success. Yet you and others like you claim that PUSD is in bad shape and needs to be radically "reformed".
Stacey, what's your agenda for attacking a successful school district? One of your main objectives is to dismantle the teachers' unions. Could that be because the teachers' unions back Democratic, progressive candidates in California, who also favor stronger business regulations and taxes on the rich?
You have a broader political agenda than you want your audience to know.
Registered user
Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Aug 30, 2010 at 7:50 am
Registered user
on Aug 30, 2010 at 7:50 am
Thank you. I know your agenda quite clearly now.
Hart Middle School
on Aug 30, 2010 at 9:42 am
on Aug 30, 2010 at 9:42 am
And I've known your agenda all along, Stacey. If people knew of your husband's political views and activism as well as your own, they'd connect the dots to your Astroturfing blogging on the Pleasanton Weekly.
Oh, did Stacey not mention the fact that if the Pleasanton schools are turned into charter schools--her ultimate goal--that her husband's company would be in a position to profit from that?
Well, Stacey has so much on her mind, I'm quite sure that inconvenient fact just slipped her mind.
Registered user
Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Aug 30, 2010 at 10:11 am
Registered user
on Aug 30, 2010 at 10:11 am
The more you write, the more things becomes clear. Do, go on.
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 30, 2010 at 10:37 am
on Aug 30, 2010 at 10:37 am
...and what is wrong with Charter schools? They have more freedom to make decisions in favor of what works best in educating the children. School districts could have more money per pupil to spend if educational tax credits (not vouchers) were given to parents who choose to place their children in private schools.
Registered user
Mohr Park
on Aug 30, 2010 at 10:55 am
Registered user
on Aug 30, 2010 at 10:55 am
hi Diana,
You will have to decide if you can trust me to continue learning about the school district and the concerns of parents and residents. As an individual parent, I have advocated for what I believe children need. As a school board member, my responsibility will be different -- both to advocate for children and to ensure that the district funds (the taxpayers' funds!) will be used most effectively.
I have changed my mind about some issues as I have learned more about the school district and how the California system works. I will continue to do so. If I was not listening and reading, I could not learn.
These are tough times, and organizations must be flexible and eliminate outdated routines to adjust to changes in resources. That's what I admire about my students in the Navy -- they work with the staff and the funds they can afford, adapt to changing conditions, and respond flexibly.
Hi Mike:
thanks for your question. I have not served in the military, but I have great respect for those that have, and the discipline and flexibility that they demonstrate in their work. My management students over the years have worked in a variety of organizations, including businesses both large and small. The principles of managing people, and helping them to adapt to change, are fairly universal: listen, be honest about what can and cannot be done, and explain why.
I apologize that I will not be able to respond to every question here in the forums. My contact information is on my website, sandyp4schoolboard.com
and I invite anyone to call or email me if you'd like to meet.
I'll be at the Farmer's Market this coming Saturday morning as well.
-Sandy
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 30, 2010 at 11:17 am
on Aug 30, 2010 at 11:17 am
Yet Another Teacher,
From you angry posts here and on the other threads you are not doing your profession or yourself any favors.
Love or hate Stacey, she is as entitled to her opinion and beliefs as are you. Everyone has an agenda and to imply you do not or yours is somehow nobler than Stacey's is laughable. The difference is she does not get personal or hateful, but rather attempts to debate in a logical, not irrational, manner (OK, so maybe she does get in some sarcastic zingers, but she very seldom draws first blood and they are always pretty damn funny!).
Unfortunately for you, you have confirmed by belief that the main reason my child is thriving in this school district is because of our family's emphasis on education and doing your best........in other words, in spite of teaches like you NOT because of teachers like you.
As far as you giving us the "real" scoop....Thanks, but I am positive that the vast majority of us are pefectly capable of figuring those out for oursevles.
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 30, 2010 at 1:48 pm
on Aug 30, 2010 at 1:48 pm
All three school board candidates supported Measure G, so if their backing of Measure G is the yardstick which people are using to determine which candidate to support, there's nothing to differentiate among them.
I'm more interested in what they have to say now about the direction PUSD must take to provide a quality education.
Hart Middle School
on Aug 30, 2010 at 4:14 pm
on Aug 30, 2010 at 4:14 pm
Laurie:
Stacey is laughing at the gullibility of audience. Her real agenda is that of her husband's, and "the best interests of the children" of Pleasanton is NOT on that agenda.
I never said Stacey or anyone else didn't have a right to speak her/his mind, only that Stacey deliberately misleads her audience into believing that she's a neutral gatherer and analyzer of facts.
That's why Stacey refuses to divulge her last name. If the readers of the Pleasanton Weekly knew the business and political interests of her family, she'd have no credibility at all.
But I have a full-time job to attend to (five hours of grading papers tonight) so I'll get back to that and let Stacey blog on while her housekeeper cooks supper and tidies up.
Registered user
Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Aug 30, 2010 at 4:52 pm
Registered user
on Aug 30, 2010 at 4:52 pm
This is exciting! I can't wait to find out more about myself!
Registered user
Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Aug 30, 2010 at 5:36 pm
Registered user
on Aug 30, 2010 at 5:36 pm
Sandy,
On second thought, I'd like to apologize for this thread having been hijacked away from the topic of your run for school board. It may be an attempt to use me as a distraction from your run by someone who doesn't want you to win a seat while at the same time trying to discredit me. It is, of course, in my best interest to neither confirm nor deny what this person writes. Web Link
Mohr Elementary School
on Aug 30, 2010 at 9:18 pm
on Aug 30, 2010 at 9:18 pm
To "LifeTimeLearner",
"and what is wrong with Charter schools? They have more freedom to make decisions in favor of what works best in educating the children. School districts could have more money per pupil to spend if educational tax credits (not vouchers) were given to parents who choose to place their children in private schools."
I have to laugh when I read this stuff in posted on Pleasanton Weekly. You do realize, don't you, that parents flock to Pleasanton, and pay a premium for their homes because they _like_ Pleasanton schools? They're not looking for an alternative. They don't want charter schools or "educational tax credits". They want their kids in schools that are well known for their excellence.
"LifeTimeLearner", or whatever your name is, I suggest that you spend some time learning about your community, and you'll find that parents aren't looking for those things around here.
Mohr Elementary School
on Aug 30, 2010 at 9:23 pm
on Aug 30, 2010 at 9:23 pm
"Unfortunately for you, you have confirmed by belief that the main reason my child is thriving in this school district is because of our family's emphasis on education and doing your best........"
Another silly one that gets repeated over and over. Talk to parents who have moved here from other districts. Find out about your community.
Foothill High School
on Aug 30, 2010 at 10:19 pm
on Aug 30, 2010 at 10:19 pm
I am quite willing to debate the merits of charter schools vs. public schools.
However, there are *some* people who post regularly on the Pleasanton Weekly who will personally profit if Pleasanton and other schools become charter schools.
I am clear about my "vested interest": I am a member of the Association of Pleasanton Teachers, as are all Pleasanton USD teachers.
I just want other people, like Stacey, to be honest about their vested interests. In Stacey's case, she stands to personally profit if Pleasanton and other California public schools become charter schools. The fact that Stacey refuses to be forthright about this troubles me, which is why I spoke up.
Pleasanton Meadows
on Aug 31, 2010 at 12:10 am
on Aug 31, 2010 at 12:10 am
Special interests in politics? No way?! How horrible to think that a person or representative would campaign on the interests of children only to seek to fulfill their own interests.....that's never happened.
Hart Middle School
on Aug 31, 2010 at 11:21 pm
on Aug 31, 2010 at 11:21 pm
I have no problem with special interests advocating for a cause, so long as there is full disclosure. I believe that people can only choose wisely if they have all the facts at hand.
My problem is with people who pose as guardians of the public interest who are really looking to enrich themselves.
But it seems it has already been decided in Pleasanton that the public schools have had too much, for too long. Pleasanton voters will never pass a parcel tax.
So what happens now? That's the question everybody needs to ask school board candidates: every year from now on, you will have more expenses and less money. How are you going to manage the school district and maintain its current level of success in that scenario?
Any candidate for the school board must be an optimist. Me? Not so much.
Registered user
Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Sep 1, 2010 at 7:39 am
Registered user
on Sep 1, 2010 at 7:39 am
Why don't you fully disclose who you are so I can complete my case of libel against you? It will be interesting and informative for this community. Or are you not willing to stake your reputation on your false assumptions about other posters?
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Sep 1, 2010 at 8:21 am
on Sep 1, 2010 at 8:21 am
Gee Stacey, I don't see your full name here either. Rather than go on the attack, fess up and be honest about your personal gains from Charter schools.
You have poked and proded everyone that did not agree with you-- on ALL topics-- and used multiple posts to look like you represented a large group of people.
Time to sign off and spend time with your family -- or Run for school board yourself and put your options on the ballot!
Registered user
Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Sep 1, 2010 at 8:29 am
Registered user
on Sep 1, 2010 at 8:29 am
Suzy Q,
Thank you for your post as it helps to prove my case. Let's remember, I'm not the one writing lies about other posters.
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Sep 1, 2010 at 8:40 am
on Sep 1, 2010 at 8:40 am
Disclose! The best way to clear up any lies is to tell the truth. What is the truth so we all know?
Country Fair
on Sep 1, 2010 at 9:49 am
on Sep 1, 2010 at 9:49 am
To 'Suzy Q' - You think it's acceptable to accuse you of embezzlement and then insist it's your responsibility to prove otherwise?
Registered user
Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Sep 1, 2010 at 10:56 am
Registered user
on Sep 1, 2010 at 10:56 am
Suzy Q,
Disclose the truth? There's a problem. You see, the doubt about my reputation has already been sewn in your mind by "Yet Another Teacher" (as evidenced by your previous post, and you're not the first nor the last) so printing the truth here is useless. Previously, I could write something about myself here and readers could take what I wrote as truth because they had no reason to suppose otherwise. "Yet Another Teacher" has damaged that by lying about me.
So now, the only way the truth can be respected is in a court of law where testimony is given under oath, not the court of public opinion. And in a court of law is the only place where I can receive justice for the damage to my reputation and the damage to my family created by "Yet Another Teacher's" actions. I may not be happy about it, but that's among the options left to me.
I request that the Pleasanton Weekly preserves all web server and Sopebox logs related to this matter.
"Yet Another Teacher",
You are hereby requested to cease and desist in the printing of lies about me and my family. Do not continue to make the claim or to insinuate that I, as a frequent poster to this website who is often critical of PUSD management, or my family will benefit financially from turning PUSD schools into charter schools.
Registered user
Mohr Park
on Sep 1, 2010 at 6:07 pm
Registered user
on Sep 1, 2010 at 6:07 pm
Husbands and wives often disagree. I have not met Stacey's family, but I have met her. I respect her right to keep her last name private, and I wonder if "Yet Another Teacher" has not misidentified Stacey.
I believe that a discussion about the role of charter schools in public education is worthwhile. I would hope we could discuss that issue without reducing it to pro or con, greed or good.
Perhaps that can't happen on the Weekly Town Square, though.
Foxborough Estates
on Sep 1, 2010 at 8:44 pm
on Sep 1, 2010 at 8:44 pm
Yet Another Teacher,
Those of us who do know the identity of the person who posts as Stacey respect Stacey's decisionto remain anonymous.
It's obvious that you have made incorrect assumptions about who Stacey is.
It's also obvious that you're gunning for someone, but perhaps you should first correctly identify your target.
Hart Middle School
on Sep 2, 2010 at 12:02 am
on Sep 2, 2010 at 12:02 am
LOL @ Stacey's threat of a libel suit.
FYI, you can't libel an anonymous person, which is what you are.
Notice that Stacey very cleverly does not directly refute any of my statements, but instead attempts (very clumsily) to bully me into silence by waving a lawsuit.
Ouch. The real "Stacey" is showing herself. She is free to write whatever she pleases about whomever she pleases, but if anybody calls her on her own self-interest...lawsuit!
It'd be funny if it weren't so sad.
Registered user
Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Sep 2, 2010 at 7:49 am
Registered user
on Sep 2, 2010 at 7:49 am
Yet Another Teacher wrote: "It'd be funny if it weren't so sad."
I can completely agree with that. You have the wrong person and that's all you need to know. I have no obligation to print here where my husband works or my full name to refute your wrong assertions. Those in the community who know me and know that I write here, know that I am not the person who you think I am. You are more than welcome to actually verify your information in order to discover how wrong you are.
Foxborough Estates
on Sep 2, 2010 at 9:49 am
on Sep 2, 2010 at 9:49 am
@ Yet Another Teacher
Again, you are incorrect in your identification of Stacey. The false assumptions you've made about Stacey and Stacey's family, political connections and motivations are just that - false.
I've thought some of your non-Stacey related comments had merit and could be the basis of good discussion, but it's difficult to take you seriously when you are so vehemently and incorrectly accusing the poster Stacey of being someone Stacey is not.
There is someone you have assumed is Stacey - someone whose opinions and lifestyle you disagree with strongly. Why not call that person directly and have a discussion with that person? That would be a sure fire way for you to determine that the person you have issues with is not the person who posts as Stacey on these forums.
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Sep 2, 2010 at 10:17 am
on Sep 2, 2010 at 10:17 am
WELL.. This blog is supposed to be about Sandy, but as you can see, seeking public office and having all of this information made public is unsettling. Even for a chronic poster like Stacey, who does not want even basics like her last name known, yet School board candidates must offer a lot more information to the public than just their first name. It takes a lot of guts to run for a local office in this town, especially with people like Stacey that hide behind their blogs. It is worth repeating…. Stacey, consider running for office and come out from behind the cloak of anonymity or find something else to bide you time with. Now you have just a hint of what our school board candidates have to go through and it is not very fun, is it? If you can't post something nice - log off. thanks.
Registered user
Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Sep 2, 2010 at 11:11 am
Registered user
on Sep 2, 2010 at 11:11 am
Suzy Q,
This forum is not like standing up at a meeting of interested individuals who are from Pleasanton. This is wholly open to the entire general public of the Internet. Why don't you post with your full name and a registered account if you think it is so important?
I've been accused of being other people here before and there's always been a good laugh, but nothing so vitriolic as being accused of someone who will gain financially if PUSD turns into charter schools. It is posters like "Yet Another Teacher" who are clearly only interested in personally attacking anyone critical of PUSD management or critical of the role public employee unions have in the system that only reaffirm the need to remain private.
Foxborough Estates
on Sep 2, 2010 at 12:20 pm
on Sep 2, 2010 at 12:20 pm
Does anyone else recognize the irony of Suzy Q criticizing Stacey for not posting her full name while Suzy Q chooses to not do that either?
Anonymity is the poster's choice, and considering how those who in the past have posted their names have been personally attacked, I can understand why many posters choose anonymity as I do myself.
At times there have been anonymous posts that have been inappropriate, misleading, etc. but between the PW staff and the online community, a certain degree of censorship occurs. Often there is guessing done about posters' identities.
But Yet Another Teacher has gone beyond guessing into the realm of accusing Stacey that her beliefs are based on potential personal gain. More likely, Yet Another Teacher is posting wild conjectures with the intent of "outing" Stacey. Rather than debate issues, YAT is debating Stacey's right to post opinions and remain anonymous.
That's too bad because YAT has brought up some interesting points for genuine discussion.
As for Sandy, I applaud her willingness to post on these forums and when possible address specific questions regarding her candidacy. I also think it's very smart of her to use the TSQ forum as means of reaching Pleasanton voters. Someone who uses a no-cost option to get information out to the public is someone I think pays attention to how she spends money.
Finally, I have followed Sandy's comments on these forums for the past year or so and I appreciate her calm and reasonable tone, even with those who have opposed her opinions, her willingness to research issues and her attitude of collaboration.
I believe she is the candidate who can draw together the factions created during the Measure G campaign and bring them together to help PUSD continue to be a superb school district.
another community
on Sep 7, 2010 at 7:22 am
on Sep 7, 2010 at 7:22 am
Cynthia Becker. All I have to say is you're full of s***! Parents move to this area because it's SAFE! That's first and foremost. You see, as much as we care about our kids' education, we care even more about them NOT BEING KILLED!
You usurper unionists don't get that we, the community, the parents who raise good and decent kids instead of moron ghetto criminals, are responsible for the schools of this area. You teachers are replaceable.
Mohr Elementary School
on Sep 7, 2010 at 8:36 am
on Sep 7, 2010 at 8:36 am
To "Gunslinger",
Other "safe" communities have lower performing schools than Pleasanton. I should know we moved here from one of them. Do a little research and you can find this out. As you learn more about education and schools, take some time to visit Pleasanton California, and see what the schools have to offer. You will probably like what you find here.
"You teachers are replaceable"
I wouldn't assume that anyone who likes what is going on in the Pleasanton school district is a teacher. We are parents who care about our children.
another community
on Sep 9, 2010 at 8:30 am
on Sep 9, 2010 at 8:30 am
By the way Cynthia, I've talked with plenty of parents. Why do you think you unionists and unionist sympathizers think you can never achieve a fair vote to get your parcel taxes? Parents don't want to pay a dime more to the gluttonous school system because we know that we are responsible for the good and smart kids, the safe area, and thus the high performing schools. Teachers are lucky to teach our kids here in Pleasanton. I want to hear more about how lucky the teachers are to be here. I'm tired of this drivel from my opponents, saying we're so lucky to have these teachers so we better start forking out the dough to keep them. Well, thanks but no thanks. And Sandy, I strongly suggest you do anything but push for tax hikes. I'd hate for a silly lady in a moo moo to have to endure the raw rage of the people
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Sep 9, 2010 at 11:58 am
on Sep 9, 2010 at 11:58 am
To "Gunslinger",
Where did I say anything about a parcel tax? I was talking about charter schools and the lack of demand for them in Pleasanton. You say "I've talked with plenty of parents". Where was that? What community are you talking about? I've been to plenty of PTA meetings and have talked to with plenty of parents of children in classes that my children attend. I haven't heard anyone say we need to do a charter school here.
"drivel from my opponents..."
Your "opponents?" Are you running for the school board or trying to sound like a thirteen year old? If it is the latter, you are succeeding.
another community
on Sep 9, 2010 at 1:44 pm
on Sep 9, 2010 at 1:44 pm
You haven't heard anyone say we need a charter school in Pleasanton? You may want to call Miracle Ear and see if your ears are full of wax. Charter schools are cleaning up New Orleans' kids slowly but surely. And you know you want more parcel taxes and the like. Don't deny it
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Sep 9, 2010 at 9:23 pm
on Sep 9, 2010 at 9:23 pm
To "Gunslinger",
"You haven't heard anyone say we need a charter school in Pleasanton"
I haven't ever heard a parent of a child in Pleasanton schools say that we need a charter school here. In fact, parents I talk to typically say that the excellent schools were a major factor in their choice to make financial sacrifices to pay more for a house in Pleasanton. You may want to spend some time here to check it out. Maybe one day when you are older, you will have kids of your own and may want to move here.
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Sep 9, 2010 at 9:45 pm
on Sep 9, 2010 at 9:45 pm
Cynthia,
Gunslinger "lives" in Danville, posts on the Danville blog, the Palo Alto blog, and I'm sure other countless places. He spreads his tea party agenda and special interest writing rumors and lies about our community and school district. This seems to be the only tactic this group of people rely on, since when it comes to volunteering, school board meetings, SSC and PTA meetings, they are no where to be seen. For such strong opinions, they sure do hide behind their keyboards. The lack of factual information is very apparent in what they print about PUSD.
another community
on Sep 11, 2010 at 7:35 am
on Sep 11, 2010 at 7:35 am
Really? I mean, really? What people like you are so afraid of is how strategically effective people like me are on these sites. I don't run for school board or council or whatever because, honestly, I don't have the time as of now. One day I will. Until then, i can make a bit of a difference by blogging. I find Cynthias comment about charter schools hilarious. I hear countless parents in every city in the East Bay arguing for a more disciplined, locally based education system, as charter schools provide. I love how your types love to sweep everything your opponents say under the rug by calling us tea partyers and thus trying to broadly define us. Or you try to call us cowards. Real civil. And I don't care, but just don't be hypocrites and say we're the only ones being "uncivil.". Anyway, you're kidding yourselves if you think most parents agree with you unionists over folks like me. You're a bunch of liars. A bunch of Astroturf. The grassroots are showing themselves, and it's just the beginning
another community
on Sep 11, 2010 at 8:21 am
on Sep 11, 2010 at 8:21 am
And by the way, has it ever occurred to you people that I might have a very good reason to meddle in your town's business? Hmm?
Registered user
Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Sep 11, 2010 at 8:37 am
Registered user
on Sep 11, 2010 at 8:37 am
Gunslinger,
I have to ask. Are you the person who "Yet Another Teacher" thinks I am? And is that why you decided to post on this thread?
another community
on Sep 11, 2010 at 8:59 am
on Sep 11, 2010 at 8:59 am
That last Gunslinger post is not mine. I love how the unionists try to divide local towns from each other, as if we have nothing to do with each other, as if I wasn't facing the same s*** over here. What really kills me is that these same opponents reference what other towns are doing when it serves their purpose. They say "San Ramon is doing a parcel tax, so you should too." they always reference what other towns are doing and I usually say "I don't give a damn what other towns are doing. Let's talk about our town." From Orinda to Pleasanton is a relatively homogenous cultural block of suburban, safe communities. All the towns in this area must stand together to maintain what made this whole area great.
Hi Stacey, hope all is well.
another community
on Sep 11, 2010 at 9:03 am
on Sep 11, 2010 at 9:03 am
I accidentally pressed submit before I was done. So, no, I don't think anyones mistaking you for me Stacey. And I posted because I saw something I wanted to post on, considering I had argued with Sandy countless times on these blogs. I'm very concerned about her agenda. From what I can see, she's a unionist zombie.
another community
on Sep 11, 2010 at 9:10 am
on Sep 11, 2010 at 9:10 am
Oops! I meant tos say I DO give a damn about what other towns are doing. Why else would I be here, stirring things up in another city's internal affairs?
another community
on Sep 11, 2010 at 9:15 am
on Sep 11, 2010 at 9:15 am
Again, someone is posting under my name. The post where I said my intent is to be "strategically effective" in Pleasanton politics via this forum is the Real Gunslinger.
Mohr Park
on Sep 11, 2010 at 9:39 am
on Sep 11, 2010 at 9:39 am
Gunslinger,
You may consider yourself "strategically effective" as you spread your message of name-calling and vitriol from town to town, forum to forum, and thread to thread, but in the end, here in Pleasanton, your vitrolic views and rhetoric mean nothing.
We in Pleasanton are fortunate that as "a resident of another community" you have no real power, let alone voice, on matters that affect Pleasanton. You can't vote here.
another community
on Sep 11, 2010 at 9:51 am
on Sep 11, 2010 at 9:51 am
Like voting matters in your rigged special elections for higher taxation. You can declare what you feel to be the "truth" all you want. I'm pretty sure I know what the truth is. I see it everyday. I know the communities I live amongst. I know what the majority thinks. The majority just didn't know they were the majority because imposters pretending to be representative of the community were dominating the forum. Well, no more
Ridgeview Commons
on Feb 26, 2017 at 7:30 am
on Feb 26, 2017 at 7:30 am
Due to repeated violations of our Terms of Use, comments from this poster are automatically removed. Why?
Ridgeview Commons
on Feb 28, 2017 at 4:45 am
on Feb 28, 2017 at 4:45 am
Due to repeated violations of our Terms of Use, comments from this poster are automatically removed. Why?
Ridgeview Commons
on Mar 1, 2017 at 1:24 pm
on Mar 1, 2017 at 1:24 pm
Due to repeated violations of our Terms of Use, comments from this poster are automatically removed. Why?