Clayton.Talk

By Put a Ring on It

February 9, 2009 4:24 PM | Link to this

I’ve already appealed mine!

Stimulus/Recovery bill or not, Clayton County is going to HAVE TO raise taxes to make-up the lost tax revenue base from foreclosures, depreciation from the loss of accrediation, federal recession, and dwindling state funds.

Do the math and appeal your tax assessment!

By Kimberly Allen

February 9, 2009 4:38 PM | Link to this

You can get this form online.

Go to the Clayton County Website, click on “Tax Commissioner’s Office,” then click on “Taxpayer’s Return Form” on the menu bar on the left.

You will need to present your GA driver’s license and your recorded warranty deed as well.

Good luck!

Kimberly Allen

By SIMPLICITY

February 9, 2009 6:37 PM | Link to this

Bob Hartley is running around like “Chicken Little”, the sky is falling, the sky is falling! He crying accreditation is at risk, accreditation is at risk.

Stop being bamboozled about accreditation is at risk. The temporary yanking of accreditation has served its political purpose. The actual permanent revoking of it, where this year’ seniors would actually be affected by it, would create a political firestorm that neither Sonny nor Elgart would want.

The whole accreditation issue has been about Republican Rich Whites! Thompson and the New BOE have already done what they’ve been told to do by the rich whites. All they had to do was paid all the money to the “Rich White Folk” that the Old BOE reneged on. Thompson has already purchased the ten (10) police car for your Commission chairman Elgrin.

The only remaining MANDATE is to Get Rid of the Big Black Six Foot Six Peacock! So all the parties, Sonny, the state BOE advisors, and Elgart are currently hosting the masquerade ball and the BOE is providing the entertainment, jumping through hoops like trained circus animals for their amusement.

But the clock will strike midnight, and as much fun as it’s been to watch the BOE perform like trained circus animals, political reality will set in, and accreditation will be restored. People can argue this point, or they can come back to this forum this time next year, and realize accreditation is a thing of the past.

Now as far as the only measure of success being did the board get accreditation back! If Clayton continues to score in the bottom ten in the state we are going to still call this board successful because they got their accreditation back?

A wise man once said, “Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.” Too bad the white folk have Hartley and some Clayton’s Blacks worried ONLY the Least of these accreditation, some so simple every school in the NATION have it. The shear SIMPLICITY of the accreditation issue lets us know it’s about money and white.

By Sick of you all

February 10, 2009 9:15 AM | Link to this

WOW it is almost a new record. It took three posts to get off topic.

By wtf?

February 10, 2009 9:26 AM | Link to this

Simplicity

What planet ae you on? We don’t have accrditation and in order to get it back we must meet certain standards. And where is your proof about the police cars?

By taylor

February 10, 2009 9:44 AM | Link to this

yes I do!

thank you kimberly for the links!

By Jborodawg

February 10, 2009 10:54 AM | Link to this

That’s great news that ANDP is going to bat for us…and that Mr McDaniel is actually listening. I almost always appeal my assessment; and they almost always find a way to turn me down. Ya gotta have proof. Yes, assessments should have nothing to do with the ‘needed’ amount of revenue. Millage rates may be voted on by our elected officials, but assessments are supposed to be based on fair market values.

‘simplicity’, please get a ilfe.

By Idle Chat

February 10, 2009 11:58 AM | Link to this

Bash Bob all you want but his points are valid. Simple must be John Trotter.

By CLAY-CO GET 2GETHER

February 10, 2009 1:23 PM | Link to this

IDEA OF HOW YOU CLEAN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD LIKE THE MUSLIMS DID IN THE WESTEND.

1.LATE AT NITE POST STREET NUMBERS OF HOUSES SELLING DOPE ON YOUR CORNERS OF SUBDIVISIONS MEANING PUT SIGNS AND POSTERS OF WHAT HOUSES ARE DEALING.

2.ALL THE HOUSES THAT THE YOUNG KIDS HANG AT TO SKIP SCHOOL REPORT THE HOUSES TO THE POLICE,REMEMBER THESE ARE THE ONES BRAKING INTO YOUR HOMES WHILE YOUR AT WORK.

3.REPORT REPORT REPORT I MEAN REPORT EACH HOUSE DEALING IN ILLEGAL ACTIVITY IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD,MEANING IF YOU SEE ALOT OF IN AND OUT TRAFFIC REPORT THAT $HIT.

4.DONT LET THE DEALERS IN YOUR COMMUNITY GET RELAX,REPORT THEM WHEN YOU ARE AT WORK, COMING HOME FROM CHURCH,CALL FROM PAYPHONES,AND NOT YOUR HOME OR CELLPHONES.

5.ITS NOT SNITCHING, ITS STRAIGHT TELLING ON THESE YOUNG BADA$$ KIDS AND GROWN FOLKS,THIS STUFF HAS GOT TO STOP.

By Black Rain

February 10, 2009 5:15 PM | Link to this

The premise of this discussion is moot. Thereby - BORING. First time a topic should be changed in2 days. Come on Kimberly

By WTF?

February 10, 2009 6:03 PM | Link to this

Clayton County School Distric spends $70,000 on new uniforms for the Bus Drivers. They said they did not issue RFP’s (low bidders) because they will use the company that provides the custodians and maintenance uniforms. This is illegal! ANY PURCHASE over $25,000 must be put out for competitive bidding. Come on school system, get it right!

By GATOR HEAD

February 10, 2009 6:52 PM | Link to this

Clayton’s Greedy Whites and their Simple-Minded so-called elected officials like Elgrin and Glanton, did have enough foresight to envision by taking the Black children accreditation that it would have a Ripple Effect such as member of community leaving, businesses leaving, large amount of foreclosures, property tax increases, home values falling.

No, the Greedy Whites and their Simple-Minded Negroes only thought they’d hurt those four silly Black girls on the old BOE. Now these Idiots, Elgrin and Glanton look stupid in front of the entire metro area. These Idiots thought Sonny and Elgart was helping them. Now Elgart’s laughing and Sonny have taken away Property Tax Grant. Just like a blogger said earlier filing a dispute won’t help. In fact, they will try to make the least of these to pay more!

By Pea Brain

February 10, 2009 6:59 PM | Link to this

Yes WTF, that $70,000 No-Bid purchase is illegal, but watch now will happen to them. No SACS, No Elgart! It just like SIMPLICITY say. All the New BOE has to do is Get Rid of the Giant Black Peacock. Then they’ll have instant accreditation.

By Pea Brain

February 10, 2009 7:00 PM | Link to this

Yes WTF, that $70,000 No-Bid purchase is illegal, but watch nothing will happen to them. No SACS, No Elgart! It just like SIMPLICITY say. All the New BOE has to do is Get Rid of the Giant Black Peacock. Then they’ll have instant accreditation.

By Kenny the Squirrell

February 10, 2009 7:04 PM | Link to this

I have been busy all day attending to squirrell business. Squirrell meetings everywhere, and I have a Miss Ssquirrell in the lobby waiting to meet with me now. Better run. I agree with Sir Gunny, Kimberly. This topic is somewhat strained. New topic: “Is John Thompson’s time up?” Tchau.

By catlady

February 11, 2009 8:09 AM | Link to this

I find myself amazed on a near-daily basis by what Clayton County thinks of to do. Uniforms for the bus drivers to keep the kids safe? So, they are also buying uniforms for all the sub drivers, too, in a multitude of sizes? And they will wear uniforms with jackets on unairconditioned buses when the weather is in the 90s?

KISS: get easy to read name tags for the drivers. Parents who feel uneasy about who shows up to get their kids shouldn’t put the kid on the bus. If someone shows up IN A PROPERLY MARKED CLAYTON COUNTY SCHOOL BUS, they are probably the driver. Who else would have the key to the bus? And if someone decided to hijack a bus, do you think they would worry about their clothes before they did it?

All this is either an attempt at distraction or someone paying back someone else to the tune of $70,000.

Will C.C. ever get smart?

I know I work for a much smaller system but our parents know the drivers and citizens would report a school bus/driver acting strangely. Our drivers would laugh you off the road if you said their wearing a uniform would make the bus safe! Allow them to discipline and get rid of idiot drivers who run the bus stopping sign, and you will keep the kids safe.

By Updates by J.G.

February 11, 2009 10:23 AM | Link to this

Mike “The Snake” Glanton, Eldrin “Teflon” Bell and Mark “The Sneek” Elgart have devised a plan to enrich themselves but they need John “Mandingo” Thompson to remain in place. Our crack investigative team has found the paper trail! It also appears our good buddy Lee Scott is gearing up for another run at Edmondson’s seat. Look for the billboards to start coming up.Say it ain’t so! Rev. Rod Johnson is also looking to make a politcal comback. Bob “Head House Negro” Hartley seems to yield considerable influence over the school board and is THE shot caller. Alieka “Ghetto Fab” Anderson is out looking for a new tattoo as Trina “Da Drunk” Garrett was so souped up she forgot where she parked her car at the last school board meeting. David “I need a job” Barton is willing to sleep his way to the top when it comes to wealth building at the expense of the poor black children of the school district. Word is also Best Buy on Mt. Zion road may be closing.

By Synamon Baldwin

February 11, 2009 10:41 AM | Link to this

Hello Kimberly and Bloggers!

Announcing a new Interactive Online TV Talk Show coming to a computer near you Friday, February 13, 2009. The Online Community audience will have the opportunity to engage in intellectual exchange with the host, guests and other people in the audience who enter our chat room. We extend an invitation to everyone to join us this Friday evening.

Introducing … SynamonSays

An Interactive Online TV Show www.NewRoadsVideo.com

C. Synamon Baldwin, Host and Executive Producer Karen P. Hanson, Producer and Director

Each Friday – A Clayton County Minute Each episode opens with fifteen minutes devoted to a Clayton County elected or appointed official. The guest will take five minutes to talk about their position and what their goals are for the county. This will be followed by ten minutes of questions from the online community.

1st Friday – The Bottom Line Two guests with opposing positions address hot topics and take questions from the host and the online community. 2nd Friday – The Point Four permanent host panelists engage invited guests. Questions will be entertained from the online community. 3rd Friday – Twenty Women Dialogue Members from Twenty Women Dialogue engage in intellectual exchange surrounding various issues that affect women and children. The online community and a guest host will pose questions. 4th Friday – Clayton County Wide Homeowners Association Open Forum for homeowners to gain and/or exchange valuable information for protecting our property values and community safety.

Our regularly scheduled show will start, however, with our February lineup of Black History Month special episodes:

Friday, February 13th Mr. Oscar Blalock – A founding member of the Clayton County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. This year is the 100th anniversary of the NAACP.

Friday, February 20th Rev. Ralph David Abernathy, III – Son of the late Rev. Dr. Ralph David Abernathy, Sr., CEO – Ralph David Abernathy Civil Rights History Center

Friday, February 27th Dr. Henry Anderson – Founding member of Clayton County Wide Homeowners Association

March line up of guests and topics include…

Mrs. Deborah Ybarra - “Appealing Property Taxes”

Attorney J.Tom Morgan -“Ignorance of the Law Is No Excuse”

Attorney Michael King - “Raising the Bar for our Students, Teachers and the Community”

Judge Steve Teske - “Clayton County Youth and the Courts”

Guest not yet confirmed - “Houses on Fire: Mortgage Fraud and Foreclosure Prevention in Clayton County”

By Funny Feeling

February 11, 2009 11:00 AM | Link to this

Why do I get the feeling that Michael King knows a bit too much, or is willing to ask a few too many uncomfortable questions, about the clothing contract for bus drivers?

Nobody who’s being honest and ethical can make excuses for King not handling his paperwork better; but nobody who’s being honest and ethical thinks that there is any way King was going to act as this woman’s attorney while a sitting board member.

This isn’t even a defense of King’s performance as a board memeber, but an acknowledgement that politics is driving these actions against King.

If it’s not politics, will all the members of the board who voting for a $70,000 no bid contract turn themselves in for violating board policy?

By fed Up!

February 11, 2009 11:09 AM | Link to this

Why do bloggers have to turn to sheer stupidity on this blog? Don’t you realize when peole from all over the state read this they form opinions about Clayton County? Keep it civil.

By Civil question

February 11, 2009 11:18 AM | Link to this

I have no idea if there is or isn’t support for keeping John Thompson among members of the BOE.

But it is interesting that the first BOE member who took leadership in saying Thompson should go is being targeting for removal, is it not?

By Trying to scare people into silence

February 11, 2009 11:32 AM | Link to this

Do Clayton officials really think they are going to silence opponents of the no bid process for the $70,000 clothing contract by saying it was to fight terrorism?

Do Clayton officials think they can really paint those who oppose the contract as terrorist supporters, as they seem to be implying about anyone who questions the contract?

What’s next, are Clayton officials going to award $70,000 dollars to some more buddies for plastic sheets and duct tape, so that bus drivers can insulate the bus against biological warfare?

Since people want to start using the ethics board to target who they want on the BOE, instead of who the voters want on the BOE, perhaps someone on the BOE will step up and file ethics charges against those BOE members who voted for a no-bid contract over $25,000 as the law requires, or at the very least, make sure there really is a legal exception to that rule in this case.

By kenny the suirrell

February 11, 2009 11:39 AM | Link to this

Sorry, kids, but I’m busy as a three-legging squirrell building a nest today. Too many squirrells keep calling for help and too many acorns to gather. Also, my little baby squirrell as well as my papa squirrell are in two squirrell hospitals. Please pray for them. Miss Baldwin, good luck on your undertaking. Clayton County squirrells keep wanting me to run off that big mean Mandingo Squirrell. He doesn’t bother me any. I have never met him. In fact, he scares all the rest of the squirrells, shakes the trees, ank brings thousands of acorns to the ground. We just keep gathering the acorns. Have to run. Ssquirrell meetings everywhere!

By Straight No Chaser

February 11, 2009 12:37 PM | Link to this

To fed Up!

What you are seeing are the last ditch efforts by one man that has several claws still in the school board trying to wrestle power back to himself. However at this time those claws have no power whatsoever!! Unfortunately 3 mortgages on one house in this economy with a failing teachers organization isn’t good for one’s wallet and no ways to get contracts from the school system.

Hope your stretching because grabbing your ankles is going to be a regular occurrence for you very soon.

39 days!!!

By A Clayton County person

February 11, 2009 12:41 PM | Link to this

I agree with theother blogger. Bd members are being playyed like trained seals. How hard is it to have accredidaton?? Every school system in USA has it. This is ridiculous!! The school bd is being played by that Mark Elgart . They do not even know that it is a game..NOw I am not saying that they are so smart either.

By Oh please

February 11, 2009 12:56 PM | Link to this

Calling for Thompson’s removal was a strategic maneuver for King. The fact of the matter is, he has a conflict of interest and should not have run in the first place. I think the election board’s policies need to be refined. Candidates running for political office should be researched more thoroughly before being permitted to run.

By ????

February 11, 2009 1:17 PM | Link to this

is bob hartley running the school system through alieka anderson? wheere are you bob? did alikea chew you out…like she do many people????

By Citizens Must Unite

February 11, 2009 1:21 PM | Link to this

Ok here it is straigt no chaser. deja vu - whenever a person on the board questions the the bidding process, they are set up for removal. the difference this time is that thank God we have people in place who can see through the manure.

The Clayton County Board indulges in unfair bidding processes. We have seen it happen twice in the past 45 days. People please get to the meetings and bear witness to this corruption so that we can stop it now. The positive economic impact that it would have on our community and schools to expose this corruption is unbelievable. NO MORE UNFAIR BIDDING!!! OPEN UP THE PROCESS!!! TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY OF ALL THE BOARD MEMBERS AND THEIR ACTIONS1

By Timing is key

February 11, 2009 1:34 PM | Link to this

It’s is increasing hard to believe that the actions against King are anything but politically motivated.

AAnd no that doesn’t mean that people who point that out are saying King has done a good job.

But the fact is, on Sept. 29, 2008 King called for Thompson’s ouster to be brought up in a board meeting. On Sept. 30, 2009, the very next day, political opponents suddenly decided King has a conflict of interest.

Doesn’t mean he wasn’t totally incompetent when it comes to how didn’t handle his business with the teacher he represented, especially considering the past history of what happens to people who challenge the status quo.

But at the least, let’s not pretend that the people who orchestrated this, did it strictly for the best interest of the children, like they always claim.

This had nothing to do with children, and everything to do with politics.

By The non defense defense

February 11, 2009 1:55 PM | Link to this

Call it the non defense defense. You don’t have to be a supporter of Mihcael King to point out the unseemly actions of the board in this matter.

First of all, if you’re running for a school board embroiled in controversy about conflicts of interest, and after you’ve won and been seated, you’re still acting as the attorney of record for a teacher suing the school board?

You’re an attorney, and you don’t foresee this being a problem? You don’t forsee your political opponents using this against you?

What were you thinking? Were you even thinking?

Still, not one of the other eight members of the board seemed to have a problem with this, until King called for Thompson’s ouster.

Then, the wheels were put into motion the very next day for his ouster.

And the BOE and the ethics commission want people to believe the timing was just a coincidence?

By Straight No Chaser

February 11, 2009 1:55 PM | Link to this

To Citizens Must Unite.

Let’s see!!! You come here on this blog and complain about unfair bidding processes correct? Have you stepped to the mic during the meetings when its time for the community to speak and expressed this? Shoot if you did I’m sure Ms. Megan would love to write about it or it would be on the local news as they love to show Clayton as a side show.

So either you are one of Trotters trolls on the board or you are Trotter himself.

By Now that we know it what are we going to do about it?

February 11, 2009 1:55 PM | Link to this

What do we do about this - Timing is key?

By Not as much faith in Megan

February 11, 2009 2:07 PM | Link to this

I’m not convinced that Megan would love to write about problems with the bidding process. Case in point, it seems to be common knowledge, or at least it would appear to be to an education reporter, that contracts over $25,000 are required to go to open bidding.

The clothing contract clearly did not, and the best school system officials can come up with to justify their actions is to imply that anyone who questions this is a terrorist sympathizer. Nice to know Dick Cheney found work in the contract procurement dept of CCPS.

Still the point is, there is a limit, and Megan didn’t fully address it in her article, for reasons we don’t know.

Maybe in fairness to her, she would love to write about it, but isn’t being allowed to write about it, but bottom line, the info is out there and it’s not being reported on.

By What to do about this

February 11, 2009 2:22 PM | Link to this

I don’t know what to do about this. It’s not like Joe the Plumber got on the school board, only to have a conflict of interest over a toilet.

This was an attorney after all. Someone you would think would cross the t’s and dot the i’s given what happens to those who challenge the status quo.

Still, it doesn’t excuse the BOE if they are using the ethics commision as a tool of political intimidation against those who are speaking out against the status quo, or against any potential corruption that may exists.

I’d say that what needs to be done is to request every single piece of correspondance, phone records, etc. between the BOE and the ethics commission that is legally available under the Open Records Act be requested and be made available to the public.

For that matter, I think any correspondance between the BOE or the ethics commission, and Sonny or Elgart needs to be made available to make sure no outside influence was put forth.

I’m sure Mark Elgart, not wanting to be an outside influence himself, would lead by example and disclose any emails or phone records concerning any correspondance he sent in regard to Michael King right?

By Will Mark Elgart step up?

February 11, 2009 2:32 PM | Link to this

Will Mark Elgart step up, be open and transparent, and release any correspondance sent to the BOE, the ethics commission, or Sonny, or any other government entity in the Michael King matter?

Is Elgart willing to lead by example and show that he himself is not trying to be an outside influence when it comes to who the voters choose to represent them?

By Rev

February 11, 2009 2:59 PM | Link to this

Supposed-attorney Micheal King is in trouble with the ethics commission because he doesn’t want to lose the possibility for a payday relating to that lady’s claim against the school system. He had 6 months to take care of that situation and help the lady get another attorney but choose not to. He was in direct violation of his term as BOE member by being attorney-of-record and, as of yet - has not officially, in writing, changed that fact.

And on the supposed no-bid contract you speak of — the BOE never voted on that, so how can they be held responsible. You might look toward Dr. Thompson and lawyer Lewis - before speaking without facts.

By Facts

February 11, 2009 3:09 PM | Link to this

The fact remains that King called for Thompson’s ouster on Sept. 29 and the process file an ethics complaint promptly began on Sept. 30. Where was all the concern for King’s conflict of interest before he called for Thompson’s ouster.

And no, you don’t have to be a defendeder of King to call the timing into question.

If Elgart, Sonny, the BOE, and the ethics commission were all honest and above board in this matter, then they should have no trouble releasing any and all correspondance in regard Michael King right?

As far as the fact that this contract was awarded without soliciting bids, that came straight from the AJC, so obviously they felt there were enough facts to print the story and obviously someone approved of it.

By Manone

February 11, 2009 3:15 PM | Link to this

The board censured M. King at a BOE meeting for still being that woman’s attorney - and the only thing that did was that he could not attend the executive sessions. Big Deal. The fact that he was censured automatically put him in front of the Ethics Board. Apparently that is the was the legislation forming the Ethics committee was drawn up.

By Very Simple

February 11, 2009 3:26 PM | Link to this

If the BOE and the ethics commission are being honest and aboveboard in this matter, and Michael King’s actions were as bad as they are saying, then I’m sure the BOE and the ethics commission, wanting to be good examples themselves, will have no problem releasing any and all correspondance sent between themselves, or to Sonny, or to Mark Elgart that are in regard to Michael King.

If the BOE and the ethics commission have nothing to hide, then why hide any correspondance they are legally allowed to release in regard to this matter?

By Sick of you all

February 11, 2009 4:18 PM | Link to this

I am sorry but I thought Mr. King Should have been removed as far back as last summer. He has been a disruptive faction on the BOE since the day they swore him in. I don’t know what his agenda is but I have come to the conclusion that it is NOT in the best interests of the Children of Clayton County. For that matter I doubt if it is in the best interests of anybody in Clayton County except himself. I have always felt that his antics will make sure that we will not regain our accredition. And I am beginning to believe that is what he is working for. As who controls him that might be a matter that also needs to be looked at by the ethics commission. As for looking the other way about him having a conflict of interest until he came out against John Thompson. I believe that he was required to sign an affidavit that he did not and would not have or give the impression of conflict of interest while he held the office he was elected to. He is a lawyer. Even a BAD ONE should be smart enough to realize what that entailed.

By Let's get real here.

February 11, 2009 4:31 PM | Link to this

I see some people can not stay on topic. I will see if we are going to have to appeal when we actually get our tax bill. Having said that. To the person or persons who are complaining about the correspondence of the school board, the Governor,Mark Elgart,and the ethics board. If you are so worried about what is being said and done. File to get that information with the Freedom of Information Act. If you haven’t done that just drop the subject. As talk is cheap. and actions speak louder than words. Then come back with the proof. Or are you trying to stir up trouble with ungrounded rumors and innuendo

By ijoup

February 12, 2009 12:54 AM | Link to this

IS TGE CLAYTON CTY BOARD OF ED TOTALLY IMPLODING? WHO IS BOB HARTLY> WHY IS HE SO MUCH PUSHIN FOR ALEEKA ANDERSON/ DOES HE AND ANDERSON AND THOMPOSON HAVE A SCHEME COOKED UP WITH ELGRIN BELL AND MACK ELGART W/ SACS/ THIS IS RIDICULUS!!!!!!!!

By Oh please

February 12, 2009 8:38 AM | Link to this

Since posting yesterday, my opinion has changed somewhat. As I recall, and please someone correct me if I am wrong, but King stated when the issue first arose that he had dropped the client that presented the conflict of interest when he started on the school board. If that is the case, then he is in the clear because the conflict would not arise until he had been seated on the board. In some ways, it does seem that this action on part of the ethics commission is politically motivated. It is all very upsetting to me, and I fear it could potentially be damaging when re-acquiring accreditation.

By Manone

February 12, 2009 9:04 AM | Link to this

The problem is that King is still attorney -of -record for this lady. He has never submitted otherwise, in writing. Because he does not want to leave a paper trail which would show him to be a liar. He had months in which this lady could have found another attorney - but then he would have lost out on a possible payday - coming at the expense of those same people who voted him into office.

Halleleuya - The Ethics Commission is doing exactly what is was set up to do. Only those who agree with the interference from the likes of board member mentors such as Lee Scott and John Trotter see it differently.

Remember - King is a lawyer - at least in name - those of his profession in the metro area - laugh at him and his antics.

By Kelly

February 12, 2009 9:31 AM | Link to this

Eliminate all the political stuff and you will find that the ethics commission is doing just what it was designed to do. Keep elected people honest and accountable to the citizens who elected them King came on the board playing games. The same tired games that lost us our accreditation. Why is Clayton County the only school board going thru this? This sends a loud message to all involved that poitics as usual will not be tolerated.

It was Sonny Perdue who created the ethics panel just for this sort of thing.

By Elimnate the political stuff

February 12, 2009 10:13 AM | Link to this

Eliminate the political stuff. Good idea. So I’m sure, if this was all on the up and up, the ethics commission who took the action, and the BOE who started the action would have absolutely no problem releasing any and all correspondance that they are legally allowed to release concerning their deliberations in the King case.

If this had nothing to do with politics, why not release the documentation that proves it?

By Is the cure worse than the disease

February 12, 2009 10:28 AM | Link to this

You don’t have to be a defender of Michael King’s actions in representing the teacher to note that King called for Thompson’s ouster on Sept. 29, and the proceedings to remove him from the board began on Sept. 30.

If you want to blindly accept that the BOE and the ethics commission are acting completely above board, and that nobody on the current board is trying to work a deal to keep Thompson on board, then go ahead.

But, even if you blindy accept their actions are completely on the up and up, then you should have no problem with the BOE and the ethics commission releasing any and all correspondance they may have had with Sonny, Mark Elgart, Eldrin Bell, or for that matter, any self appointed guardians of the school board concerning the Michael King issue.

If it was all on the up and up, why not release the documentation that shows it, just to prove that the board is fully functional, ethical, and not being dictated to by outside interest?

What is there to hide?

By Oh please

February 12, 2009 10:52 AM | Link to this

Hmm. I smell Trotter all over this. Could it be that King has not submitted the documentation that he has dropped his client just so the ethics commission would have to recommend his removal? I still say his demands for Thompson’s removal were purely strategic.

By SA

February 12, 2009 11:12 AM | Link to this

Of course it was strategic. Trotter despises Thompson because he’s not a pushover and isn’t intimidated. I don’t think Thompson is the best candidate for our School System but he swats Trotter away like a fly. Trotter is locked out and he knows it. So now, Trotter is using the same argument he used about Norreese - he was the only one who stood up for what what right, he exposed the land deal, he only cares for the children, he sacrificed himself on the BOE altar. Now, we’re hearing the same about King. He is the current savior for protecting us from hiring Thompson back and playing it like he’s the only one between our BOE and Thompson being hired again.

It’s true that we’re going to have to trust our BOE to do what’s right for our District. SACS is here in April and will see we’re following the process. However, we won’t hire a new superintendent until after that. They could easily just play the game and hire Thompson after that knowing there’s nothing SACS could do but personally, I have faith in this new group we have with exception of a couple. Majority rules in our favor for this one and Trotter doesn’t like it.

By Trust, but verify

February 12, 2009 11:24 AM | Link to this

Trust, but verify. If one wants to trust the board fine, but there is no compelling reason for the board or the ethics commission to release any and all correspondence it’s legally allowed to release concerning Michael King, so that the people who elected them can verify that the trust has been earned.

Trust but verify, or blind trust? Which one does Clayton deserve?

By Let's get real here.

February 12, 2009 11:34 AM | Link to this

As I said before you want that information file a freedom of information request. If you don’t do that just drop the subject because all you want to do is spread hate and discontent. Which makes the rest of us wonder what your agenda is and who you really are. to put it more precisely put up or shut up.

By Trust but verify

February 12, 2009 11:35 AM | Link to this

What reason does the board, or the ethics commission for that matter, have for not releasing any and all correspondance that it is legally allowed to release.

Why should citizens just blindly trust that the ethics commission and the BOE were totally on the up and up.

Even if you think the worst of King, even if you think he was totally grandstanding, the fact remains that he called for Thompson’s ouster on Sept. 29 and the effort to remove him began on Sept. 30.

That by itself should be enough for the BOE and the ethics commission to show that their actions were pure by releasing any and all correspondance they are legally allowed to release in regard to this matter.

It also wouldn’t be a bad time for the people who handle uniform contracts with CCPS to release any and all correspondance to shed light on why $70,000 was spent on bus driver uniforms.

By HeadyLady

February 12, 2009 12:07 PM | Link to this

Oh, and what happened with the GANG controversy? Anybody talk to the teacher that got beat down like Rhianna?

How quickly you all forget, lol!

By Corey

February 12, 2009 12:18 PM | Link to this

One person on this blog always wants to write about John Trotter. (It’s the same person because any linguistic bozo can see the same writing pattern, though this person uses a number of different names.) This person is apparently fixated on John Trotter. In his eyes, John Trotter is the biggest boogerbear of all. I doubt John Trotter even knows who this person is. In this person’s eyes, John Trotter is like the omnipotent ruler of the Galaxy. This person might need to find a life.

By More infighting, same unity

February 12, 2009 1:08 PM | Link to this

More infighting, but same unity. Yes, all nine board members are still unifed in their continuing wall of silence when it comes to the gangs operating out of Jonesboro High.

Do anybody know if any of these nine board members have children who actually attend Clayton County schools? They used to provide biographies of the school board members on the CCPS website, but now they don’t.

I just wonder if any of these board members have children in CCPS, and if so, how can they remain silent on conditions that compromise the safety of students and staff?

By Rev Whiskey

February 12, 2009 1:46 PM | Link to this

to corey - are you speaking for daddy.

Sorry ,but many are those who see Trotter and his simple-minded followers for what they are. Most of the voters last time around did to. Many are those who blog about the bald little man. We do not hate this man, just want him to fade away. There are many more of his secrets to reveal. Stay tuned.

Speaking of writing patterns, JT just cannot fake it. He is becoming way easy to setup on this blog.

By WTF?

February 12, 2009 2:32 PM | Link to this

the only board member I know of who has children in ccps is Jessie Goree. The rest don’t to my knowledge.

By Maybe that explains it

February 12, 2009 2:37 PM | Link to this

Maybe if more of these board members had children in CCPS, maybe then someone would speak up about the gang problems, and the problems with student and staff safety.

It would be nice if this board were unified in address it, instead of being unified in keeping it under wraps.

By Get Some Facts

February 12, 2009 3:28 PM | Link to this

Mr. Bivins and Ms. Baker - both have children in CCPS system. I think Ms. Garrett also has kids in the system.

By Jborodawg

February 12, 2009 4:09 PM | Link to this

Well, since this blog has done like every one that Kimberly starts; and gotten so far off topic it aint funny. I might as well chime in.

The BOE has stepped up and done what needs to be done to stop evul terrists on our buses. I think the cafeteria staff should have yellow shirts and black khakis sos to keep evul terrists outa our eatin places. Maybe also have em wear TSA-issued name tags that have to be swiped. Then, green shirts, brown pants and name tags for the janitorial people. We caint have just anybody walking in and preetending to mop the floor. How ‘bout teachers? They need sumthin too sos not just anybody can empersinate a teacher pretendin to teach the state tests. Man, they’s evul terrists ever where. They gotta be stopped. I say nip it in the bud.

By Mojo Mist

February 12, 2009 4:53 PM | Link to this

Why can’t we save $70K and have CCPS bus drivers buy their own uniforms like most employees do?

By Watcher

February 12, 2009 6:19 PM | Link to this

I want to know why Goree and Garrett is calling the other School Board members to vote No too not to vote to out King under the Ethics Commission Actions on their vote to do just that, and when it come up to the School Board to kick King off the School Board Goree an Garrett seems to be in with King and John Trotter.

Since this came to light today, I hope charges will be brought up on Garrett and Goree to also kick them off the School Board as Garrett is an Dam Drunk like that Riverdale City Councilman Wayne Hall as everyone is and has been calling him the Riverdale Public Drunk City Councilman and then Goree is just self servig with her Master John Trotter and that Ex so call Riverdale Mayor Graham which everyone calls her the Ex-Phantom Riverdale Mayor as the AJC Editoral Board named her that many years ago that was a Lee and Jewel paid and bought Elected Official.

And I believe Goree is a PLedge Sister to that Ex-Phantom Mayor Graham in the Delta’s.

As I can not believe the Delta’s has not out them two yet as they both are a total disgrace to that orgaization.

By Yhe Doctor

February 12, 2009 6:39 PM | Link to this

I’m starting to figure out all the weird posts above. They are all on crack! Is there anyone left in Clayton not on crack?

By Oh please

February 12, 2009 11:35 PM | Link to this

John Trotter is responsible for all of the problems associated with Clayton County. Everything. He IS the problem. He led the Black Revolution in Clayton County - enough said? Yes, I DO smell John Trotter behind all ills in Clayton County.

By DD

February 13, 2009 7:25 AM | Link to this

Some of you have the timeline COMPLETELY WRONG so it is obvious you DO NOT go to school board meetings! As soon as the new school board found out about Michael King representing the teacher, the Board chair, Anderson, and Superintendent Thompson sent him a letter of warning asking him to remedy the situation. That was in early September, before he came out against Thompson. Michael King did nothing. Then, that is when King came out against Thompson. At the same meeting King proposed his resolution to get rid of Thompson (which didn’t pass) and the Board proposed their resolution to censure King, which passed unanimously (October 6).

So, these claims that the removal of King was politically motivated are CRAP! King had months to remove his conflict.

By Hey "Rev'

February 13, 2009 7:36 AM | Link to this

The current school board did not approve the purchase of the uniforms. The previous board did vote on and approve the purchase of the uniforms under an invitation for bids that was issued Oct. 4, 2007 (Invitation for Bid, No. 044-08) and the board approved the contract on Jan. 7, 2008. Subsequent uniforms were purchased under an invitation for bids that was issued Feb. 19, 2008 (Invitation for Bid No. 059-08) and was approved by the Board on May 5, 2008. People need to get their facts straight.

By If *timing is key* - know your timing

February 13, 2009 7:44 AM | Link to this

Board gave King warning and time to remove conflict well before he proposed his resolution to get rid of Thompson and he refused to withdrawal from representation of the teacher because he probably is waiting for a pay day. Nonetheless, he still took a loyalty oath and oath of office and sat on the school board with a clear conflict - bottomline.

By Henry Draws

February 13, 2009 11:17 AM | Link to this

Why doesnt CC jsut leave Ga? CC must have a life of its very on!!!Who is the person who is so hung up on busdriver uniforms?? THis is sick! Does one perons just live on this blog? Does he or she NOT WORK?? oh well….

By Ned in the First Reader

February 13, 2009 11:49 AM | Link to this

ATTENTION: The Clayton County School System will receive accreditation from Master Mark Elgart this Spring because Master Mark Elgart cannot afford to do otherwise. (Hey, Bob Hartley, quit trying to scare everyone. It’s a done deal. Are you so naive that you do not really understand how this process works and how political decisions are made? Do you think that decisions like this are made in a pure and anticeptic environment? Please, Bob. Learn somethning about politics, or better yet, go organize another one of your failed recall attempts. Get Alieka Anderson and her buddy John Thompson, that joke of a superintendent, another page on My Space.) The LOSS of Accreditation was a charade from the very beginning. It was brought about by three people…Eldrin Bel, Ericka Davis, and Rod Johnson. Home values dropped 25% in Clayton County simply from this stupid action brought about from these Three Political Hacks. These Three Political Hacks were apparently worried about power and money as most self-serving politicians do. Now, Eldrin Bell wants to be involved in the development around the airport. Quick, people, watch your backs! When Eldrin gets involved, you have things like landfills near residential areas (he’s closely involved with this developer) and 18 million dollars going to land not fit to build a dog house on (same developer), property values destroyed by artificial hysteria built up about a school system (Eldrin apparently met with Mark Elgart BEFORE the yanking of accreditation), Strip Clubs (Eldrin’s closely associated with the leaders in this industry). The Three Political Hacks. Eldrin Bell. Ericka Davis. Rod Johnson. A lasting legacy.

By Perception

February 13, 2009 11:58 AM | Link to this

JT just wrote that. I know his style - he’s the only one who writes like this. I have read his publications for years. Hey, JT, you are now Ned! I like it. Get on here more…ok?

By Fred

February 13, 2009 12:53 PM | Link to this

NED: I hear E. Bell also met w/ Mr. Elgart BEFORE the SACS complaint was sent to Mr. Elgart. Sounds like a thickening plot. But, I also hear that Mr. R. Johnson tried to withdraw the SACS Complaint when he saw the unexpected furor that it caused. The Question: Why would elected officials turn an investigative unit, aka SACS, against its own school system, unless, of course, it was about trying to bring down some fellow politicians? What an amateurish and clumsy plot. Reminds me of some clumsy burglars breaking into the Democratic Hdqtrs in Miami in 1972. Watergate. Elgartgate? SACSgate? Erickagate? Rodgate? Eldringate? Stupidogate is more like it. Just thought I would let you guys know what I have heard.

By Rev. Jimmy Jack Bourbon

February 13, 2009 1:27 PM | Link to this

Dear “Hey ‘Rev’”: Someone called me at lunch to say that someone on this blog apparently thinks that I was writing about the uniforms for bus drivers. No, brother, that is not me. There seems, however, to be a rather lonely brother who blogs incessantly, trying to stir up reaction from folk. Every now and then, he attacks, obliquely or not, your Reverend as well as some of his close associates (especially my long-time friend Earl and his cousin Elvis). No, brother, you can pass on to others that your Rev likes to keep things civil, but there is a rather pitiful soul who blogs all the time, attacking John Trotter, Bob Hartley, David Barton, Norreese Haynes, and others. In fact, I had to explain to Mr. Barton one evening many months ago that it was not me who vociferously attacked him on the Boot blog (which I do not even peruse). This unfortunate soul (and I hear that he does not even live in Clayton) gets his undernourished ego fed by attacking people on this community blog and then trying to make others think that it is your Rev who is doing this. I do have my style, and it appears to me that he is trying to mimic my style. Brother B., don’t fall for it. I have bigger fish to fry (especially on Friday), so to speak, than to engage in such childish things. You have a great weekend, brother. And, you tell my friend and her little one that I said “Hello,” O. K.? Your brother, Jimmy Jack. P. S. Please do not interpret this small epistle as me abdicating my prophetic responsibilities as a man of the cloth (hmm, talking about cloth, there’s some good sales at Jos. E. Banks this weekend, and I also might traverse the streets of Clayco to go to Macys to buy me some more Ralph Lauren Polo Cologne, perhaps another bottle of the Polo Black, and you even receive a Polo Umbrella when you make the purchase). Gotta to finish my lunch here in Piccadilly with the Rev. Greene, Rev. Powell, and Rev. Anderson. But, remember: Your Reverend doesn’t bother himself with such pettiness as uniforms, and I try never to engage in ad hominen attacks, though, as a human, I remember my frame, as does the Lord, and I remember that I am but dust. What is the mantra of the Hosea Williams Memorial Church of World Peace and Reconciliation Beginning in Clayco? Answer: “We’re all b___ds but God loves us anyway.” Tchau.

By Watcher

February 13, 2009 1:53 PM | Link to this

Hey Folks, I went over to the Boot site and there is a very interesting post that was made there about King the School Board Member in a Breaking News Flash From The Boot News Desk.

http://www.give-em-the-boot.com/smf/index.php/topic,2815.0.html

By Hope

February 13, 2009 3:25 PM | Link to this

Watcher, Great Fine

I also went on the boot website and also found this about the Whole School Board members on what they might be thinking about doing.

http://www.give-em-the-boot.com/smf/index.php/topic,2825.msg25753.html#new

By Timing is still key

February 13, 2009 5:14 PM | Link to this

Regardless of what went on before, the Clayton Daily News reported King’s public call for Thompson’s ouster on Sept. 29, and then King’s censure on Sept. 30.

That those stories appeared in that order in the Clayton Daily News is irrefutable. You don’t have to be a defender of King’s actions to note the timing. Now, you can make a case that King played politics with the timing, or you can make the case that the BOE played politics with the timing, or you can make the case that both sides where playing politics with the timing.

What case I haven’t seen made, is why accept, given all the past history of infighting, on blind faith that the BOE’s actions and the ethics commission’s actions were all open, honest, and aboveboard?

Since there are already charges of politics in this matter, why doesn’t the BOE and the ethic commission release any and all correspondance it is legally allowed to release in this matter?

If there is no compelling reason for secrecy, then why not release the documentation that shows the BOE’s and the ethics commission’s correspondance follows the same ethical guidelines they promised to uphold. You do not have to be a defender or supporter of King, or King’s actions in order to want to know that the BOE and the ethics commission did things the right way.

If there is nothing that should cause anybody any concern about the way the BOE and the ethics commission handle this, why not release the documentation that proves it?

By JellyBean

February 13, 2009 5:25 PM | Link to this

By Timing is still key, well maybe they know it is going to be Pending Legal Litigation, as No one would release any Information on that. And the Ethics Board Attorney on record is not releasing nothing.

By Is the cure worse than the disease?

February 13, 2009 5:34 PM | Link to this

If King is removed, is the replacement chosen in a special election, or appointed?

And if appointed, who is being considered? Surely no one would try to bring back a member of the old board would they?{

By Shine The Light

February 13, 2009 6:59 PM | Link to this

Clayton’s White Folk got their way! They have Larry O’Keefe head of the CCBOE so-called white folk handed picked Ethic Commission. The Poor Lil Negroes in Clayton have NO POWER. Did any one know this KLAN O’Keefe’s son carried two hand guns and enough ammo to Morrow High School in 2007. He could have killed plenty at the 98.9% Black school. Now, the KLAN is running your School Board. What is the KLAN motive look at the Demographics=According to School District Spokesperson Jacqueline Evans, the Clayton’s school system’s current data show the ethnic breakdown of the student population to be 72.54 percent black; 14.74 percent Hispanic; 4.46 percent Asian or Pacific Islander; 4.39 percent white; 3.75 percent multi-racial, and 0.09 percent American Indian or Alaska Native.

The Swine with Sonny’s and Elgart have taken over Clayton’s Government. When Will The Black Man Ever Know He’s FREE!!

By larry

February 16, 2009 10:01 AM | Link to this

yawn….

By Long time Clayton Teacher

February 16, 2009 1:10 PM | Link to this

As I read these stupid bloggers talking about race problem that is not really a problem in anyone’s mind except for Mr. Trotter who happens to be white. I really wish the man could get a life and leave Clayton County alone. What we need is real help for our schools. As a teacher in an Elementary school in Clayton County for 20 plus years I can tell you the issue isn’t race. It is the total breakdown of the family unit. I go to school daily with students who dress daily in gang colors. Yes,I know Thompson started this really great union dress policy. The policy is like many great ideas it doesn’t work unless you enforce it. Behavior is out of control walk in our lunch room from 10:45 to 12:25 and you take your life in your own hands. Teachers have not support with discpline office referals disappear and the students know they can do what ever they please and nothing will happen to them. This year is the worse year of my teaching experience. The county sends higher ups walking through the schools looking for what the teachers are wrong. They do nothing to make working conditions better!! Since the winter break we have spent two weeks giving student practice CRCT test. With all of the practice test when can we teach the content that will be on the real test. If teachers are not leaving Clayton County this year it is just because of the economy. We are afaid that if we can find another job we will be downsized the next year. IF WE DO NOT GET TRUE LEADERSHIP WITH A STRONG DISCIPLNE PLAN THAT IS FOLLOWED Clayon County will continue to be in the news. It is only a matter of time before a child’s life is lost at these out of control schools.

By Listen to the teacher

February 16, 2009 1:25 PM | Link to this

Unfortunately, instead of listening to a teacher, who can tell you about the day to day reality of the schools, the gangs, the disicpline problems, and the lack of support for all of the above, people would rather get upset about a dance team.

People would rather talk about which faction of the BOE is in the right, when in fact all nine of them, even those with classroom experience who should know better, are in the wrong, because not one of them have been willing to address the behavior issues that effect learning and teaching in the classroom each and every day.

When behavior is out of control, enforcement of rules is non-existent, gangs operate openly in the schools, yet none of this reaches the level of a mandate for good schools, or for that matter, not one of the nine on the BOE will even comment on it when they’ll talk at length about the dance team, what does that tell you about the integrity of those in charge when it comes to the accreditation issue?

By Oh please

February 16, 2009 2:15 PM | Link to this

Week in and week out, you gripe about discipline in the schools, but you never offer a solution other than give the teachers more authority over the kids (not that I disagree with you). Quite frankly, that is just not going to be enough. Discipline isn’t something that can be learned at school. Discipline is learned at home! Parents need to teach their children how to be respectful, but children aren’t going to learn that if their parents don’t respect them. It is a vicious, never-ending cycle, with home life at the root of the problem. School boards and faculty are like tree pruners. They can’t fix a root problem!