posted June 20, 2008
Now that we know how Rhonda Thurman views the accomplishments of Dr. Jim Scales, perhaps this would be a good time for Ms. Thurman to list all of her valuable accomplishments as school board member for her district.
For the last four years, all I can remember are her consistent votes of "no" on almost every issue. I'm sure the parents of public school children in her district are proud of all the accomplishments Ms. Thurman has achieved for the betterment of their kids' education.
Greg Williams
tippercorc@comcast.net
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I hate it when folks bring up irrelevant things to blur the issue.
Ms. Thurmanʼs accomplishments are not the ones in question now.
We arenʼt paying her over $200,000 a year and guaranteeing her a job for the next four years.
Whether you approve of disapprove of Ms. Thurman, her opinion is only one vote.
Nancy Williams
* * *
I live in the district Rhonda Thurman represents and I am glad that I do.
Rhonda may vote "no" on almost every issue, but she does it because she doesn't agree with the stupidity of most of the school board and the items on their "agenda". Just like the issue with Dr. Scales' contract being renewed early - she didn't agree with it so she voted "no".
The thing I am disappointed about when Ms. Thurman votes "no" is that she's always out-voted. But, that is not her fault so I don't hold it against her. However, I do hold it against the others who only care about spending more money to make themselves look better, wasting our tax dollars on people who have yet to make a difference and trying to impress everyone instead of keeping the children's best interest at heart.
I say it every time and I'll say it again - Thank you, Rhonda Thurman, for trying to do what's right for our school system.
Amy Hawkins
ahawkins31205@yahoo.com
* * *
Especially to Mr. Williams, you don't have to live in Ms Thurman's district to be proud of all her accomplishments. Most folks in the county are - at least those who pay attention.
You evidently hear her "No's" and to you, that means "listen no more." She has repeatedly voted no to extravagant spending, high-priced consulting fees, adding central office employees, contracted employee overspending, and Joe and Chip's ego trips to spend money that isn't theirs, including extending Dr. Scales' contract.
Ever think that the extension makes Scales eligible for 20 grand a year pension for five years service? That's what was reported on the news today. Ever think when Chip, Joe and Debra are replaced that the responsible people replacing them would have said no too. Wonder why, or do you like paying more taxes so the back door group can spend, spend, spend.
Hopefully you'll never have a problem where you need to call your school board representative, but if you do, call Rhonda. She'll handle it, and handle it promptly.
I live in Riverbend Baker's district, called him two or three times a night for over a week. That was a year and a half ago. Left him voice mail messages and he has yet to return my call and speak to me.
I don't live in Rhonda's district, but after giving up on Baker, I called her. The phone rang twice, answered by her husband, I presume, on the second ring on a Thursday night, got a return call from her on Friday, and my problem was solved by the following Tuesday.
Is it a coincidence Chip Baker left town this morning on a cruise after voting last to extend the contract? Doubt it. But then again he doesn't answer the phone or return phone calls anyway, so it wouldn't matter. But I'm going to be like Rhonda and vote no. No to Chip Baker. I'm voting for Joe Dumas and urge anyone else who really cares about our kids and the tax dollars being spent to do the same.
Thanks, Rhonda, and thanks to Joe Dumas for being willing to help stop the foolishness and drunken sailor spending.
Arlos Dempsey
Signal Mountain
* * *
Rhonda Thurman...
1. Almost single-handedly stopped a wheel tax from being implemented by our tax-happy County Commission, this before ever running for her current seat on the school board. The new tax attempt failed.
2. Motivated taxpaying citizens to get out and collect money to reinstate middle school sports when our previous superintendent, Dr. Jesse Register, another out-of-towner, eliminated them rather than eliminating administration employees. Sports were reinstated in our middle schools.
3. Brought to light the fact that non-12-month HCDE employees, who are not entitled to vacation and sick days, nor to accrue same, were retiring with accrued sick days. The policy was changed.
4. Brought to light the "multiple fight" incident, most of the rest of us would consider this a riot, at Tyner High School back in February. Oh yeah, that the school administration had not notified anyone, including the school board, about this ... or that they had allowed a school function to proceed for several hours after the curfew for minors. I've often wondered if the cop that teacher laid hands upon was healed of all his ills and infirmities.
5. Made the situations of Coach Eller, Mr. Joshua Barber, and at least one Hixson High School teacher who had been assaulted in her classroom, available to the public. Did I forget about the "girl fights," and other fights, at Brainerd High School?
6. Helped recruit opponents for at least two of our current school board members ... school board members who voted for a couch potato contract for our previous superintendent of schools, recruited the current out-of-towner superintendent, and have rammed a dubious extension to his contract down the throats of the taxpaying citizens of Hamilton County. Haven't they also approved several humongous contracts for "consultants" to the HCDE?
7. Has operated a business, successfully, for over 30 years.
8. Whupped her brothers, on multiple occasions, when they were all younger.
There are other accomplishments, but this is what comes immediately to mind.
It's always interesting that those who don't like the message so often attempt to attack the messenger and tear him or her down to their level, even when that message is right on target. I only regret being one of Kookie's constituents and therefore must resort to being a carpetbagger who gives money and time to Dumas and Juster.
On another note; I would appreciate it if who ever borrowed my "Dumas" signs would bring them back and place them approximately where they were. Those things are expensive. It's also a violation of the law to remove signs during a political campaign. My name and address will be on them in the future. I'm going to hate to have to camp out along side the road with a camera, and The Girls, to both protect my property and catch whoever is doing this. He or she might also be careful if a couple of four legged creatures, one black and one white, come flying out of the woods after them for borrowing my signs. But wait ... I forgot ... since Dr. Barbara and Company got hold of them the only person they growl at is me.
Yesterday was McDoubleCheeseBurger Thursday. They got to go for their daily ride last night, but no burgers. I'm being summoned.
Royce E. Burrage Jr.
Royce@OfficiallyChapped.org
* * *
Rhonda Thurman is the target for all the backlash because she is brave enough to go against the "Good Buddy" system. She stands up for the "little person." Her achievements speak loud.
This Good Buddy System is made up of Chip Baker and many others. They do things without consulting the public nor letting the public vote on issues. Their latest questionable move was the contract extension for Dr. Scales. They did it without the public's opinion or concern. It is like the public is being led around by their noses.
I wonder if any of the "Good Buddy System really care about the children of the Hamilton County System or just love their power position on the board.
The big question sticks in my mind - why Dr. Scales was hired. Why not someone from our area? It never made sense. Some who was raised and live in our area would be a better candidate. They would know more about what the children of Chattanooga need. These out of town politicians come in with these huge pay checks and do what? Our school system is in ruin. People are moving out of Hamilton County just because of that fact.
Rhonda Thurman needs to be thanked for her endless effort to keep the "Good Buddy" in check.
Laura Crane
Red Bank
ToBSketching@aol.com
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