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Public Records Suggest Southwestern College Used Public Funds Frivolously
You must be mistaken or probably bluffing. Human Resources would not handle a public records request dealing with money...that would be the VP of Finance. At least, this was the person that I dealt with when I made several requests regarding expenditures. The VP of HR would not deal with this...so again I challenge you to produce the check paying for the event at Fridas that YOU SAID you would produce. Showing the readers that check would prove that you are right...that's all you have to do to prove me wrong...all this with me showing my sources over a comment is smoke and mirrors because the reality is that you don't have such a check. I again contend that Dr. Chopra does not write checks from the foundation as you claim...prove me wrong, show the check! Just as I thought...all a political ploy to move someone's agenda and it isn't hard to figure out whose agenda huh Norma. Truthhurts....RIGHT. You have been exposed and I tire of your tactics. Bye— October 23, 2010 11:06 p.m.
Public Records Suggest Southwestern College Used Public Funds Frivolously
Susan, I can see you are a concerned citizen and I am with you about the spending of public monies. Since I don't know what document you claim have been released by SWC then your claiming you have sources means nothing. I could site some source that you would not be able to substantiate either. However, it is not my intent to debate sources. I have been concerned and have kept myself informed with the expenditure of the bond funds as well. I can tell you from personal experience that I am happy with the way Prop AA funds were used and the new Prop. R is making the Corner Lot possible which has been something that previous boards have not been able to do...this project has been on the drawing board for four decades! I am happy that this is moving forward. As far as how Southwestern Funds are spent...this would be the budget which is available to you. I have been to several board meetings where the budget was discussed and it seems to me all the board members were in agreement and voted to approve it. And BTW, as far as I know, the board has balanced the budget every year for the last four years which as a citizen I appreciate very much. Regarding the Foundation...as I mentioned earlier, this is an independent organization and as far as I know, their focus is to raise monies to give to students. But the reality is that they have a board and they determine how they will allocate their monies. I AM concerned (not consumed) by what is going on in the election. When you post an article which accuses SWC of spending funds "frivolously", you are painting a negative picture of the college and of course the present board...some of which are running for re-election. And you do this without really any proof except "claiming" that you have evidence. I don't believe that you do. Like I said earlier...prove me wrong and post the check. Otherwise the readers should take this for what I suspect that it really is...a veiled and weak attempt to make the current administration and board look bad for political purposes. Truth— October 23, 2010 9:26 p.m.
Public Records Suggest Southwestern College Used Public Funds Frivolously
a2zresource, You make great points. However, there IS a letter that I have seen that put the college on warning. This was during Norma Hernandez' tenure. It is disingenuous of her to not accept a large degree of the blame for the current situation and to go around pretending that the situation is the fault of the current board. You are correct on several points however... The submitting of the report does not take SWC off of current status...but it is one of the MAJOR steps that does. This is genuine progress. Remember that this report was a concerted effort by faculty and administration so it is genuine progress by all concerned. This is what my comment said. Not that SWC was off of status but was genuinely and effectively dealing with it. Truth— October 23, 2010 8:51 p.m.
Public Records Suggest Southwestern College Used Public Funds Frivolously
Susan, Why would I give you my source when all you have to do is post the check as you promised and show everyone that I am wrong?? No more bologna...post the check! Truth— October 23, 2010 8:11 p.m.
Public Records Suggest Southwestern College Used Public Funds Frivolously
I'll be waiting for you to post the check. Since I have forever to wait I might as well get into the Gafcon fund raiser for Norma. Nice job of trying to cover up the hypocrisy by throwing rocks at the present board for their fund raising and then turning right around and asking Gafcon a vendor that did not get hired by the district to do a fundraiser for Norma on Tuesday, September 24th which asked at the bottom of the flyer to "Please send this out to your contact(s)– specifically targeting those who have been trying to get work at the district." If this doesn't indicate "pay to play" I don't know what does?? And you have the nerve to criticize! I am not surprised since your whole dialogue has been a lie and a spin led by just a few unhappy malcontents. As I have spoken to many, many faculty myself, they tell me that SWC is in great shape and that the union does not speak for them. These faculty are scared by the likes of Phil and Andy that go around intimidating everyone which is why the few are allowed to control the agenda. The public can't be fooled by your made up lies because they can see the results this board has accomplished. In one week you folks can crawl back into your cave. truthhurtsright!— October 23, 2010 8:01 p.m.
Public Records Suggest Southwestern College Used Public Funds Frivolously
What a bunch of happy horse caca. This group will go to no ends to try and get rid of a board that is doing a good job...reason...this board put a stop to their gravy train. Over $280,000 in overtime pay that no one ever had to approve. I would be pissed too! All self serving with no thought for the students! The WASC accreditation issue is all left overs from Norma Hernandez' tenure. Sure there was a plan, but she never put the plan into place which led to WASC being sick and tired of telling SWC to take care of the same issues from 2006 when Norma was President. Resulting on the college put on Probation. This board had truly dealt with the issues and the most recent report was just submitted and ACCEPTED by WASC! They conveniently forget to mention this. As far as the Frida's event being funded by Chopra...outright lie. Chopra cannot sign any checks from the College Foundation...it is an independent foundation not a part of the college. I am sick and tired of this group using the READER to try and push their agenda with nothing but lies. Even after this board gave them a raise, helped them pay for the health benefits, and had offered more classes than ever they continue to try and return to the "good 'ol days" when they controlled the agenda and the MONEY. It's time for you folks to get a grip and start thinking about the students instead of yourselves.— October 23, 2010 6:07 p.m.