Letter: D86 Board Needs 'New Energy, New Ideas'
Robert O'Hare of Hinsdale wrote to Patch in support of the Friends for District 86 slate of candidates.
The following is a letter to the editor submitted by Robert O'Hare of Hinsdale:
I reviewed the candidate profiles for the Hinsdale Township High School District 86 Board of Education published recently on Patch, and was surprised by the poor credentials of the incumbents.
I have had significant experience with Mr. Dennis Brennan and the board, and like many District 86 residents, I am frustrated by his tactics. He has continually used bonds to fund his projects without substantive explanation. His refusal to be transparent on the $15 million air conditioning project and $4 million artificial turf project are just two examples. Mr. Brennan continually uses loopholes to push bonds and no-bid contracts without any accountability to residents of District 86. I have asked him on several occasions to explain why the recent projects could not give the residents the opportunity to decide on such large projects. His response was typical double-talk, and our taxes keep climbing due to his lack of accountability.
I've attended District 86 board meetings. Ms. DeeDee Gorgol lacks participation in meetings other than her vote and Ms. Kay Gallo agrees with what Mr. Brennan wants, with little financial oversight.
As "reasons for running," all three nebulously say they offer continuity. We don’t need continuity; we need accountability and effectiveness, which this board lacks. Our schools are good, and our parents, teachers and students are great. Our schools, parents, teachers and students deserve a much better and accountable board. It is time for new energy, new ideas and better experience; please join me in voting for Claudia Manley, Victor Casini and Edward Corcoran.
Sue Pircon
2:25 pm on Friday, March 15, 2013
As a regular attendee at board meetings I look forward to meeting Mr O'Hare at one. I have been attending District 86 meetings for many years as well as been involved on the master facilities committee which was a group of parents, community members, students, teachers and administrators . It was from this committee that the master facility plan was born. So I do not see where there can be a lack of transparency or resident input when these groups met for over one year to discuss these priorities. Mr O'Hare also continues to refer to the $15 million "air conditioning" project. As a person involved with the Distruct you must be aware this project encompassed much more than air conditioning. It was a project at both campuses, Central and South that included new science labs, new security entrances at both schools to enhance student security and improve traffic safety as well as improved electrical work to meet the demands for the increased technological use.
Sue Pircon
2:30 pm on Friday, March 15, 2013
As far as the no bid contracts, I am can tell you there were instances during the summer improvements when there was only 1 bidder in response to the call for bids. However each of these came in within the budget and makes it a much different situation then a No Bid contract. Each was discussed at length at the District meetings I always look forward to having people involved in the District as well as community affairs but I do not appreciate it when facts are misrepresented. I will be voting for Brennan, Gallo, Gorgol and Rosenthal. They have done a tremendous job keeping District 86 on track despite very challenging times. I would encourage others to do the same. They are honest, accountable and effective. I agree with Mr O'Hare, exactly what the board needs.
Proud Teacher
9:17 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
The reason the sole bids came in within budget is that the budget was pre-based on those figures. Where do you think the estimator got his numbers?
The estimator went to his favorite contractor and asked him how much he'd want to do the job - and voila: a budget. And a bid within budget. How about that?
Karen Smith
9:30 am on Monday, March 18, 2013
Mr.OHare,
I totally agree with you.