Arrogance
November 13th, 2008 by CindyI never really have time to watch the Town Council meetings in full because of my schedule.
But, on Tuesday night, I did happen to see the “exchange” between Town Councilman Tom Ruocco and Schools Supt. Greg Florio.
Actually, it was Councilman Ruocco who spoke from his heart. And you know what–it was REFRESHING to hear a member of the Town Council actually show some backbone for once and show some emotion and tell it like it is!! I know everyone is talking about it and I am sure Town Council member Tim White will have the video on his blog but whether you agree with Ruocco or not, you have to give him credit for speaking his mind in a blunt and honest way.
I sometimes think this entire Town Council meeting is scripted. It is so run of the mill. What happened last night when Ruocco gave Florio a piece of his mind, is not part of the script if you will in this town. But, in other towns IT IS!!
People speak like this all the time. They have REAL heart to heart and emotional discussions. That is what makes the world go round. Maybe Cheshire is waking up!!
To me, it just boils down to plain old arrogance. This town government is a master at it. When they believe they might be running into some “resistance” or someone who dares questions them, they start belittling and intimidating people in plain English. And no, I am not going to be apologizing for that statement.
There is an old saying: “If you said it, you meant it” DAMN RIGHT!!!
When this town thinks someone is attempting to get in their way–the rhetoric you heard Tuesday night is their modus operandi.
“Oh I am glad I am not working in the public sector.”
What kind of statement is that? P.O’ed because your request for the 4.4 percent raise over the next three years is not going to be rubberstamped? Angry because some of the Town Council members had the audacity to ask some QUESTIONS and take up your valuable time??
Remember, the Board of Education budget is the largest expenditure the town has. People have a RIGHT to question for as long as they deem necessary. They only get one shot at it before it has to be voted on. Absolutely outrageous!!
Just because some people on the Town Council did not roll over and play dead-does not justify that statement. Trying to relate the corporate bailout to the average person who goes out everyday and busts their ass at work, is just unfair and Councilman Ruocco had a right to be insulted.
Teachers deserve good money and they get it in Connecticut. But remember, it is a 180 day a year job. Now I substitute from time to time in several surrounding towns and believe me, I know it is not easy to be around children all day. It is demanding and grueling. You have to be on top of your game every minute!!
But resorting to insults in an attempt to intimidate is out of line–and thats all it was–CHESHIRE intimidating and insulting when they believe they may not get their way. And it doesn’t stop at the Board of Education either!!
And then you know who, with the comment: “oh how can you say you support teachers if you won’t give them this increase.”
HELLO!! I love my children, but I guess I really don’t because I don’t shower them with everything they ask for.
The big issue was: should the Town Council reject the 4.4 percent increase in teacher salaries over the next three years and let an arbitrator handle the situation. If this happened, (and you all know it is not because the Council with a party line vote, Dems for, Republicans against), would the town lose out if the arbitrator awarded a higher increase? Or would the town have made out if the arbitrator had awarded a lower increase?
Will this 4.4 percent increase eventually lead to staff reductions? Would a lower increase possibly have prevented this? Only your hairdresser knows for sure!! God Damn It!!
So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at the latest figures for teacher’s salaries across the U.S. FYI: Apparently, the United Kingdom is the place to be if teaching is your game.
Click here to find Teacher Salaries
And I bet you all want to know what state was the “SMARTEST”as of April 2008. Hint: I guess Florio has a point!!
Click here for a reality check on raises.
Florida teachers offered 2 percent raise
Largest Employers in the World
And lastly:
