Editor:
The citizens of Littlestown deserve
the truth. Regularly the board witnesses sideshows by either Russell Fish, Paul
Sharpless, Terry Scholle, Deborah Friedman or board member Eleanor Dehoff, who
contributes nothing to the order and has voted against her own motions.
Recently we were treated to a presentation
hyped as “historica” (actually hysterical) by Russell Fish, Paul
Sharpless and Terry Scholle. Their presentation accused the district of misplacing
over $11 million. It had their intended effect of yelling “fire”
in a crowded theater.
Your paper’s reports dedicated
much space covering this outlandish claim. Figuratively you reported a train
wreck, but never checked to see if any trains were involved (for example, your
reporter did not ask to examine district financial documents). A reasonable
journalist would have made some effort to verify such outlandish claims before
publishing such inflammatory information. Instead of seeking facts, your paper
gave their bogus shout of “fire” a louder voice. You’ve been
duped, so shame on you.
At this Monday night’s meeting
your reporter also failed to share a statement by Robert Moore, bond counsel
for the district, who noted the district’s stable financial condition
has allowed it to attract “heavy hitters” in investment banking,
producing favorable rates for the taxpayers as the board borrowed $8.6 million
to finance the 4/5 intermediate building.
Given the controversy, this statement
had significance. And a letter was shared with you from Charles Zogby, education
secretary, commending the district on the results of previous audits. More proof
that district finances are okay.
Your reporter mischaracterized my
questioning the credentials of Sharpless and Scholle. They made serious allegations
against the district. My questioning their credentials as attorneys, CPAs or
business degree holders was not in response to any question they raised, but
rather in response to their boastful interpretation of financial and legal documents,
supposedly representing “facts.” The record should show the district’s
auditor, Mr. Lyons of Greenawalt and Co., has professional credentials and that
Sharpless, Scholle, and Fish do not.
If the district accepted advice
from these self-proclaimed “concerned citizens” or board member
Eleanor Dehoff, one result would be a loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars
over the maturity of any given district bond. As it stands they are responsible
each year for thousands of taxpayers’ dollars being squandered denying
their false claims. And by ignoring facts you have lowered yourself to their
standards. Shame on you.
Ben Ricci, board member,
Littlestown Area School District