[speedgibson] Speed Gibson: Gopherville: Chaper Ten

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Posted by Speed Gibson:
Gopherville: Chaper Ten
http://speedgibson.powerblogs.com/posts/1214449015.shtml


   Previously: [1]1 [2]2 [3]3 [4]4 [5]5 [6]6 [7]7 [8]8 [9]9
   "I know exactly why you invited us over," chuckled Will Kennicott,
   Superindentent of the Gopherville Public Schools to Claire Andrews,
   his counterpart at the nearby Zenith Public Schools. "You want me to
   introduce you to Paul."
   "I wouldn't turn you down, of course," she replied.
   "Or his money."
   "Or his money," grinned Claire. "But it's you I wanted to talk to."
   Claire had hoped to lure Senator Babbitt to the meeting, but he
   deferred, saying something about it not being appropriate at this
   time, whatever that meant. So, it was just the two couples tonight,
   and now just the two of them. Carol Kennicott had departed shortly
   after dinner to a church meeting and Victor "Vic" Andrews went home to
   watch television after a quick swing through the kitchen. He was head
   chef at the Circle R Supper Club and the occasional night off was not
   going to be squandered listening to Claire's shop talk.
   Over coffee, Claire Andrews resumed. "Will, I've been envious of what
   Paul gave you, no doubt about it. Mostly the freedom part, the ability
   to do things right without crying to Babbitt and company."
   "Good thing he isn't here," smiled Kennicott.
   "I would have said it if he was. I think he's man enough to understand
   I'm talking about the Legislature and his party bosses down there."
   "He's a Democrat, too. So are you, I thought."
   "I am. I always will be. But I can't say I know what party runs St.
   Paul these days. You know, I had a short chat with Jack Larson last
   week. He and Judy celebrated their anniversary here at the Circle R.
   He is one frustrated young man, just as I am." Claire laughed, then
   Will joined her.
   "I know what you meant, young lady. And yes, Jack is frustrated, no
   doubt about it. They don't care anymore. Not even Babbitt. They've got
   money for anything but education. They've got money for everything but
   education." Jack Larson headed the Legislative Delegation, a small
   group of citizen lobbyists who made at least monthly trips to the
   Capitol to try to get more money for Gopherville schools. "Jack
   unloaded in my office shortly after the end of last year's session. He
   just couldn't understand why money was being added to pay for health
   care who didn't need it."
   "Will, he said," continued Kennicott, "I finally figured out who these
   people are. It's - and I quote - those hippie starving artists in
   Uptown. They get health care and whatever else and they never have to
   get a real job."
   "Wow," said Claire. "Is Jack still with us?"
   "This isn't public, but no, he's had enough."
   "So have I, Will. I've had enough and in a strange way, what Paul did
   for you gave me an idea. I'd like your opinion on it."
   "So that's why I'm here," laughed Will Kennicott. He motioned to the
   waiter pouring coffee to refill his cup. "OK, shoot."
   "I'm done begging. That may also mean I'm done being Superintendent,
   but I'm done begging. I am going to simply take whatever money comes
   in and spend it. In fact, I'm going to budget next year using the
   actual receipts from this year. If we get more, that's great. If the
   Board wants to do a referendum, that's great, too, but I'm not
   spending down my fund balances any further."
   "The Board agrees?"
   "They know nothing about it yet."
   "Thiey won't like it, especially if class sizes go up as a result."
   "They might not. They can find a new Superintendent, do a referendum,
   whatever. But I'm not crawling any more."

References

   1. file://localhost/var/www/powerblogs/speedgibson/posts/posts/1207374623.shtml
   2. file://localhost/var/www/powerblogs/speedgibson/posts/posts/1207774475.shtml
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