Re-Call Effort a Waste of Money

I have been following the re-call of PUSD Trustee, Andy Patapow. Keith Wilson, Christopher Garnier and their supporters have set out on a journey that if followed through, will cost taxpayers anywhere from $160,000 to $800,000. To unseat a trustee whose term expires in one year. To help people understand the costs and effects of this effort, I gathered information about the re-call effort.

The SD Registrar of Voters provided the following information. To qualify this effort for election, proponents must serve the incumbent a copy of a “Notice of Intention” to re-call him/her from office. Within seven (7) days the proponents file with the Registrar the original “Notice of Intention” and an affidavit of time and manner of service of the “Notice of Intention”. The “Notice of Intention” must be signed by at least ten (10) registered, qualified voters. Wilson struggled to get this part of the process right. Twice it was rejected for having persons signing the “Notice of Intention” that were not “qualified” to do so. The third try (three is a charm) was certified by the Registrar. The effected candidate is given seven (7) days to submit a 200 word statement disputing the re-call effort. Wilson then must have the petition prepared within ten (10) days. There are a number of technical requirements for this step. The Registrar notifies the proponents in writing the findings as to whether form and wording of the petition meets requirements of the Election Code. Once the petition is approved (rumor has it this process has been completed), the petition can then be circulated for signatures. The proponents have up to 160 days to gather and submit signatures for approval. To cause an election, 10,600 signatures will be required. That is 10,600 VALID, registered, PUSD voter signatures. Once the signatures are submitted, the signatures on the petitions are verified. This will cost the petitioner $25,000. IF the petitioner gathers the necessary 10,600 VALID signatures, an election will be called. The election would be called within 125 days.

So, let’s try and do the math. Today is November 6, 2015. Based on comments from Garnier, the form and wording has been approved. The clock is ticking for the gathering of signatures. Using 120 days as a base number (they can take up to 160 days) for submitting the signatures, that puts the date at around March 1, 2016. The Registrar will take thirty (30) days to verify the signatures and we are at April 1, 2016. The election must be held 88-125 days from the date the election is called for. This then makes the election sometime in June 2016, given the best of circumstances for the proponents of the re-call. Andy Patapow’s term is up in December of 2016. There is a clause in the election code that prohibits the recall of an incumbent who has six (6) months or less to serve in his/her term. So, what is the real point of this re-call?

If the recall election is actually held, the cost for the election must be paid for from the PUSD operating budget. The cost will vary depending on if it is held on a normal election day, a Primary election day or as a special election. The cost of the election if held with the June Primary is upwards of $200,000. A special election could cost $800,000 or more.

We are back to motivation.

I have written about Garnier’s motivations. The reasons cited in the “Notice of Intention” cite the CAB’s as reason for the re-call effort. The real reason is the failure of Beatty and Sellers to garner support for the removal of Dr. Collins. Kimberley Beatty and Charles Sellers are privately (and maybe in the future) publicly supporting this recall, hoping to eliminate Andy Patapow and get a person who thinks like they do, so they can move forward with removing Dr. Collins. Beatty and Seller’s have "de facto" voted to waste tax payer dollars, simply because they can't get their way and fire Dr. Collins - and refuse to work honorably with him through the end of his contract. Their support of such a waste of tax payer funds may open them up to recall. This is a sad state of affairs.

Andy Patapow has devoted 50 years of his life to PUSD as a Principal and Board Member and has done nothing to merit re-call. I could write for hours about the positive contributions Andy has provided students of the PUSD. This re-call effort is a spiteful action against a man of integrity and honor, by a group of angry, disgruntled people, who have an agenda that is not focused on children and education. It is time to send them a message.

Do not support this re-call effort.

E-Mails Begin to Tell a Story

I have been reviewing a number of e-mails received through a "Public Information Request" of the Poway Unified School District. I could write for days on the content I have, but I decided to parcel them out as I review and attempt to understand the motivations of certain people. The motives are beginning to emerge and ties various individuals have, is interesting, to say the least.

Back in September 2014, Christopher Garnier sent an e-mail to Dr. John Collins with the subject, "My Thoughts and My Desires". The e-mail was sent on September 27, 2014, at 8:31 PM. See below:

Page 2

The e-mail speaks for itself. The first paragraph, at the beginning of this two page e-mail, paints a picture of what is to come. The genesis for what is going on today?

In January of 2015, Christopher Garnier sent an e-mail to Kimberley Beatty that was a follow up e-mail to his complaint of having to pay for items he was seeking through a Public Records Request.

Another example of the e-mails sent by Christopher Garnier is one sent on May 25, 2015. Christopher Garnier adds a subject line that says, "Happy Memorial Day Dr. Collins".

I did not receive a copy of the attachment which was included in the original e-mail. An example of a veiled threat and Christopher Garnier's continued harassment and intimidation.

Another example of the intimidation tactics and harassment from Christopher Garnier is this e-mail sent on October 7, 2015 at 8:11 PM, with the subject, "I Hope you gentlemen are having a relaxing night."

Most of the e-mails sent by Christopher Garnier are rambling repeats of his belief there is rampant district wide racism. What Christopher Garnier leaves out of all his rants, are the things he did to elicit the response he received. He fails to accept any responsibility for HIS actions and words, spoken and written.

I am attempting to figure out a better way of presenting the volumes of e-mails associated with Christopher Garnier. The extended rants make it difficult to present here. I'm sure there is a manner in which I can do so, but I have not figured it out yet. I will work on that and when I figure it out, post them here for people to make their own judgments.

Until then, let us focus our time and energy on "KIDS and EDUCATION". Let us all support our teachers, who do a wonderful job every day, under difficult conditions and without the respect and appreciation they all deserve. THANK YOU for all YOU do for our KIDS!!!!!!!

Christopher J Garnier and Free Speech

"Freedom of Speech" is a phrase that is so often used, abused and misunderstood. Let's look quickly at what the First Amendment to the Constitution says; Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. 

So, "Free speech" in lay persons terms, "is the right to communicate one's opinions and ideas without fear of government retaliation or censorship." What about me and you? Do you and I have to sit idle and be restricted in our response to abuses of "Freedom of Speech"?

Christopher Garnier has written and said many things over the past year. He has a dialog consisting of phrases that are used to bolster his status, in an attempt to make his words more meaningful. Maybe it is his own reputation for rectitude (in his mind) that give him the belief his words are power. His righteousness, justification for conduct producing unpleasant or uncomfortable experiences – affronts to sense or sensibility, disgust, shock, shame, embarrassment, annoyance, boredom, anger, fear, or humiliation. 

Christopher Garnier relishes the spot light. He grabs for the glitz and glamour of his self absorbed worth. He cries racism when challenged for the words he chooses. He deflects when challenged or called out. 

Let's look for a moment at Christopher Garnier, his words and actions and consider his motives. In weighing his interests, we should take into account the importance of his words and conduct to society (keeping in mind the social importance of his right to expression). His mantra is centered on the removal of Dr. John Collins, Superintendent of the PUSD. Garnier has repeatedly attempted to bolster his credibility with self aggrandizing statements. A highlight of the oft repeated statements of Christopher Garnier;

• I am a man of great pride.
• When I say something, I stand by my words.
• I enjoy looking a person in his or her eyes and telling the truth.
• I'm a former Marine Corps Officer.
• I served this Great Nation as a Marine Corps Officer and combat helicopter pilot.
• As a Marine Corps Officer in both Iraq and Afghanistan I was forced to deal with the truth.
• I am a busy man, raising my three children, own my own business and pursuing my doctoral degree from USC.
• I'm a scary man because I'm ONLY controlled by my beliefs of righteousness and those beliefs place a mirror in front of those who fall short.
• Marine Corps Officers live by a code and honesty is the spearhead of that code.
• My Marine Corps ethos of honor, courage and commitment with the faith that I have been internally blessed with will guide me.
• I'm a black man and my wife is white.
• I'm a black disabled veteran.     

You will hear and read these comments in a variety of venues. Christopher Garnier is very adept at producing unpleasant or uncomfortable experiences for people, by the manner in which he comports himself. He uses his color to intimidate and as a shield for protection. The dialog of Christopher Garnier is often an affront to sense and sensibility. He attempts to show disgust for another persons actions, occurring over 20 years ago, yet accepts no responsibility for his own words and actions from past or present. Christopher Garnier intentionally uses words to shock and embarrass. He does so to create fear and humiliate. The question is WHY?   

If there was not a spiteful motive behind Christopher Garnier's words and actions, it would be difficult to argue against his "right" to say what he does. His offensive conduct falling under the theory of "a great social utility" diminishing the greater public voice from overriding his interest. Christopher Garnier may, accordingly, speak and write with freedom, but shall be responsible for abuses of this freedom. 

What spiteful motive could Christopher Garnier have for attacking Dr. Collins and others in the district? What is his motivation? I think it is Christopher Garnier who would best be able to provide this information. Christopher Garnier was once an "Impact Teacher at Del Norte". A job that did not last long. In an e-mail, Christopher Garnier wrote, about his leaving this position, "I am confident I did a great job with the task that you charged me with but because of personal beliefs, I must move one."  This appears to be the genesis for Christopher Garnier's motivation. There is also the short lived "coaching" position Christopher Garnier held within the district. 

To understand fully the motives of Christopher Garnier, there is a video on YouTube I stumbled upon where Christopher and his wife are front and center, telling their story. The video is titled; "Black Marine Pilot Called a "Boy", Punished for Reporting it" (link attached). The video is hosted by Walter Davis, who hosts his own show called "Progress in the World" as well as Nilsa Acevedo, his co-host and host of a show titled "Progress in your World". The video is approximately one hour and forty minutes long. Grab a drink (you will need one) and listen to his words. The motivation for Christopher Garnier is hidden in his words, throughout the video.

I am culling through a stack of e-mails written by Christopher Garnier that will further paint the picture of an individual whose spiteful motive is becoming crystal clear. If you want to see more of Christopher Garnier, check out the blog titled; "San Diego Rostra" and a post titled, "Strike TWO On Poway Schools Recall - Notice Invalidated Again (link attached). 

Until next time, let's shift the focus from Christopher Garnier, his wife and Keith Wilson to "Kids and Education".

Keith Wilson Character Counts

"Character Counts" teaches six pillars of character to live by. These six pillars apply to everyone and exclude no one. The Josephson Institute explains the six pillars of character as;

Trustworthiness

Be honest • Don’t deceive, cheat, or steal • Be reliable — do what you say you’ll do • Have the courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation • Be loyal — stand by your family, friends, and country

Respect

Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant and accepting of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements

Responsibility

Do what you are supposed to do • Plan ahead • Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act — consider the consequences • Be accountable for your words, actions, and attitudes • Set a good example for others

Fairness

Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others • Don’t take advantage of others • Don’t blame others carelessly • Treat all people fairly

Caring

Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive others • Help people in need

Citizenship

Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Get involved in community affairs • Stay informed; vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment • Volunteer

- See more at: https://charactercounts.org/sixpillars.html#sthash.y5RnWvM7.dpuf

Children begin to learn about character from their parents, long before they enter the educational arena. Our children are little sponges, watching and listening to everything we do and say. When our children enter school, they begin to learn from their friends as well as our teachers. Some children arrive at the door with a base, built by their parents, who demonstrated good character and instilled it in their children.

On October 8, 2015, I submitted a Public Information Request, seeking e-mails, exchanged between several individuals. I sought to examine the dialogue and exchange of information between members of the public, board members and the Superintendent.

What I discovered was both frightening and appalling.

One of the individuals whose e-mails I sought to examine was Keith Wilson. Keith Wilson is the driving force behind the "Re-Call" effort to remove PUSD Board Member Andy Patapow. Keith Wilson is also a regular speaker and critic of the District, Dr. John Collins and Mr. Patapow. I wrote in a recent post about Keith Wilson's fixation with sexual innuendo. His many rants before the school board, during the public comment time of the meeting, often contained reference to something sexual in nature. Keith Wilson will often attempt to qualify or minimize his statement as not really being sexual, just a way to get his point across. Keith Wilson clearly relishes the spot light and enjoys the response he gets when making his off colored comments directed at various members of PUSD.

While reviewing the mountain of e-mails, I came across three e-mails sent by Keith Wilson on September 11, October 11 and 12, 2015, that paint a picture of his character, or lack there of. On September 11, 2015, Keith Wilson sent the following e-mail to Dr. John Collins and Cc'd his daughter;

The next day, Keith Wilson followed the above e-mail with the one below;

Then on October 12, 2015, Keith Wilson sent the below e-mail to Associate Superintendent of Personnel Support Services, Tracy Hogarth;

The link at the bottom of the e-mail is for the song;

"Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood".

The above e-mails are but a small sampling of e-mails sent by Keith Wilson. In my opinion, they paint a picture of a troubled individual, who lacks character. Keith Wilson has shown through his writings in these e-mails, he is not a good person. Keith Wilson has proven he is not someone to look up to and admire. Keith Wilson shows he is not thinking right nor doing right. Keith Wilson has illustrated he does not know the difference between right and wrong and does not do right. Keith Wilson has proven to not set a good example for everyone and has not shown any effort to make
the world a better place.

Keith Wilson;

Watch your thoughts, they become words.
Watch your words, they become actions.
Watch your actions, they become habits.
Watch your habits, they become character.
Watch your character, it becomes your destiny.

When we judge a person and their character, we often do so after giving the benefit of doubt, for prior words and actions. After repeated words and actions, we see the habits of a person and this shapes our judgement of their character. Keith Wilson lacks character in my opinion and his destiny will soon be clear. He will no doubt cry foul for being the focus of such a post here. I simply suggest he find a mirror, free from distraction and take a good long look at what stands before him. Keith Wilson, ask yourself; "How is my character viewed by others?"

Character starts with "Trustworthiness" Be honest • Don’t deceive, cheat, or steal • Be reliable — do what you say you’ll do • Have the courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation  I am reviewing many other e-mails that need to be shared. I will be doing so over the next several days. Until then, share with friends, who Keith Wilson is and ask if this is a person who should be taken
seriously.