The Llano Ledger
Newsletter Text V6
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************************July 26, 1999***********************
As reported earlier (July 6 & May 3), the Llano Independent School
District (LISD) Transportation/Custodial unit was split into two
separate departments. Transportation and Maintenance are now supervised
by two individuals, -- one newly appointed, the Maintenance Manager. As
also previously reported, taxpayers are sadly forced to pay an
additional salary at a time when LISD is shrilly crying poverty.
Numerous information requests, germane to questions raised by the past
employment history and possible previous association of newly appointed
LISD Maintenance Manager Sid Schmidt and Superintendent Jack Patton in
two other school districts, were made to several LISD officials. In
addition, requests were also sent to several of these people for
further clarification of precisely who was handling the School Bond
funds. ... Readers should remember _The Ledger had earlier received an
allegation from a credible source asserting retired former Business
Manager Cynthia Bauer had not in fact been handling these funds for
some time.
Sadly, the stone-walling was impressive. Under the Texas Open Records
Act, requests for information were sent to : Former Superintendent Dr.
Lane (5-26-99), Asst. Superintendent Judith Robbins (5-27-99),
Transportation Manager Robert Darnell (5-27-99), former Business
Manager Cynthia Bauer (5-27-99), Superintendent Jack Patton (6-18-99),
& Supt. Patton (7-1-99). Requests were also sent to the Hereford
and Menard school systems as well.
Had an unnamed School Board member not placed additional pressure on
the new Superintendent, Mr. Patton would have certainly been content to
continue the stone-walling. _The Ledger finally received a snail-mail
response dated July 15. Mr. Patton's letter is at best disingenuous,
misleading, obfuscating, and incomplete. In an effort to substantiate
this, I've decided to first present to readers the text of three
information requests, a letter from Menard Superintendent David Deaver,
and finally Mr. Patton's response received July 17. After all have had
a chance to review the documents, I'll then discuss Mr. Patton's letter
in greater detail. ... His response is particularly interesting in
light of new information received subsequently to the date of his
letter.
*********************************************************************
(Text from second information request to Dr. Lane, 6-15-99)
Dear Dr. Lane:
The following is a request for information that was originally made on
May 26, 1999. The request is made under the Texas Open Records Act,
Government Code, Chapter 552, Public Information.
It has been brought to my attention there has been a reorganization
of the Transportation Department to two separate departments
(Transportation and Maintenance), each having a department head. If
true, could you kindly identify the department heads and where they
came from? In addition, Ms. Cynthia Bauer has ignored a request for
information made on May 27, 1999 regarding the identity of the person
responsible for the handling of the School Bond money. Can you confirm
whether or not she is the responsible party?
The Texas Open Records Act requires you to act on my request within 10
days. As you well know, we are well beyond that point. As the chief
administrative officer, the Act (Ch.552.201) identifies you as the
officer for public information. The Act also provides civil as well as
criminal penalties for your failure to act in a timely fashion.
Regards,
Tim Chorney, Publisher
The Llano Ledger
*********************************************************************
(Text from first information request to Jack Patton, 6-18-99)
Dear Mr. Patton:
The following is a request for information made under the Texas Open
Records Act, Government Code, Chapter 552, Public Information.
It has been brought to my attention there has been a reorganization of
the Transportation Department to two separate departments
(Transportation and Maintenance), each having a department head. If
true, could you kindly identify the department heads and where they
came from?
In addition, Ms. Cynthia Bauer has ignored a request for
information made on May 27, 1999 regarding the identity of the person
responsible for the handling of the School Bond money. Can you confirm
whether or not she is the responsible party?
The Texas Open Records Act requires you to act on my request within 10
days. As the chief administrative officer, the Act (Ch.552.201)
identifies you as the officer for public information. The Act also
provides civil as well as criminal penalties for your failure to act in
a timely fashion.
Regards,
Tim Chorney, Publisher
The Llano Ledger
*********************************************************************
(Text from 2nd information request to Patton, 7-1-99)
Dear Mr. Patton:
This is a request for information made under the Texas Open Records Act, Government Code, Ch.552, Public Information.
It has been brought to my attention by credible sources that newly
appointed Maintenance Manager Sid Schmidt worked for you most recently
in the Hereford school system, and earlier at Menard as well. Is this
true? If true, what exactly is the nature of Mr. Schmidt's relationship
to you? Is he a family member?
The Texas Open Records Act requires you to act on my request within 10
days. As the chief administrative officer, the Act (Ch.552.201)
identifies you as the officer for public information. The Act also
provides civil as well as criminal penalties for your failure to act in
a timely fashion.
Regards,
Tim Chorney, Publisher
The Llano Ledger
*********************************************************************
(Text of letter from Menard Supt. David Deaver, no date, date received: 7-10-99)
Mr. Chorney:
As per your request under the Open Records Act, Sid Schmidt worked for
Menard ISD from 1995 to 1997 as a maintenance worker. If further
information is needed, please write or call.
In Education,
David C. Deaver
Superintendent
*********************************************************************
(Text of letter from LISD Supt. Jack Patton, 7-15-99)
Dear Mr. Chorney:
As the new superintendent of Llano ISD, my internet service has just
been installed. Upon looking at my e-mail received, I came across a
letter dated Friday, June 15, 1999. In that letter you asked certain
questions about the reorganization of the transportation/maintenance
department and who handled our school bond money.
In response to your question, at the April school board meeting,
the board authorized the splitting of the maintenance/transportation
department since we are adding two new campuses--Packsaddle Elementary
and the new high school campus.
At that time I recommended that Sid Schmidt be hired as the maintenance
director and Robert Darnell be named the transportation director. Mr.
Schmidt is a native of Mason County and has worked previously in Menard
and Hereford. He, nor his family, are related to me or my family in any
way. Mr. Schmidt is well qualified and I recommend him from my past
work experience with him. Mr. Darnell is from Kingsland and has a
military background that moved him around most of his career.
In response to your final question about who was responsible for our
bond money, that would be our business manager. In the future, if you
would like to request information, please do not hesitate to send a
written request to: Office of the Superintendent, 200 E. Lampasas,
Llano, Texas 78643.
We have enclosed the appropriate form to request information and we will respond to you in writing.
Sincerely,
Jack Patton
Superintendent
*********************************************************************
The LISD website URL is http://www.llano.k12.tx.us/
At the site, until at least the middle of last week, contact e-mail
addresses could have been found for all LISD officials mentioned in
this edition of the newsletter. Having once again checked the LISD
website this morning, there has been a change. Former Superintendent
Dr. Lane, former Business Manager Cynthia Bauer, Business Manager Carol
Voit, Asst. Supt. Judith Robbins, and Supt. Jack Patton ALL shared the
SAME e-mail address previously, -- and had for some time. Mr. Patton's
assertion (excuse?) his Internet service was recently installed is not
credible. Not only that, he's been with LISD since March as well. Even
if true, why weren't any of the other information requests answered by
his cronies? Were they all asleep? Moreover and as mentioned earlier, a
credible source has asserted an unnamed member of the School Board
recently brought additional pressure to bear, finally forcing Mr.
Patton's response.
The letter from _The Ledger dated 6-15-99 referenced by Mr. Patton was
addressed to former Superintendent Dr. Lane. This is why I presented it
to the readers. In addition, since Patton's response was a composite
answer to all the information requests, I decided to include several of
them as well for review by all.
I am indeed grateful to Mr. Patton for confirming his previous
association with Mr. Schmidt in both the Hereford and Menard school
systems. Sadly, the Hereford system ignored an earlier information
request made under the Texas Open Records Act. Menard Superintendent
David Deaver, however, confirmed Mr. Schmidt was indeed a maintenance
worker there.
Concerning Mr. Schmidt's qualifications, I have yet to confirm whether
or not he's had any management experience. Apparently, from Deaver's
letter he had none at Menard. While the LISD school system is indeed in
the process of expansion, a credible source has presented new
information to this publication indicating LISD revenues are nearly
$210,000 short of expectations as of the middle of July. Yet, there is
money to split the Maintenance/Transportation department, forcing the
additional expense of a second salary and benefits? In addition, the
School Board earlier last week awarded a $26,600 bid to Musco and LCRA
for additional lighting of the tennis courts at the high school. Guess
who's paying? The Board also accepted a Gray and Monarch Electric
proposal for additional lighting of the baseball field as well.
Interesting, no?
Apparently, the School Board is unconcerned about the revenue
shortfall. After all, they do have the taxpayers to take up the slack.
With all the waste and questionable spending, a tax increase if it
occurs, should certainly come as no surprise. No? Think athletic field
lighting expenditures will improve standardized test scores of our
students? How many taxpayers even know LISD pays Llano County $66,000
yearly to loot us? (Cost of collection of school taxes by the county)
... Akin to charging a spouse a fee for a required expenditure?
While I'm certainly relieved to learn Mr. Schmidt is not a relative
of Mr. Patton, I do have to question the Superintendent's judgement in
employing a friend and associate from two other school districts in a
high level management position. The appearance alone stinks, and smacks
of cronyism. Think it does anything for morale of other long-time
employees of LISD? ... How many others have waited years for a
promotion to management, -- only to be shafted by a new Superintendent
bringing in an old pal? While school building heating, ventilation, and
air conditioning (HVAC) systems are increasingly complex, it's hard to
believe Patton had to look outside LISD for someone qualified. Employee
morale problems due to alleged nepotism have also been brought to the
attention of this publication by a credible source. They will be very
carefully looked into over the next several months.
The Superintendent cleverly side-stepped my question regarding the
history of who has been handling the bond money. As previously reported
in this publication, a credible source has asserted School Bond funds
were not in fact being handled for some time by former Business Manager
Cynthia Bauer. While these funds are apparently currently handled by
Carol Voit, the trail of past responsibility is still unclear. Patton
had an opportunity to put the matter to rest, but chose not to. Why?
LISD has clearly not been very forthcoming with information. The
Superintendent not only included a supposedly "appropriate form" to
request information, but five others as well explaining procedures and
charges. Why? Why should it cost anything to ask a few simple
questions, quickly and easily answered by e-mail? Would he charge for a
telephone inquiry? Does he in fact bill the media when asking them to
publicize something flattering? More pointedly, is this the
Superintendent's idea of open government? Just as pointedly, is it
reasonable to expect anything better from a government bureaucrat? Mr.
Patton has apparently forgotten he works for the taxpayers. The
taxpayers not only have a need, but the right to know what is going on
in the school system. Just as importantly, is the stone-walling of the
Superintendent and his cronies an example of "personal responsibility"
we want taught to our children?
If you have direct knowledge of any abuse, impropriety, fraud,
corruption, waste, etc. in any area of Llano County government, kindly
come forward. As repeatedly promised, I will protect your identity
regardless of the personal cost and consequences. Our illustrious
officials are clearly incapable of policing themselves or each other.
With all the waste and questionable spending, it is in the best
interest of the taxpayers to demand an immediate independent audit of
school finances.
Want desperately needed change? Look in the mirror. It is up to each of
us to do our part. Know someone who has direct knowledge? Urge them to
do the right thing and courageously step forward. Sadly, sunlight is
the only effective remedy. After all, the problem is systemic, reaching
even into the offices of our prosecutors. ... Be assured, no matter
what, no matter how, and despite all obstacles and obfuscation, the
digging has only just begun.
Tim Chorney, Publisher
************************July 19, 1999***********************
Sorry friends, the royal shaft is once again in the works. The Llano
County Commissioners' Court has finally acquired a 36.26 acre tract on
Hwy 16 north of Llano for the new law enforcement center. The Tom and
Mary Phema Moore Estate originally owned all of it. Half was donated to
the county. The other half was sold at a discount for $53,000. Aren't
we lucky? Huckabee & Associates of Ft. Worth is the architect. At
this time, it is not clear how much they have already been paid, or
what their fee structure will be.
Worse yet, our illustrious Commissioners have no firm figure on the
final cost of the center, believing it to be somewhere between $2.5 to
$3 million. It is supposedly the job of the architect to discuss
facility requirements, make recommendations, and provide detailed cost
estimates as he goes along. Eminently convenient, no? Not surprisingly,
the "capable" leadership of our county has made no provision for
financing the project. Apparently, they'll either hold a bond election,
or issue certificates of obligation. Aren't we blessed?
Ever build a house? Would you do so without knowing its cost or how it
was going to be paid for? Would a business construct a Dairy Queen,
Pizza Hut, Burger King, etc. without cost figures or financing
arrangements? On a grander scale, would Walmart erect a Supercenter
costing millions, simply "winging it" as they go?
Yet, our illustrious Commissioners are prepared to do precisely
that. Why shouldn't they? After all, the taxpayers are there to foot
the bill, aren't they? Our "leaders" "know" we're suckers, and will put
up with anything. Why was Huckabee chosen? Interesting question, no?
How many other architectural firms were consulted? Did we get someone
with adequate experience? Supposedly.
If so, why aren't they able to provide "harder" upfront cost figures?
With the inmate population soaring all over the nation, surely there
have to be at least a few facilities out there with 48 beds and office
space. Why haven't the Commissioners insisted on firmer figures? ...
Why indeed are "hard" numbers so important, even critical, to the
taxpayers? Consider the dilemma faced by Travis County residents. A law
enforcement center planned there has exceeded approximately twice its
original cost estimate. Sadly, the figures aren't final. The project
isn't finished. -- Neither is the shafting of Travis County citizens.
Do we want the same here?
Our most esteemed County Judge J.P. Dodgen has disclosed Llano County
taxpayers have spent $40,000 so far this year to handle the "overflow"
in the jail. He also whined the facility didn't pass this year's jail
standards inspection. Timely and mighty convenient, no? ... Nothing
quite like creating a little pressure on the public to accept a
boondoggle that will ultimately fleece the taxpayers millions. Slick,
incredibly slick. Well engineered, Judge. Hat's off to you, sir.
Mr. Dodgen, sadly you have yet to demonstrate the need for a new
facility. Are you indeed afraid to order an independent study designed
to truly assess whether or not this proposed pork pen is justified?
After all, the "feasibility" study previously ordered is nothing but a
sham and rubber stamp for you and your colleagues. More pointedly
Judge, aren't you being disingenuous by not disclosing the percentage
of prisoners held at outrageous bail on relatively petty charges filed
by the Narcotics Enforcement Team (NET)? Don't you think it's time for
you and your cronies on the bench to read the Eighth Amendment
proscribing excessive bail? Wake up, sir. The taxpayers are wisely on
to the scam.
Incredibly and worse yet, Mr. Dodgen is awaiting detailed cost figures
from the architect before deciding whether or not the county can go
ahead with the project. Judge, why wasn't that done PRIOR to purchasing
the property? More pointedly, isn't that what the "feasibility" study
was supposed to assess? ... Oh, I almost forgot. Why not dump as much
money as possible into the boondoggle beforehand? After all, it'll be
easier to get the people to go along, won't it? Just as pointedly, can
you tell the taxpayers exactly how much has already been spent? Do you
even know? What about the waste in the county judicial system? A
credible source is estimating the figure to be about $296,351 this
year. Sadly, our illustrious officials are about to stick it to us
again. Aren't we lucky?
The architect has been instructed to work closely with Sheriff
Nathan Garrett. Isn't that reassuring? This is the same abusive officer
who presided over the jail at the time of at least two rapes of female
inmates under his supervision. Just as pointedly, Garrett and the
"Boys" have generously assisted NET in its effort to fill the jail with
prisoners held on grossly excessive bail for relatively minor charges.
-- One hand does indeed wash the other, doesn't it? The Sheriff also
presided over the facility when two burglars escaped through an
unbarred window. ... Ever fix it, Nathan? Why bother? -- As good an
excuse as any to build a new jail, no?
Taxpayers must also remember all the principals involved in this
latest boondoggle stood by in deafening silence when District Attorney
Sam Oatman pre-emptively, conveniently, and outrageously dismissed a
jail-rape indictment returned by the Llano County Grand Jury against a
jail trusty. Yet, these are the very same officials who are determined
to fleece taxpayers additional millions for a facility whose need has
not even been clearly demonstrated by an independent study unbeholden
to them. -- After all, this is Llano County politics, isn't it? What do
I want, the world or what?
Tim Chorney, Publisher
Tim Chorney, Publisher
P.O. Box 997
Buchanan Dam Tx. 78609
llanoledger@mailcity.com
Page Updated Tue Oct 9, 2001 1:40pm EDT