Recap of BOE Candidates Forum Oct 14, 2010 - Rippowam Middle School

Here is my recap
Bob King spoke the most eloquently and completely about the issues without pandering to any specific group. Clearly he understands the depth of the issues, since he has been involved for so long.

Geoff Alswanger spoke the most passionately and clearly has a good grasp of some of the issues. I do believe he is too focused on MS reform and needs to understand there are many other issues that too need to be addressed. I think if what he says is true he will be a good member, I just worry he is saying the right things just to get elected and then his sole goal will be to try to derail the MS train, which has already left the station (right wrong or indifferent). (btw/ I am not well versed on this issue, so I cannot and will not comment on the merits either way) We will see.
I thought Rich Lyon was a dunce during the forum, not paying attention, asking for the question to be repeated each time he came to speak. Then I spoke to him afterwards and got a much different impression. I doubt I will vote for him, but at least he showed me he was not as idiotic as he looked on the stage.

Bayonne did not say anything substantial or relevant, leaving no impression on my other than the he has put on weight since he bought his suit as his jacket was clearly too small

Limone is a complete idiot and was belching incomprehensible facts and contradictory statements that made no statements. Almost always leaving us saying "huh" or "what"

Leydon struck me as a complete nothing. He grew up in Stamford, his parents grew up in Stamford, his wife grew up in Stamford, he has 4 kids, he was on the board in the 1990s and has been on the board of reps. His delivery and style was not dynamic, I have no idea how he has won elections previously. I have no idea why he is running ,except people are leaving Stamford because of our schools.

Angela Lorenti was not able to attend as she was attending her daughters induction into National Honor Society at St. Johns University last night. I know, as an Independent, she is focused on being an advocate for the students, and not letting city politics influence how money is allocated or the priorities of the school board.

This was a recurring theme throughout the night, but no one said if the issue was real or perceived. Bob King did bring up that we have a lot of students who go onto higher education and are incredibly successful and those stories need to be better articulated and promoted. Someone also mentioned (after the forum) about further engaging the business (outside of GE) to engage them to invest in the schools and the community to encourage their employees to live and stay in Stamford. This was the best idea I heard all night and it took place in a small conversation not on the dais. As you know I think all our schools are great in there own way, and we need to spend more time promoting them, rather than just allowing the negative perception to continue (off my soap box now).

There was also a ground swell to support the teachers and not impact the classroom with any changes or budgetary constraints on the horizon. However, none of them touched upon my major concern is that the union is not necessarily in line with their rank and file in how things are being run and managed.

Finally the support around Starr was mixed. King supported him, calling him an innovator. Lyon said he needs to play the politics game better, probably a true statement but it came across kind of crass. Limone and Leydon complained he does not compromise and does not listen to the public and Bayonne was upset because he interviewed for another position. Alswanger took the middle ground on this, saying they all need to work together

I hope to get at least one more so I can hear more from everyone.