36 Responses to “The results are in for mayor, council, School Board”

1. posted by FighterMom4Ever at November 5, 2008 9:39 pm :
   

   Justice came on Election Day to Lisa Dawson in the 2nd District who may have thought herself very clever when two of Mrs. Wolf’s signature petition sheets “mysteriously” disappeared from a committee meeting. No one will ever know for sure exactly what happened.

   What we do KNOW, is that the missing petitions resulted in Carol Wolf not being able to be on the ballot. The 3rd District has lost a valuable SB member and children with disabilities in our city have lost an important voice.

   Now it appears that Mrs. Dawson lost her election. What goes around, comes around.

   I hope Mrs. Wolf will stay active in the schools.

2. posted by Kim Bridges at November 6, 2008 9:49 am :
   

   I look forward to working with both the new board members elected to the 2nd and 3rd District seats. Kim Gray and Norma Murdoch-Kitt bring good perspectives and experience to their roles and will bring their own eadership styles and skills to their districts.

   This mean-spririted comment is sad, misplaced, and innappropriate. Lisa Dawson has done tremendous work as Vice Chair, Finance Committee chair, and Student Discipline chair for the school board. Anyone who knows Lisa knows that she is an honest, ethical, and intelligent woman who put in countless hours with one goal in mind: improving Richmond’s schools for all children. After her years of school board work, service to others will be paramount in whatever role lies ahead for Lisa, I bet. It’s part of her nature and our community needs talented people like her involved in making us a healthy and thriving city.

   We don’t have to disparage an outgoing member in order to welcome an incoming member. What we should be doing is thanking all outgoing board members for for their service and wishing Kim Gray and Norma the very best in the important work that lies ahead. - Kim Bridges, 1st District School Board member

3. posted by FighterMom4Ever at November 6, 2008 11:05 am :
   

   Mean-spirited, Mrs. Bridges? Are you kidding me? You note the “tremendous work” you claim Mrs. Dawson accomplished and yet you absolutely ignore the considerable accomplishments of Mrs. Wolf.

   Anyone who follows RPS knows that Wolf has literally been “The Lone Wolf” in demanding fiscal accountability from RPS. It was only after the City Auditor delivered a scathing audit that you and the rest decided, well, gee, maybe we better do something on this.

   And, thanks to Mrs. Wolf’s persistence, we now have single-gender options growing in our middle schools that need it most. [Henderson, MLK, and in January '09, Chandler & Boushall].

   Had Wolf not stayed focused in the face of a board that truly did not care about our children with disabilities, the many parents of children with disabilities (my family included) would have NO HOPE that our schools would ever welcome our children.

   It was Mrs. Dawson’s “leadership” that led your board to refuse to accept the money for an I.B. program that Mrs. Wolf worked with City Councilman Hilbert to make available.

   http://saverichmond.com/?p=493

   “As detailed on these pages and elsewhere, Wolf has — almost singlehandedly at times — been the city’s premier advocate on behalf of Richmond’s public schoolchildren; an independent voice who knows how to effectively use her bully pulpit to cut through RPS’ often-clannish, sometimes-wasteful BS. She’s fought the hardest for ADA compliance (often over the objections and willful obstruction of outgoing School Board Chairman George Braxton — wanna read something truly moronic? Click here), she’s been pushed under the bus by her fellow school board members for daring to speak forcefully on behalf of school accountability and basic common sense, and she’s gone to war with city and school adminstrators for failing to place valuable resources where they belong… in the classroom….

   It’s time for a “re-do,” parents and taxpayers of the 3rd district. Do you really want to lose the most effective bulldog that the Richmond Public School system has? Best begin practicing your write-in skills.

   (And if you are one of those apologists who think we don’t need someone like Wolf speaking truth to bureaucracy, and believe that things have been just peachy at RPS under the stewardship of departing Superintendent Deborah Jewell-Sherman, check this out. As well as this. And this. And this. And this. And this. And this. And this. And this. And this… I could link all damn day).

4. posted by FighterMom4Ever at November 6, 2008 11:33 am :
   

   FACTS ARE STUBBORN THINGS, Mrs. Bridges.

   http://saverichmond.com/?p=481

   Richmond Schools Audit: The Horror!
   Richmond in the news, sheer terror, something smells funny in here, holy cannoli

   … and this is why we like Umesh V. Dalal, Richmond’s current City Auditor: When he audits, he really audits.

   For example, take the man’s long-awaited report on the procurement and accounts payable practices of Richmond City Schools — it’s required reading if you have any interest at all in whether or not Mayor L. Douglas Wilder might have a point when he goes nuclear on RPS for “waste and inefficiency.”

   But this analysis of where $55 million in school funds end up is also a horror story. That is if you are a parent with a child in the Richmond city school system. No wonder Dalal himself lives in Henrico County.

   Among many jaw-droppers detailed in this audit — read the executive summary here, the full report here and the School Adminstration’s reaction here — Dalal found that:

   - The internal controls for following procedure and ensuring lawful practices in the procurement and accounts payable processes were “significantly weak.”

   - There were “significant non-compliance with RPS policies and the Virginia Public Procurement Act provisions.”

   - School officials paid $18 million for purchase orders that were not authorized.

   - Richmond Public Schools buys more textbooks than it has students [this will be news to teachers in several city schools who complain about not having enough books to go around]. Moreover, RPS has higher textbook costs per student than localities with more students, such as Henrico. It also has no record of what is done with used textbooks, who sells them and for how much.

   - The RPS staff may have skirted regulations for emergency and single-source purchases. Moreover, the School Board’s approvals for most of the emergency purchases were not obtained as required by the School Board bylaws.

   - Looking at 52 competitively bid purchases, 96 percent did not comply with such requirements as documenting bids. The purchases were for more than $1 million.

   - School officials awarded a $104,000 contract to a firm barred from doing business with the federal and state governments because of unethical business practices.

   - Two RPS employees were related to contractors who provided services to RPS. One was a purchasing officer responsible for construction procurement. The Auditor’s office identified that “one of the construction firms utilized by RPS is owned by a family member of this purchasing officer. And a Plant Services employee’s immediate family member performed construction services for RPS. This is of concern since construction projects are handled by Plant Services. During the audit scope, both contractors received a combined total of approximately $357,000 from RPS.”

   - “On at least two occasions, staff members were instructed to backdate contracts.”

   - RPS has no little control over its vendor data input. “Staff could add, change and delete vendors without any supporting documentation.”

   - There were approx. 300 vendors that had duplicate names in the RPS database. Little wonder that Dalal and his staff found duplicate payments on 59 invoices totaling $121,073.

   - RPS balances its bank account haphazardly. “Basically, RPS personnel reconcile the bank balance with outstanding checks and relevant adjustments. This means that, as long as the list of outstanding checks reconciles with the bank balance, any errors in the general ledger balance will not be detected by this process.”

   - There was no proper documentation concerning expenses charged to credit cards issued to RPS management and former School Board
   members. “The charges on two former School Board members’ credit cards included the following: $485 in gasoline purchases in the Richmond area with no receipts or explanations. The business purpose of these charges is unknown… $10 for one on-line charge to an inappropriate website…. $175 for a Western Union money order. The payee and the reason for issuing the money order are not known.”

   - There is no assurance that RPS currently receives the most favorable pricing. The City Auditor’s office estimates that RPS could save at least $5.5 million by using eVA, a system overseen by the state that allows vendors to “compete” for contracts and services.

   - Two interactive, computerized classroom projection systems are missing. These cost a total of $7,000.

   … and so on. There is more. Lots more. Too much more. (Memo to Superintendent Deborah Jewell-Sherman: This is not a “redo,” whatever that is. This is an old-fashioned “F.”) When you read the full report, you instantly understand why Richmond’s school administration fought this kind of an audit of their procurement and accounts payable practices with such fervor … and why such an audit has been long overdue.

5. posted by Richard at November 6, 2008 2:09 pm :
   

   FighterMom4Ever, I don’t know alot about that race. But I think everyone agrees the school system has to change. If I ever have children I would not send them RPS. With that being said.

   You are just a mean person. I have read you other post on this site and on Church Hill. And the only thing you add is meanest.

6. posted by Carol A.O. Wolf at November 6, 2008 4:55 pm :
   

   “Richard,”

   I do not believe that “FighterMom4Ever” is trying to be mean to anyone as much as she is trying to defend my name and reputation. “Fighter” (and other parents of children with disabilities), have a great sense of loyalty and appreciation for the hard work I have done for the past six years on the Richmond School Board.

   Similarly, Don Harrison, who writes the “SaveRichmond” blog referenced above and many, many parents and teachers throughout the city get upset when they read comments (such as the one from Mrs. Bridges above) that can be read as being hurtful to me.

   I did not run for office, nor was I elected three times, because I wanted to make friends. I ran to make change and to improve Richmond Public Schools. I am quite capable of defending myself.

   While I would have much preferred to be one of the people rowing the boat –rather than the one rocking the boat — the boat was sitting dead in the water when I came on to the School Board.

   So, after some serious “rocking the boat” and thanks to the dedicated work of many, the RPS boat is now in motion and we have much to be proud of — and much more to accomplish as a city and as a school system.

   Mrs. Gray and Dr. Murdoch-Kitt have their work cut out for them and it is my most fervent prayer that they busy themselves with the work at hand and refrain from personal attacks of colleagues who might disagree with them.

   I am a Quaker and as such believe it is necessary to fight for justice and work for peace. I ask that those who are loyal to me refrain from arguing on my behalf when they sense that I have been treated meanly by those who should know better.

   There are far more important things for us to dedicate our energy to in this world. Please know that I have many exciting plans that will continue to allow me to be a part of making positive change happen for the children in our city.

   Godspeed to one and all,

   Carol Wolf

7. posted by Anonymous at November 6, 2008 5:13 pm :
   

   Ms. Wolf,

   I do have a question for you. I’ve heard from extremely reliable sources you supported Chris Hilbert in his bid for re-election and that you said your support of Jonathan Davis was support of his run for School Board and not City Council. I also saw you on Tuesday night at the Hilbert victory party, but earlier that day you were at the Ginter Park Library passing out campaign materials for Jonathan Davis.

   As a voter in the 3rd district I supported you each time you ran for school board. I trusted you and took you at your word. Can you explain why you said you were supporting one candidate and then campaigned for another?

   Your doing such a thing makes me seriously question your integrity, which is not something I’d like to do.

8. posted by Carol A.O. Wolf at November 6, 2008 7:25 pm :
   

   “Anonymous,”

   Your information is wrong, plain wrong.

   I passed out campaign information about Robert Grey at various polling sites on Tuesday. My husband and I, along with Oliver & Renee Hill, Rob Jones & Whitney Tymas and Matthew & Edith Ott, co-hosted a “meet-and-greet” for Robert Grey on the Saturday before Election Day.

   My presence at the gathering at the Northside Grill on Election Night was to shake Norma Murdoch-Kitt’s hand and offer my support and knowledge as she gets ready to begin her tenure as the School Board Representative for the Third District. It so happened that Chris Hilbert and his wife, Sheila, were standing outside the restaurant and, of course, I congratulated them on their victory.

   I have worked with both Jonathan Davis and Chris Hilbert and I have tremendous respect for each and for their respective dedication to community service.

   I have supported each man’s many efforts to improve the Third District and the City of Richmond and I will continue to do so. I see great worth in each and I refuse to apologize to you or anyone because of this.

   Having said that, I must note that I was disappointed by certain actions taken by each man during the recent campaign and I have shared the specifics of my concerns with each privately.

   Out of respect for Mr. Davis and Mr. Hilbert, my integrity dictates that these concerns shall remain private.

9. posted by Anonymous at November 6, 2008 8:52 pm :
   

   I appreciate your response, Ms. Wolf, however, I myself saw you distributing literature for Jonathan Davis so I know that the information I stated in my earlier post is correct.

   My integrity doesn’t allow me to name my source of information, but there’s no question of its reliability. I am confident that what I have been told is correct and that is you committed your support to Mr. Hilbert and that any official endorsement of Mr. Davis was for a run for School Board and not City Council.

   Regarding the actions taken by each candidate during the race, I can easily see how Mr. Davis’ actions of running a negative campaign, lying about Mr. Hilbert and using prison labor and state resources to print his campaign materials could be seen as problematic. But as an ardent Hilbert supporter and active campaign volunteer, I am aware of many of the details associated with his re-election campaign and throughout the entire process I found his actions to be positive and issues focused. There was nothing done that was remotely improper.

   And, lastly how did you know that Dr. Murdoch Kitt would be at the Northside Grille? It was the Hilbert victory party you were attending so I am surprised at your comments that your presence at the restaurant was to shake Norma’s hand. How did you know she would even be there?

10. posted by Carol A.O. Wolf at November 6, 2008 9:31 pm :
    

    “Anonymous” —

    You are absolutely wrong and making stuff up. I refuse to argue with someone who chooses to lie while cloaked in anonymity and false integrity.

11. posted by Anonymous at November 6, 2008 9:48 pm :
    

    I find it interesting that you can’t even answer the question as to how did you know Dr. Murdoch Kitt would even be at Northside Grille?

    I’m hardly making stuff up and maybe you don’t want to argue because there is no argument or defense of your actions.

12. posted by Dora at November 6, 2008 10:52 pm :
    

    Or maybe she doesn’t want to argue because this is a public message board and you appear to be a nut job? That is just my guess.

13. posted by Pete at November 6, 2008 11:20 pm :
    

    Ms. Wolf -

    I think you are the one mistaken. Anonymous is correct. I voted at the Ginter Park library and you were there and handed me information on Johnathan Davis. Anonymous is no nut job on this fact.

14. posted by gray at November 6, 2008 11:56 pm :
    

    Anonymous is making horrible accusations and won’t give her name or the name of her sources -I wouldn’t call this integrity. I agree with you Dora.

    Anonymous, call Carol Wolf if you are truely concerned.

15. posted by Anonymous at November 7, 2008 12:06 am :
    

    I’m not making any accusations. I voted for Mrs. Wolf each time she ran and infact, wrote her name in on Tuesday. However, I didn’t and don’t understand how she could say she was supporting one candidate and distribute campaign literature for another. I saw her passing out information with my own eyes and was not relying on any second hand information.

    I’m certainly not a nut job as Dora has so eloquently said and I stand by my question of Carol Wolf especially regarding her presence at the Hilbert victory party.

    And, since there appears to be a question about my integrity since I have posted under Anonymous, I’m happy to provide my name: Marilyn McDermott-Cain.

16. posted by gray at November 7, 2008 12:12 am :
    

    Wow!

17. posted by Anonymous at November 7, 2008 12:13 am :
    

    Wow?

18. posted by John at November 7, 2008 5:50 am :
    

    I’m all for public discussion, but if we could either get back on topic — the winners of this past election in the 2nd and 3rd districts — or cease discussing altogether, I’d appreciate it. I don’t run this website so people can engage in verbal tar-and-feathering of each other. It’s to share information and news of interest to the community.

19. posted by Carol A.O. Wolf at November 7, 2008 7:34 am :
    

    Marilyn McDermott-Cain:

    YOUR NAME is not listed in any voter list for the Third District.

20. posted by David at November 7, 2008 9:04 am :
    

    Does anyone know when the Richmond City registrar will certify the actual results? While not probable, it is possible for Pantele to obtain enough absentee votes to change the outcome in teh 5th.

21. posted by John at November 7, 2008 9:25 am :
    

    On the issue of who supports whom, can we cease the tit-for-tat?

    David, I’m not sure when the results will be certified, but the State Board of Elections now lists all 65 precincts in the city as having closed and reported results.

22. posted by Dalhectar at November 7, 2008 9:47 am :
    

    The way the optical scan machine used for mail in absentee ballots worked, it did not divide mayoral votes per district. The city hand counted those ballots yesterday. Not sure if either the city’s or state’s web site reflects the new numbers, but it does not seem like Pantele got enough 5th district mail in absentee votes to overturn. Most people who voted absentee voted in person, and those were automatically divided by district.

23. posted by Carol A.O. Wolf at November 7, 2008 10:00 am :
    

    I am so pleased to see Sheila Hill-Christian being tapped by Dwight Jones’ team! And, Bill Leighty is a heavy-weight when it comes to credibility and sensibility.

    Never have I had such hope for the future of our city and nation!

    Congratulations to all and Godspeed …

24. posted by David at November 7, 2008 10:24 am :
    

    Dalhectar:

    Thanks for the clarification. Right now, the state listing is “Unofficial”.

    I’m looking forward to a Jones administration. Whoever had won has a herculean task ahead. It looks like Jones is off to a good start.

25. posted by Anonymous at November 7, 2008 2:07 pm :
    

    Ms. Wolf,
    Look at the voting rolls a bit more carefully. My name is listed and I did vote!
    MMC

26. posted by Richard at November 8, 2008 9:32 am :
    

    Carol A.O. Wolf , Sorry but fightermom is mean and I was not defending you Carol. Was regarding her general state of meanest.

27. posted by Carol A.O. Wolf at November 8, 2008 2:31 pm :
    

    Richard,

    I know “FighterMom” and I know she has profound reasons to be hurt and angry.

    Still, those reasons do not give her — or anyone — a license to be mean. I have asked her to understand that she does not need to defend me, nor do I want her to do so.

    As much as I appreciate her support, I have asked her to refrain from any and all defensive “ad hominem” attacks on my behalf. She has agreed.

    Our city and nation are at an important crossroads right now. We need to focus on capturing the hope that has been made manifest by Barack Obama’s victory and find ways to “listen to the better angels” of our nature.

    As F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote in “The Great Gatsby” — “reserving judgment is a matter of infinite hope.”

28. posted by Lisa Dawson at November 10, 2008 10:01 am :
    

    I have no idea where Mrs. Wolf was on Election Day but I think the more important issue might be that Mrs. Wolf has been a tireless advocate for the voiceless and disenfranchised throughout her tenure on the School Board. It is extremely unlikely that the progress made in special education and in ADA compliance could have been made without her efforts. In my humble opinion as a non-resident, her consituents should be grateful to her for the work she has undertaken on their behalf.
    Lisa Dawson

29. posted by Carol A.O. Wolf at November 10, 2008 9:24 pm :
    

    Thank you, Lisa. I appreciate the kind words. ~ Carol

30. posted by Anonymous at November 10, 2008 10:30 pm :
    

    No one has disputed the contributions made by Mrs. Wolf. She has been a great advocate for Richmond’s children and our community is stronger because of her.

    When I posted my initial comments around Mrs. Wolf’s support of a City Council candidate, it was with the intent of getting clarification as to who she “endorsed.” However, her response and subsequent comments, especially related to her reasons for being present at the Northside Grille celebration didn’t and don’t appear to be very honest.

    While Mrs. Wolf doesn’t owe anybody an explanation as to her actions, we shouldn’t be expected to believe what is clearly a fabrication. If she is going to stand by an unbelievable response (her presence at the election party was to shake Norma’s hand. again, how did she even know Norma would be there?), then she should be prepared to face questions on her integrity.

31. posted by Carol A.O. Wolf at November 11, 2008 5:02 am :
    

    Seriously, “Anonymous,” how hard do you think it was to figure out that if Norma was not at her home on election night, chances were she was at the Hilbert Victory Party?

    Figuring this out did not require the skills of an ace investigative journalist or a private detective. I have known Norma for at least 20 years. Our children were in pre-school together. We each have a daughter named Kelly and have each logged considerable hours as “ballet moms.” She knows what kind of car I drive, and I know what kind of cars the Murdoch-Kitts drive. We are both Democrats and have worked polls together. We shop at the same grocery store. We both have husbands who are lawyers. We live two-and-a-half blocks apart on the same street and have for at least two decades. Got it?

    Why did finding her matter to me?

    I have represented the Third District for six years and have had opponents each time. Despite the fact that it is considered “good manners” in a campaign for the defeated to congratulate the victor, I have never received a telephone call or a handshake from any of my opponents.

    Although, Norma and I were not “opponents” per se, (i.e., I did not qualify for the ballot, nor did I launch a write-in campaign), it seemed to me that the gracious and respectful thing to do was to shake her hand and wish her well IN PUBLIC.

    How long did I stay at the Hilbert event? FIVE MINUTES. MAX.

    Now, for the LAST time — you are utterly and absolutely making STUFF up. I passed out campaign literature for Robert Grey and Barack Obama. Period.

    I am not going to engage with you any longer on this website, nor am I willing to trash the reputations of either Jonathan Davis or Chris Hilbert to satisfy you. I will not be manipulated into saying mean things about either Davis or Hilbert.

    Both men have made significant and positive contributions to our community and I intend to work with both in the future.

32. posted by Anonymous at November 11, 2008 7:47 am :
    

    Mrs. Wolf - I’m pleased that you won’t be engaging in communications with me any longer. Personally, I’m not interested in having any form of dialogue that’s not honest and that’s not something you are willing to do. You can say all you want that I am making stuff up, but you and I know the truth and apparently, so does “Pete” who you also gave Davis campaign literature to.

33. posted by John at November 11, 2008 9:46 am :
    

    This would be the point in the exchange where all parties resist the urge to get in the last word.

34. posted by Interestedabit at November 13, 2008 6:53 pm :
    

    I’m pretty new to blogging and all that and I’m amazed at how mean it can be. I can’t help thinking, after reading most of this blog, that FighterMom4Ever and Carol Wolf are the same person. Am I the last one to figure this out? I guess that says a lot about blogging….and it’s a little sad. Maybe I’m not cut out to keep doing this.

35. posted by Carol A.O. Wolf at November 15, 2008 6:17 pm :
    

    What is sad here is that anyone has the time to sit around and speculate about the identities of anonymous bloggers.

    I know who “FighterMom4Ever” is — and as the song goes: “It ain’t me, babe.”

    I have helped her and her family out in many ways over the years and I consider her a friend, a good friend, a loyal friend. She has been a frequent guest in my home, as have her children.

    But, in the name of that friendship, I recently asked her not to blog about me or about matters that involve me. She agreed.

    Had I time and world enough, I suppose I could sit around and speculate about the identities of other anonymous bloggers who have posted mean words and false information about me.

    But, I have neither the time nor the inclination to do so. Please call me at 264-8015 should you have any questions and/or concerns you wish to discuss with me.

36. posted by John at November 16, 2008 7:45 pm :
    

    Hello, editor of North Richmond News here. Carol Wolf and “FighterMom4Ever” are not the same person. Consider that confirmed. Also, before rumors begin, I am not Carol Wolf, either. I’m not sure I’ve even met her.

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