Recently, we turned on Ch 20 and saw and heard the enlarged image of Dr. Eastwood presenting a monologue to the public and school district. We also are aware that this message had been broadcast into all the school rooms of the district. Dr Eastwood's image immediately invoked memories of the movie based on Orwell's novel "l984". How similar Dr. Eastwood's image was to that of Orwell's character "Big Brother". For those of you who do not remember the movie or book, "1984" is about the the operation of a totalitarian state in which all must conform and follow the dictates of "Big Brother".
The suppression of freedom of speech at meetings, the mindless approval of the board majority to Dr. Eastwood's dictates, and the dictatorial management of the district by Dr. Eastwood are all topics which have have been raised in past blogs, in the media, and at board meetings. There is no reason here for further elaboration. However, when these factors prevent the starting of construction on our new elementary school, something further must be said.
The public has never been given a legal analysis of why the settlement offer of the city is illegal. No money is changing hands, and the the final outcome will be predicated on the courts decision. Where is the illegality? Rather , it appears that the district's decision is based more on Dr. Eastwood saving face, and his inability to compromise. As usual, it is Dr. Eastwood's way or the highway. Let's not forget, it was Dr. Eastwood who pushed the board into the Article 78, and if the district loses in court, it will be his responsibility.
It is up to the public now to demand that Dr. Eastwood present for examination all the legal reasons why the district can not accept the Mayor's settlement offer. The mere statement that he is acting on the advise of district's attorney is not enough. This building belongs to the district and is more important than the ego of any one man.
