Joel Advocates for WCSD Parents on Bus Stops
Contacted by dozens of parents asking for his assistance, Assemblyman Joel Miller is representing parents to get their unsafe school bus stops changed. He has met with the WCSD superintendant, visited bus stops, met with police officers and police chiefs and been a regular attendee at WCSD meetings. Check out the video below to observer Joel Miller representing his constituents at the December, 11, 2006 WCSD board meeting.
Video by Paul Bode
Assemblyman Joel Miller Denounces the Poughkeepsie Journals’ Lack of Journalism Ethics:
"The Wappingers school board never filed charges with the Joint Legislative Ethics Committee. The only person to contact them in any way was the Poughkeepsie Journal reporter Erikah Haavie to tell the ethics board what the school board said they were going to do. The charges were never filed by the school board, but the Poughkeepsie Journal reports it as if they were. It comes down to the fact that the Poughkeepsie Journal FABRICATED the story for no other reason than that they need to sell papers."
"I spoke with Barry Rothfeld (Poughkeepsie Journal editor). After admitting to seeing part of the video – where I was neither rude nor unruly, or in violation ethics – Rothfeld's only comment was, 'Well you must have said something rude, or why else would the entire school board have walked out.' This only goes to show the lack of intelligence of the Journal's publisher."
"There's a serious problem when a newspaper cannot tell facts from fiction, or the difference between news and opinion. People have to realize the Journal's only point of existence is to sell their rag to anyone they can. The few people who haven't figured that out should consider the fact that the Journal has dropped below the level of a tabloid"
"Someone once said, never argue with someone who buys ink in 50 gallon drums. Dutchess County would be far better served if they swam in the ink instead of using it to write newspapers. One can only hope that they don't know how to swim."
Constituents Thank Joel for Representing Them
Dear Honorable Assemblyman Miller:
I felt compelled to write to you after reading this morning's Poughkeepsie Journal article on your debate with the Wappingers School Trustees and their subsequent actions. After reading the paper, I was concerned--I wondered what could have possibly gone on--the paper made the incident sound so outlandish.
I said to myself "I know Assemblyman Miller (you endorsed a bill that is important to me --to license professionals who teach blind adults and older adults) and this seems nothing like him". I came to your office with a small group to discuss licensure for vision rehabilitation professionals and you were incredibly fair. The paper painted a gareish picture.
But, I went to the website to view the video footage. After watching the video, I had to write to you. Becuase, I wanted to tell you how proud I am that you are my Assemblyman!! Those School Trustees (I work in education) were self-important SOBs and wrong. They misused the public forum process, Roberts rules and proceedures and overreacted.
You were great. You were shown to be a champion of the people. I admire you.
Thank you,
Grace
Just my 2 cents on the Wappingers school tax issue.
Why can't we fund the schools with a tuition based system? Homeowners would pay a base flat tax and families with children would pay a tuition per child each school year. Tuition could be variable depending on the grade of the student. I think this would also get parents more involved in their child's education to ensure they do not get left back and have to repeat a year and pay again
Thanks for listening and keep up the good work you are doing. I applaud you for taking a stand on the bus stop issue. I am now in FL for the winter but I keep in touch via the Poughkeepsie Journal online.
Regards,
Gary W. Smith (former patient)
My name is Dorothy Purtill and I was at the WCSD Board of Education meeting tonight. I have to tell you that I was very impressed with the way you spoke to the board about bus stop safety. It is so nice to see our local politicians get involved and help. I also got up and spoke about my daughters ages 11 and 12 and their bus stop. I can't understand why they want my daughters to walk a half a mile on a windy road to their assigned bus stop, past a group home for mentally disabled men and knowing that there are at least 2 level three sex offenders in the area, when the bus will be coming down the street and stoping at a stop sign but won't open its doors to let them on or off. My appeal was denied by the board and am hopeful after tonights meeting that maybe some changes will be made. I would like to fax you a copy of my letters/information. Any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Joel,
I'm the tall guy with the video camera who toured along with you and Bob Schaffer to view the Mid Hudson RR bridge back in Oct 2005.
I just wanted to compliment you for standing up to the Wappingers Falls Screw Board on behalf of concerned parents.
I've lived in Dutchess 37 years and have always felt the Board was mis-managed and ARAGANT to the will of the people
Keep up the good work and let me know if there's someway we can help you.
Dick Gunther
Mr. Miller,
I have been reading lately about you in the papers. I was not present at the meeting where this took place, so I don't have an exact account of what happened. I have read the issues in the paper and I am aware that both sides sometimes don't get published. I am aware of you and what you stand for. My family and I are behind you 100% and in the end you will pervail. You have served and will serve in the future and will fight for the needs of your district. Good luck and keep up the great job you are doing.
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph R. Hannigan