Chilmonik a hero
To the editor:
As a declared candidate for School Board District 1, the seat occupied by Robert Chilmonik, I found the editorial in another paper, “Chilmonik was gadfly, then pariah,” June 18, fascinating. The key statement that marked his term of office was he “forced an extra degree of accountability” upon the board and Superintendent Browder. He was then described him as a “pariah” because he was a lone wolf.
Looking to take his place I wonder what other alternatives were left? If he went along with the rest of the board, how is the public served?
Decisions were made long before they reached the board table. The superintendent made sure he had the votes before issues were discussed. A good process but lacking in transparency.
A good example of this was the re-writing of the superintendent’s contract and the establishment of his golden parachute and removal of his ethics clause. There was never a public discussion, and of course, no transparency. How is the public served by this process? Was Mr. Chilmonik a hero or a pariah for fighting and exposing this issue?
The public will have to make a decision at the polls next August and November, and there is a clear difference between the candidates on these issues. I believe that Mr. Chilmonik was a hero against overwhelming odds and was representing the public, the taxpayers and the children of Lee County.
I would hope to be able to continue with the same approach.
John Traube
Cape Coral