Conlon clarifies things

| 29 Feb 2012 | 02:05

    Normally I would not waste one ounce of energy responding to Jim Foody’s letter attacking me, as this is his latest desperate attempt to crucify my character and question my qualifications as a board member.

    In fact, Mr. Foody’s choice of words in consistently referring to me as “young Matt” borders on age discrimination.

    However, I feel the need to clarify a couple of his points for the public’s edification.

    When Barbara Carter made the motion to add pre-algebra to the seventh grade, I did oppose it.I will never support hastily adding a completely new curriculum in the middle of a school year.

    At the end of the Feb. 14 board meeting, I did walk out of the meeting.This was not because I disagreed with what was being said.I left because Gary Steele was berating the board, personally attacking our board attorney, and trying to intimidate board members since the cameraman had already left.I will not condone nor stand for such conduct at our meetings.Additionally, the words “haha you don’t have a quorum anymore” never came from my mouth.

    With regard to the issue of the motion attempting to cut over $2 million at one o’clock in the morning, I never said that John Aiello made the motion.He made it public that this was his goal from the get-go.I thank Mr. Foody for clarifying that it was he who made this motion, attempting to savagely dismantle the school budget.

    Mr. Foody can write all the misleading letters he wants, but he cannot deny the continued efforts he and his allies, John Aiello and Barbara Carter, have exerted to destroy the school system.Just check the minutes of school board meetings.

    Matthew Conlon West Milford Conlon is a trustee of the West Milford Township Board of Education.The opinions expressed herein are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of other board members or the board as a whole.