[Winona Online Democracy]
I don't understand what drives people's perceptions but I do know that they determine what reality is for them and determines their vote. I spoke to someone who reluctantly voted yes and now appears to regret it. When the Superintendent's recommendations hit the paper this person said "If it was so bad, why didn't they make those changes before? If that's the case, I'm glad it failed". I tried an explanation but to no avail. It becomes a trust issue and one based on emotion; not facts. Seems much like the divide between Bush and Kerry supporters in the election. Building trust seems essential. Facing the reality that repeating facts and struggling to get others to just see the light is not going to work. Facts don't make much difference. Perception does.
Craig Brooks
Kathy Seifert <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Kathy Seifert <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
[Winona Online Democracy]......................how the district can gain confidence of those who could not support a learning levy?Some of what I'm reading in this forum speaks to this. For example, I think that listening to the concerns of those who did not support the levy and making an effort to validate those concerns and provide persuasive information in order build support would be an important action for the district to embrace.One theme I hear are that "the district needs to prove it can be responsible with funds" or something to that effect. I'm not sure what that means to those who are asking for evidence of responsibility, but as long as folks hold on to past actions as evidence of irresponsibility, there will be no movement forward.So Bob, and others, what do you think it would take for you to begin to increase some confidence in our district? What constitutes fiscal responsibility?Terry mentions that closing schools is an issue that the board has not met head on. I'm not sure that this is an accurate characterization, but I do get a sense that some individuals see an outcome of buildings closing as evidence of fiscal responsibility. To these individuals my question is, "Can you tell us what else would be satisfactory evidence of fiscal responsibility?" After all, Ridgeway and Dakota are no longer a part of our district, but this did not solve our financial woes or build support of our school board or administration. Neither was a popular decision with the families in those communities. Soon the Lincoln Building will also be gone. Teachers accepted a wage freeze. Difficult and unpopular decisions have been made in order to reduce costs. Help me understand why those decisions have not made an impact on the image of the district as making an effort to be fiscally responsible?Kathy Seifert
<(���)>
Craig
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
_______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
