OK, C-TEC, who screwed up?

Now that Claggett & Sons has been awarded $3.8 million in taxpayers’ money to be paid by C-TEC, it’s time to get the rest of the story. It will prove what I wrote 11/23/09: “C-TEC’s problem is management.”

Who among those we entrusted with our tax dollars at C-TEC thumbed their noses at that trust and blew off - by mis-mangement - $3.8 million or more? Voters need to know how they mis-managed, and why they mis-managed; otherwise, corrections may never be made.

The Advocate report today (12/29/09) indicates the architectural firm may have to share some of the cost, maybe all of it. And this may not be decided for many months. Likely, the C-TEC board will try to deflect responsibility for any of this until “final resolution,” or something like that.
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UPDATE

In today’s (12/30/09) report on last night’s C-TEC board meeting, another of my predictions came true, this one a no-brainer. (C-TEC board will try to deflect responsibility for any of this until ’final resolution,’ or something like that.)

Quotes from the Advocate report:

"I'm not in the position to comment; they are still evaluating all the issues," Rosati said. "I can't say anything else because the case is pending."

Superintendent Ron Cassidy, who is retiring Thursday, and the other members of the board declined to comment.

"We are still making decisions with our attorneys. We are still considering our options," Board Vice President Bob Handelman said. "Nothing has been decided."
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Taxpayer-voters cannot wait.

It can’t be said enough times: C-TEC is among this community’s most valuable educational assets. It has a long and proud history of providing local students with vocational education for the benefit of local employers.

Now this: an act of incredible disregard for management of public funds and perhaps years in the healing of public trust.

So who did it and why? And exactly what roles in this matter did individual board members play?

The Advocate has been zeroed in on this story from the beginning. The reporter has done a masterful job of keeping us informed, and the editorialist has been on target. You can access these reports and editorials here:

Board members defend C-TEC’s use of funds

C-TEC trial puts taxpayer money at risk

C-TEC’s problems require complete review

C-TEC’s legal bills exceed $1.5M

C-TEC at critical financial juncture

Board approves superintendent's contract

Claggett wins C-TEC lawsuit