An open letter to Carl Paladino, former member of the City of Buffalo Board of Education:
Dear Carl,
Now that the Buffalo Board of Education has filled the seat you formerly held, I hope that you will set aside your legal battles – as difficult a decision as that may be – and focus your energy and desire to strengthen our community in a more constructive manner.
Your replacement – pediatric psychologist Catherine Flanagan-Priore – appears to be a dedicated professional with a true commitment to the children of Western New York, and much to offer Buffalo’s school children.
A significant segment of parents and residents of the city you proudly call home are exhausted by the torrent of acrimony and unpleasant news that has come to define their public school district. And the children of Buffalo will continue to be adversely affected if tax dollars are used – not to improve the quality of education – but to pay lawyers defending litigation you have brought in state and or federal courts.
Most importantly, I know how important your family is to you. As you stated in a Buffalo News article this past June, you regret the shame that you brought on your children following your controversial comments about Barack and Michelle Obama.
As long as you are battling Buffalo’s Board of Education (or, some of its members) in a public arena, the people of this city – and your family – will be reminded of, and embarrassed by, your incendiary words.
It is time to move on.
With All Due Respect,
Art Giacalone
With All Due Respect 