Pat Takes the Stand

Patrick Crowley took the podium making his case for the teachers' to be paid for striking, and I can see that the teachers, at least those in attendance, are not but so embarrassed by his antics.

He began his presentation by insisting that he be able to cross examine administrators. The committee's lawyer stated that it isn't a trial, so there would be no questions.

A few minutes later, one of the committee members posed a question to Crowley, who asked, "Is that a question?" Then he turned around with a smirk and invited the audience to laugh and hoot; they complied.

What seemed clear to me (a member of the public), as the committee wrapped up the issue and declined the grievance with respect to pay, was that Crowley and the union had set themselves up for such summary treatment. Frankly, I wouldn't feel obliged to offer courtesies either.

Subsequent quips and jeers have solidified that impression.

ADDENDUM

In fairness, I should note that I laughed aloud when Crowley misspoke and said that the teachers should be paid for "a day of work," quickly correcting his statement to something on the order of "a pay day."

I encourage the school committee to fight this one as far as the union insists on taking it.