Nothing Has Changed, The Call Still Stinks

A recent comment by a visitor brought to my attention the Call's recent trashing of one of Mehlville's former superintendants, Dr. Tim Ricker:

Mike--
Not only does the Call not pay their bills, but they are short-sighted and quick to forget also. I point to the recent editorial about how Mehlville, under Terry Noble, is finally headed in the right direction financially. Now, I like and respect Mr. Noble, and feel is has done the best he could possibly do. However, the Call blames Mehlville's current financial troubles on Tim Ricker and the school board of that time, which you were on. They seem to forget, and never mention, Jerry Chambers...you know, that "fill-in" superintendent who the Call LOVED who pushed for a 6% pay increase with no way to pay for it. Or who pushed to spend over $1million to renovate St. John's for SCOPE, or who gave all administrators a 6% raise. And the school board of Jerry Chambers is pretty much the same as the current....So why isn't that mentioned? Could it be because the Call would NEVER admit that they were wrong about that guy? That he was just trouble? Hmm, then is Tim Ricker to blame for the Call's problems? Or maybe it's your fault Mike!!! Thanks to the Call for wanting transparency from everyone but themself.

March 15, 2010 5:43 PM


Now, I'm not familiar with our school district's current financial situation. I'm guessing it's similar to the way it's been for the last 20 years or so. I'm sure that whatever they need to do to balance the budget, they will do it. Our community, fueled by the ignorant bastards at the Call, will be frustrated, point fingers and then push on. We will continue to be a good, but not great district. We don't have the financial resources to be great and the status quo is acceptable to the community. As to Dr. Ricker having anything to do with any financial problems we might have, that's just buffoonery. Notice that any comments like that were in the opinion section. That area doesn't require any accuracy, which is why Mike Anthony generally writes it. The Ricker era was one of fiscal conservatism for the district. He lead by example. In his three years as superintendent, he never accepted a raise. His senior staff all followed suit one year and all asked not to be given a raise. He slashed spending in administration at not only the central office, but around the district. A number of people didn't care for Ricker and they are entitled to their opinion. He wasn't perfect. I disagreed with certain things he did and said. But for the Call to suggest that he wasn't prudent with the district's money, is just absurd.
As to Dr. Chambers, you're probably right. And I know that he purchased food and drink for Call management in violation of journalistic ethics. That's just one more shinning example of hypocrisy.