Mt. Pleasant parents get WAC'd!

Are you one of those parents who have made a "tax deductible" donation to the Westlake Athletic Booster Club?  Then you might be interested to know that your donation wasn't "tax deductible" at all. 

You see, the Westlake Athletic Booster Club hasn't filed a tax return since 2009, and accordingly, the IRS has formally revoked the organization's tax-exempt status, effective May 15, 2013.  However, that fact has not deterred the WAC from continuing to promote itself as a "community based 501(c) organization" (which by the way is not a legitimate exempt classification) on its website and School calendar, and further claiming that donations to the WAC are "tax deductible".  The organizations' elected officers are well aware of the fact that they have not filed tax returns since 2009 and that the IRS has revoked the WAC's tax-exempt status.  Yet, they continue to lie to the public; and well intentioned residents still make what they believe to be "tax-exempt" donations to this undeserving, corrupt organization. 

Failing to properly file tax returns can result in severe repercussions - just ask Al Capone!  What the WAC is doing is criminal.  The officers of the organization cannot claim ignorance of the facts here, since they are very well aware that they have not filed tax returns for years.  Through their felonious actions, these WAC officials have placed donors in potential jeopardy, because if a donor is audited by IRS, any claimed tax-exempt donations made to the WAC would be ruled fraudulent.  Accordingly, the unsuspecting donor could face IRS penalties as a result of the criminal actions of the WAC officials.

How does the WAC get away with this?  Who is responsible for oversight of this group?  Consider the following factors, when trying to determine the answers to those questions.

The WAC is identified in the School calendar as the "liaison between the community and Westlake's athletic department".  Since the Westlake Athletic Department is a department under the authority of the Mount Pleasant School District, it would therefore be understood that the District has responsibility for the actions of this "liaison" organization.  It is blatantly obvious that the officials of the WAC - President Anthony Sardo; Vice-President Ray Colabatistto; Vice-President Pat Donnery; and the Chairman of the Membership and Football Committees, Pete DiNota, all have a "very close" relationship with School Board President James Grieco, Superintendent Susan Guiney and Athletic Director Donna Pirro.  Were Grieco, Guiney and Pirro aware of the criminal actions of this "liaison" organization?  They have an obligation to be aware and it would seem impossible for them not to be.  Since the District regularly takes funding from the WAC, have District officials ever asked to see the organizations tax returns or verified the WAC's tax-exempt status.  Either District officials were negligent and never asked to review any tax related documentation, or, the District intentionally chose not to ask because they didn't want to "rock the boat" and risk losing the flow of illicit funding provided by the WAC.  Are Grieco, Guiney and Pirro culpable in this action?  It is difficult to believe that they aren't.  Have Grieco, Guiney and Pirro personally benefitted from the WAC's criminal behavior?  Lets wait and let the IRS investigation determine that answer.

It is no secret that there have been numerous complaints filed with the School District against WAC officials by families of children involved in the WAC programs.  However, those complaints have, for some unexplained reason, consistently been ignored by District officials.  The complaints ranged from perceived mistreatment and abuse of some of the young athletes by WAC coaches (in violation of the Dignity Act), to families being bullied, or strong-armed into making "donations" to the WAC, at the threat that if they didn't, their children could suffer consequences - e.g., loss of playing time, not making a team, etc.  The bullying tactics and unfair treatment that have been employed by WAC coaches against some students athletes, have resulted in a large number of students leaving the Mount Pleasant School System and enrolling in schools outside the District.

The criminal activity (tax evasion) exhibited by the WAC should come as no surprise to those who have complained about this group's conduct in the past, albeit to no avail.  How could this group pose as a legal, tax-exempt organization for all of these years, when all involved knew that tax returns had not been filed?  It is illogical to believe, that the School District was unaware, or, had no involvement in this activity.  Many parents have indicated that they believed that the WAC has been protected by School Board President James Grieco, Superintendent Susan Guiney and Athletic Director Donna Pirro, against any charges or complaints.  It would now seem after this revelation about the WAC's tax problems, that those parents were correct in their assumption.  There is no way that the WAC could have ignored its tax obligation, unless the three District officials were complicit and provided cover for the organization.  Will Grieco, Guiney and Pirro continue to protect the WAC, now that the truth is out?  No matter, all three will have to answer to IRS investigators, and the facts will eventually be made public.

Besides the bogus "tax-exempt" assertion made by the WAC, there are additional inconsistencies in other claims made by the organization - such as the statement that the WAC was founded in 2004.  The New York State Department of State website, under the Division of Corporations database, indicates that the "Westlake Athletic Booster Club, Inc." was actually incorporated/founded on December 5, 2001.  How could WAC officials be unaware of the official date of the organizations founding?  It seems that WAC officials can't seem to get any of their facts straight, or, maybe they don't want to.  Can the public believe anything that these individuals say?  A better question might be - should the public believe anything that these individuals say?

ALL individuals involved in this conspiracy must be held accountable.  Remember, these are the same individuals who wanted you to vote for "their" Bond proposal, so that they could spend more of your hard earned tax dollars, obviously without any oversight.  Thank goodness that the Bond proposal (scam) was DEFEATED.

All officers of the Westlake Athletic Booster Club, Inc. should be immediately removed and law enforcement should be informed of their actions (NOTE:  Truthful One has been informed that law enforcement agencies have already been made aware of this situation.  It is also understood that a formal complaint has been filed with IRS, asking for a full investigation of this issue.).  Does any parent want unsavory, corrupt individuals like these having contact with your children?  Parents must demand that  ALL of the WAC Officers be removed immediately for the good of their children.

For those who doubt the accuracy of any of the tax related information, you can fact check by accessing the IRS website and referencing the charitable organizations link.  Then enter the WAC's  Employer Identification Number (EIN) 75-3027314, and the information will be there for all to see. 

If you or your child has been victimized by any of the officers of this corrupt organization, you are invited and encouraged to contact the Blog and tell us your story.  Your identity will be kept confidential and, if you choose to have your story posted (after verification), you will be listed as Anonymous.  We understand your frustration in getting no satisfaction after registering your complaints with School District Officials.  We at the Blog will provide you with a forum where you can present your complaint and expose those who have violated the public trust.

CONGRATULATIONS!  THE PEOPLE WIN!

We at the Mount Pleasant Exposed BlogSpot wish to congratulate those residents of the Town of Mount Pleasant who took a stand and soundly defeated the $55.8 Million School Bond on Saturday by a margin of more than 2 to 1.  Your action is an example of how the "People", when united, can be victorious against heavy handed bureaucratic pressure, when the issue brought forth is not in the best interest of the community.   Some of you even faced harassment and bullying tactics at the hands of the Bond's supporters, but, that did not deter you from moving forward in your quest.  

The result of this vote is an example of how the system is intended to work.  The decision is to be left to the "People", and not to a handful of insiders who would have benefitted from the outcome if the Bond proposal had passed.   You, the "People", the taxpayers, came together.  You educated yourselves on the issue, realized that the proposal was not in the best interest of the "People", and then acted as informed voters.  The result is a resounding victory for the taxpayers of Mount Pleasant.

It is apparent from reading comments made by the School Superintendent and School Board President after the outcome had been determined, that they simply "don't get it".  Both intimated that the defeat of the Bond was due to its "hefty price tag".  What they obviously still fail to realize, is the reason that the "People" voted down the Bond, was due to the excessive amount of wasteful and unnecessary spending contained in their Bond proposal.  The "People" are not going to pay for these expensive luxuries which do nothing to provide a better education for the students.  These officials didn't think that the "People" were smart enough to figure that out.  Well, unfortunately for them, the "People" were!!

While the "People" won this round, we cannot rest on our laurels.  Residents must remain vigilant and be prepared to stand together again.  The School District can conduct another vote on this same Bond after 90 days.  For those who voted against the Bond, continue to discuss your reasons for doing so in your social circles.  If this Bond comes up for a vote again, more votes will be needed to defeat it.   Educate your families, friends and neighbors about the excessive spending that was contained in the Bond proposal.  Encourage these individuals to join you and to get involved and vote, if the matter is brought back to the voters again.  We at the Mount Pleasant Exposed BlogSpot will continue to cover this issue and other matters related to the Mount Pleasant School District and its School Board, and provide you with factual information that you need to know.

Once again, our congratulations on defeating this unpalatable proposition.  Let the result be a lesson of what can be accomplished by the "People" when they stand united against propositions that are not in the best interest of all of the "People".

OPPONENTS OF THE SCHOOL BOND ARE THREATENED AND HARASSED WHILE DISTRIBUTING "VOTE NO" FLIERS!!

It would appear that some of those supporting the $55.8 Million School Bond are not comfortable with having competition and will do anything necessary to prevent it.  On Wednesday evening, November 12th, opponents of the School Bond were distributing "VOTE NO" fliers in the parking lot of Westlake HS.  There, they encountered an individual, later identified as WAC President Anthony Sardo.  Mr. Sardo, in a very aggressive and threatening manner, confronted one of the Bond opponents and demanded that he stop distributing the fliers.  He also ripped fliers from vehicles on which they had already been placed.  Mr. Sardo has no official position of authority in the Town of Mt. Pleasant, and as such, has no right to interfere with another resident who is exercising his First Amendment Rights to Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Expression.  Once again, we see the Constitution being ignored in Mt. Pleasant.  Unfortunately for Mr. Sardo, his Gestapo like tactics did not prevent the "VOTE NO" team from accomplishing their mission and distributing their materials.  

Considering Mr. Sardo's thuggish and borderline criminal behavior, it would seem that he and his merry band of Bond supporters, don't want an opposing, or dissenting view to be heard by the public.  That is understandable, since if the TRUTH gets out about this multi-million dollar "scheme to defraud" the taxpayers of Mt. Pleasant, the Bond has zero chance of passing.  Additionally, Mr. Sardo may be looking at his own personal stake in this matter - being in charge of the WAC, a new athletic field and new lights (all luxuries that this Town cannot afford) would most likely stand to benefit him.    
   
Many residents have questioned the reasoning behind holding a vote on a Saturday, when the majority of Town residents will not even be aware of it.  That is a very valid question and residents would like to hear an explanation of why this vote is being held at this time.  Does anyone on the School Board have an answer to that question?  Probably not - they're too busy campaigning for passage of the Bond!  It is obvious that the Board is conducting this vote on a Saturday in the hope that most residents will not notice; may be away; or, simply will not vote.  If the Board can keep the vote total down to a minimum, the supporters feel that they have a strong enough base within their circle to assure passage of the Bond.  That base is made up of so-called loyalists (selfish patronage employees, who are dependent on the School Board for their jobs and livelihoods, etc.), who will blindly vote according to the directive issued by their superiors in the School System, at the expense of the rest of the Town residents.  That is why it is imperative that as many residents as possible get out and "VOTE NO" on Saturday, to spoil their plan.  Please do not let this small band of greedy, self-serving, school officials continue to waste and mismanage more of your hard earned tax dollars.  You need to stand up and say "NO" to this  ridiculous money grab by those who should not be entrusted with the use of your money.

Some serious issues need to be addressed prior to Saturday's vote.  Who will count the votes?  Who will count the absentee ballots?  Will those who have pushed for passage of this Bond conduct the count?  Will votes miraculously appear, if needed to help the Bond pass?  Who will oversee the count?  Does anyone really believe that these people who have been pushing this Bond down the throats of taxpayers, will allow it to fail?  Does anyone in the Town trust these individuals to give an honest count?  Truthful One believes that in the name of transparency, the School Board should post/publicize the names of those who will count the votes, prior to Saturday.  That list can be posted on the School District website for ALL to see.

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CRITICALLY IMPORTANT NOTE:  (The following information is furnished by the New York State School Boards Association)

"School Boards are not to use District funds, facilities or channels of communication to encourage voters to vote in support or against the school budget, or any proposition. " This School Board has used District funds to purchase lawn signs, fliers, etc., all of which call for the support of a proposition, the Bond, in violation of the rule.  Accordingly, each member of this School Board should face legal consequences for their inappropriate actions in disregarding this mandate.
[Appeal of Johnson, 45 Ed. Dep't Rep 469 (2006);  Appeal of Goldin, 40 Ed. Dep't Rep. 628 (2001); see also Appeal of Grant, 42 Ed. Dep't Rep. 184 (2002); Appeal of Allen, 39 Ed. Dept Rep. 523 (2000)]

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Please, fellow residents, do not be bamboozled into buying into this shady scheme orchestrated by a handful of greedy, self-serving individuals, who would have you think that this Bond is really necessary.  Remember, the most important fact - this Bond will do nothing to improve the education of the students, and that should be our first and only priority.  Do not let this School Board waste and mismanage more of your hard earned tax dollars.  Please join me in "VOTING NO" on Saturday.

VOTE NO ON THE SCHOOL BOND

The $55.8 Million Dollar School Bond is not in the best interest of Mt. Pleasant Taxpayers or Students.  The Bond as proposed, does nothing to improve the education of the students enrolled in the Mt. Pleasant School District.  At a time when School Districts in communities surrounding Mt. Pleasant continue to receive accolades and awards for the excellence of their educational programs, the Mt. Pleasant District concentrates on adding lights for its athletic field, rather than attempting to improve its learning system.  But, is that fact surprising when one considers who makes up the leadership of the Mt. Pleasant School System? 

Susan Guiney is the current Superintendent of the Mt. Pleasant School District.  That should be the first indication that this District has serious problems.  The Superintendent of any successful School District normally is a highly professional, extremely well qualified and experienced educator.  The normal procedure in the hiring process of a School Superintendent is to conduct a formal search; to seek out the best candidates available to fill the position.  Interviews are then conducted to assess who the best choice would be to fill the position, and that person is then hired. 

The Mt. Pleasant School District seems to have a different policy in place.  That policy apparently doesn't require that a formal Superintendent's search be conducted.  If a search had been conducted for the then vacant Mt. Pleasant Superintendent's position, it is doubtful that Ms. Guiney would now hold the Superintendent's position.  However, no search was ever conducted by the Mt. Pleasant School District.  Ms. Guiney was the only candidate considered.  Why?  Is there more to her very questionable selection than meets the eye?

After reviewing Ms. Guiney's resume, it is difficult to understand how someone with her limited abilities and lack of educational background and experience could be selected for such an important position.  Her resume would indicate that she would be better suited to fill the position of a Librarian, than to hold the position of a School Superintendent.  Her claim to fame seems to be the time that she spent as "Head of Curriculum" for the Mt. Pleasant School District.  But does that qualify her for such a critical job?  It is difficult to understand how the Board could have ever selected Mc. Guiney to be Superintendent.  They obviously did not have the best interest of the students in mind when the choice was made - a very dubious choice indeed.  (Truthful One will address the hiring matter in a later article.  Were deals made?  Is this Bond issue part of the deal for her selection?)  The Board entrusted the education of hundreds of young students into the hands of an unqualified Superintendent.  Now, the District is reaping the consequences of that decision.  By the way, how does the District justify paying the exorbitant Superintendent's salary to someone so unqualified - just another example of how this School Board wastes your tax dollars!

The Bond issue sheds light on Ms. Guiney's incompetence.  Rather than focusing on much needed improvements to the educational programs that are provided to the children enrolled in the Mt. Pleasant School System, she is focused on making cosmetic changes to school buildings and athletic fields.  While the "improvements' may give a luster to these educational facilities, they will do nothing to provide a better education for the students.  In stark contrast, surrounding School Districts, which have been cited for excellence in education, don't seek to burden their taxpayers with unnecessary requests for items that don't affect the students education.  Those districts apparently only care about offering the best education possible to their children, and not wasting taxpayer funds on nonessential luxuries.  The Mt. Pleasant District should take note of that fact.           

As previously stated, this proposed bond does nothing to improve the education of the students.  Lights for the athletic field?  Not, a necessity - no educational value.  Adding a new two story science wing, when enrollment is expected to decrease over the next few years (as per the District's own Study - see the graph below).  That is not an efficient use of funds.  A new artificial turf athletic field; new fitness rooms and lockers?  Again, what educational value will these lavish nonessentials provide?  The answer - NONE!

The Graph shown below, was taken from the "Comprehensive Long Range Planning Study" conducted by Western Suffolk BOCES for the Mt. Pleasant School District.  It shows the anticipated drop in student enrollment forecast for the District through the year 2021. 

NOTE:  The District's own study indicates that student enrollment will realize a significant drop over the next number of years.  If this is the case, than why not look to some form of consolidation, rather than expansion.  If less students will be in the system, they will need less space.  Why absorb the cost of expansion, when it apparently will not be needed? 

Some additional considerations in regard to Ms. Guiney - her own daughter does not even attend the Mt. Pleasant Schools.  Rather, she attends private school in New Rochelle.  One must ask Ms. Guiney, why, if the Mt. Pleasant System is so good, isn't her daughter enrolled here?  Also, Ms. Guiney uses the title of "Doctor".  When and where did she earn that title?  There is nothing in her resume to indicate that she holds the title of Doctor.  Is the use of the title an attempt to deceive parents and students into believing that she is more qualified than she actually is??

As can be seen from the above information, Ms. Guiney is extremely unqualified to hold her present position.  She has no expertise in the area, but, she is the driver behind this Bond issue.  Are you going to allow this inept individual to waste more of your hard earned income on lavish, unneeded items that have no educational benefit? 

There are some other important points that should be considered as to the manner in which this Bond vote is being conducted.  Why is this vote being taken at such a random time?  Is there an effort underway to sneak through a questionable issue, while most residents aren't paying attention; but, for which they will be obligated to pay, if the Bond is passed?  Why not conduct the Bond vote along with the School Budget vote in the Spring and give the residents more time to research and review the proposal?  There are too many questions left unanswered to allow the passage of this Bond.  There are too many expensive, unnecessary items included in the Bond proposal to allow the Bond to pass.  Please join me in voting against this issue.

Tell the School Board NO - Vote NO on this boondoggle.  Tell the Board to go back to the drawing board and if a bond is necessary, come back to the people with a Bond that is streamlined; will seek only needed "education related" items; and which will not cost Mt. Pleasant taxpayers as much.  Voting will take place on Saturday, November 15th, at Westlake High School Gymnasium, from 7:00am to 9:00pm. 

Make sure to vote - only you can prevent your tax dollars from being wasted!

 

MOUNT PLEASANT "STORM TROOPER" ISSUES THREAT TO A LOCAL BUSINESS OWNER 

 

It would seem that the signs calling for the resignation of former Town Supervisor Maybury still elicit a response, even though she has already been driven from office.  The signs obviously continue to strike a nerve with some members of the Maybury regime still on the payroll at Town Hall.  One of the few signs remaining, after the Maybury "elves" took down almost all of the other signs that were placed around the Town (in violation of the 1st Amendment), seems to have created an interesting situation.  Here are the FACTS.   

 

The sign in question is currently posted on a vehicle, which sits on private property.  On the morning of Wednesday, October 29th, 2014, Town of Mount Pleasant Assistant Building Inspector Beau Desimone (a patronage employee - possessing no qualifications for the job, other than his political loyalty) attempted to intimidate the local business owner who displayed the sign.  Inspector Desimone arrogantly walked into the business owner's shop and demanded that the owner remove the sign that was posted outside of his business.  When Mr. Desimone's order was ignored by the property owner, Town employee Mr. Desimone became enraged and angrily pointed his finger in the owner's face, in a threatening and menacing manner, stating that  "I'm telling you that you don't have a permit for that sign".  The owner responded to Mr. Desimone's unconstitutional order, by stating that if the sign was in violation of any section of the Town Code, then Mr. Desimone should put the matter in writing.  To date, Mr. Desimone has not done so, and, in reviewing the Town Code, it would appear that the sign's presence does not violate any section of said Code.  (In contrast, has anyone noticed the "small" political sign in front of the Thornwood Diner recently - does the diner have a permit for that sign?? Can we say "double standard"??) 

 

It seems rather obvious that Mr. Desimone is ignorant of the content of our U.S. Constitution; specifically the 1st Amendment, which gives Americans the right to Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Expression.  This businessman, in posting the sign, was exercising his Constitutional Rights.  No government agent has the authority to demand that the businessman surrender his Rights.  Lack of Constitutional knowledge seems to be a common thread which pervades the entire government body of the Town of Mount Pleasant. 

 

An interesting side note - at a time when residents are forced to endure an overwhelming blitz of election campaign signs that are posted throughout the Town, this one tiny sign stood out to Mr. Desimone and the Buildings Department. 

   

The sign in question can be seen in the picture above.  It is one of the signs that called for the resignation of former Town Supervisor Joan Maybury.  According to the 1st Amendment of the United States Constitution, the owner has a right to post this sign, exercising his rights of Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Speech.  Town officials seem to be severely lacking in their knowledge of the Constitution and the People's Rights in general.  But, then again, Constitutions and Freedoms are the enemies of Dictatorships, so the blatant disregard for this business owner's Constitutional Rights fits nicely with Mount Pleasant's tyrannical style of rule.  While Maybury and the administration may not like the content of the sign - the fact is that the charges contained therein are 100% TRUE!  Quoting from an old TV adage - IF YOU CAN'T DO THE TIME, DON'T DO THE CRIME!

It would appear from its actions, that the Town only has a problem with certain signs.  While some signs disappear, other signs are left intact and untouched.  Now, some may say that the signs disappear because competing campaigns remove their opponent's signs; and, to some extent that may be true.  However, in Mount Pleasant, the situation is much different.  It would appear that the Town desires to control which signs and messages the public is allowed to see - another tactic employed by true Dictatorships (the Castro's and Chavez's of he world would be proud).  To that end, it is known that the Town deploys some of its employees, while they are on duty, on what could only be identified as "sign patrol", to remove any signs that the Town disagrees with.  Here are the FACTS to back up that accusation. 

On Friday, October 10, 2014, at 1:20pm, two Mount Pleasant employees were seen and photographed, removing campaign signs from the triangle formed by the intersection of Route 141 and Elwood Avenue, in Hawthorne.  Now, these employees were not removing all campaign signs.  They were selective.  They specifically removed campaign signs for State Senate Candidate Justin Wagner.  The signs were pulled from the ground and then taken apart and discarded into two plastic garbage cans located in the back of a Mount Pleasant Town vehicle.  The vehicle in question was a green, pickup truck, NY License Plate #L18006.  While the signs for Candidate Wagner were removed, a large number of signs promoting other candidates remained untouched and were left standing.  These Town employees were obviously targeting only a certain candidate(s).  The question then becomes, did they decide to remove the signs on their own, or, were they ordered to do so by a higher authority.  No matter, both employees should be disciplined, and, if they were ordered to remove the signs, the individual issuing the order should be fired.  These two men were on duty, being paid by the taxpayers of Mount Pleasant, at the time they were "collecting" political signs.  It would seem that there should be much more important work for these employees to be performing on behalf of those who pay their salaries, then for them to be wasting taxpayer dollars playing "politics".  At the very least, these employees should be forced to reimburse taxpayers for the time spent on their "political mission". 

Selective enforcement of the Town Code and Rules has been a common practice here in Mount Pleasant; used against residents and business owners who administration officials do not like.  Building Department operatives are used to enforce the Town's will on the people, as can be witnessed by Mr. Desimone's actions cited above.  Town Officials here in Mount Pleasant need to be reminded that we here in the Town do not live in the Germany of the 1930's and '40's, where the government used its "Storm Troopers" to impose its will on the people, by threats and intimidation.  America has a Constitution.  The People have Rights.  It is about time that the government officials of this Town understood that fact and realize that they will be held accountable for all of their future actions when they violate the people's Rights.     

Truthful One will be keeping an eye on the sign pictured above to make sure that it does not "mysteriously disappear" in the night, as all the other similar signs did.

UPCOMING STORIES

• Which former Town Supervisor was implicated in one of the largest "mortgage scams" in the history of New York State (U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York)?
• Is the current School Superintendent qualified to hold her position? 
• Why are so many children now leaving the Mount Pleasant School System?
• Is the proposed School Bond in the best interest of taxpayers?

STAY TUNED, AS THE TRUTH ABOUT MOUNT PLEASANT IS EXPOSED HERE ON THE BLOG!!