What Does Seattle Teachers Union Have to Hide?
Posted on February 7, 2008 at 11:47 pm by WTH
Proving once again that there is nothing democratic or open about unions, the Seattle Teachers union has successfully convinced Judge Julie Spector, a pliant activist judge, that no one should be allowed to view emails sent over government servers. Even worse, like most Democrat shills for unions, a Seattle Public School attorney rolled over and didn’t even fight for the public’s right to open records.
The dispute arose when an undisclosed, private citizen filed to see these emails created on government computers (Seattle Public Schools) and sent through government servers but was denied when the SEA went to court to stop the release of these public records, claiming that union business was none of yours — despite that the unions were using government equipment to send and create them.
Even though this pliant judge sided with the union, it is far from clear that these emails should be buttoned up, out of sight of the public.
Despite the union’s protests–and a King County Superior Court judge’s temporary ruling sealing the e-mails–the e-mails may not be so private. According to Kristin Alexander, spokeswoman for the Washington State Attorney General’s Office, “E-mails sent over public computers are public,” although Alexander notes that “there are certain exemptions.”
This action and the weak response from the city attorney will only embolden those who want secrecy in government and freeze out open and transparent government.
February 8th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
The only reason for the esistence of unions these days is: To give the union parasitic thugs the worker/members from whom they can embezzle money. I am 77 years old and have not been unemployed since I was twelve years old. I have been pressured to join the union at times, but I have never been a member. And am damned happy that I have never had to pay one nickle in tribute to that pack of thieves.
February 13th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
it goes deeper than simple responses can answer. All has devolved into a hostile environment. ie: union against managment & vis a vis. With co-operation and reasonability on both sides…. which can and could happen if willing, the union mess could be completely eliminated. When i was in management, government management at that, we developed… worked hard to achieve… a good strong relationship which saved everyone time and money. Raises were earned by what you did, and you were proud of it! That was so good. Not what we see now. Now, they only are able to tell us over and over that money, more money and they will be happy…. great, what about the kids? Oh, them? They are not the subject. And that folks is the real problem right there: no matters to them but thmselves.