Reader dismayed at results of school bus system audit

It takes a great deal of outrage for me to react in writing to a newspaper article.

I can't believe Melindo Persi's reaction to the school bus system's audit. He says, "It wasn't as dramatic to me as I thought. I've been living with it for a while. We had a number of problems. It just kind of heightened the facts we already know." Well, it's quite "dramatic" to me. Financial problems, fraudulent time sheets, improper use of assets, unauthorized bus stops, and drivers paid full time wages for less than full-time hours is, in fact, outrageous.

Unfortunately, Mr. Persi's lack of urgency is not reassuring to me.

As a taxpayer who contributes, along with all other taxpayers, to Mr. Persi's salary, this is not only "dramatic" but also intolerable. After Nardiello's lackluster (to be kind) performance, that in the private sector would have gotten him fired a long time ago, he's being transferred to a position in the Maintenance Department. Unbelievable - only in government is failure rewarded. Think about the message the children are receiving from their school board - ironic, isn't it?

Mr. Persi also says that privatization of the school bus services is not an option for Brick. Why not? Why not put it out to bid for the duration of two or three years? That would certainly keep the bus services on their toes and accountable.

I have a few guesses of why government workers don't want privatization but if we are talking about the good of the children, then let's not allow the few living off the system to choose what is best for the parents and taxpayers.

Let's have an investigation by the justice system of the school board and look at privatization as an option. If that were to happen, I guarantee that Mr. Persi would consider his place on the hot seat as a little more than "dramatic." The word catastrophic comes to mind.

Irene Almeida

Brick