Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — "Don't shoot the messenger" admonished Shakespeare in "Henry IV." Perhaps those on our School Board and other supporters of John DeVincentis should reflect on the Bard's words. The fact remains that the DeVincentis e-mails and his actions as a School Board member have demonstrated a shocking lack of honesty and integrity, and a vindictive character and behavior that violates the trust given him by those (like myself) who chose him to represent us on the RE2 Board of Education.

Attacking those who have exposed DeVincentis' own words and actions begs the real question: "Is our community willing to condone a public official whose actions, words and personal agenda have undermined our school system and its administration and destroyed the credibility of the entire Board of Education?"

We are responsible for putting John DeVincentis on the School Board. Based on the information we had at the time, that seemed like a wise decision.

The recall petition now circulating throughout the community gives our voters a chance to reconsider that decision based on new information. It will give his supporters an opportunity to reaffirm their view that John DeVincentis is still the right person for the job. And it will provide a constructive mechanism for those who have lost respect and trust for him to voice their opposition to his continued service on the School Board.

Meanwhile, let the School Board get back to the business they were elected to manage rather than wasting time on "messenger reprisals." And let those who support DeVincentis focus on his strengths and contributions to education rather than attacking his detractors.

Mike Forney

Steamboat Springs