Ballot set for Penn State Board of Trustees Elections:

[pap]

Yes it has. For the worse, far worse.
And it is likely to get even "more worse", unless more people get involved.

Thanks for replying So how does it get done By that I mean do the elected members who get voted on by alumni have the power to make the change or not ?

I have not been paying attention since the scandal , mostly because I like so others was fed up , now If change can be made how is it done

 

[StamfordBridgeVikingatLeftOffensiveTackle]

If you and Valley Forge think that Barry acts like an "adult," then your understanding of the meaning of that word is quite different than mine. Barry's promoting himself on this thread, and I think other people are entitled to their opposition.

Apparently, some would like to turn this thread into an echo chamber and an advertisement for Barry. Nope. People are entitled to their opposition.

Let's be fair though. Barry deserves a lot of credit for doing his homework and being able to clearly articulate fact based arguments for his perspective on the issues he sees as most important for PSU. For one thing, he researches and knows the numbers with respect to the PSU budget in all its details. That alone distinguishes him as a candidate and should be a top priority for any alum who cares about PSU. I imagine it would be hard to find anyone more committed to fulfilling their fiduciary obligation and advocating for students. That would require that he ask the questions that others aren't. There is no doubt that he would. I envision that his first order of business would be to motion for the ban of all rubber stamps.

 

[TiogaLion]

If you and Valley Forge think that Barry acts like an "adult," then your understanding of the meaning of that word is quite different than mine. Barry's promoting himself on this thread, and I think other people are entitled to their opposition.

You are of the the few here not acting like an adult. If you'd prefer someone else to win I suggest that instead of tearing down Barry you focus on supporting other candidates. See the difference?

 

[DavidM]

You are of the the few here not acting like an adult. If you'd prefer someone else to win I suggest that instead of tearing down Barry you focus on supporting other candidates. See the difference?

Golly, thanks for your instruction--who died and made you the headmaster? Frankly, I don't like any of the candidates, but good ol' Barry has acted/posted like a complete jerk on this board, and the idea of him being on the BOT makes me heave.

 

[PSUJam]

 

[PSUFTG]

I have not been paying attention since the scandal , mostly because I like so others was fed up , now If change can be made how is it done

How much time do you have?
Seriously though, there is so much to it that one couldn't begin to cover it all on a message board - so I will cut to the chase, and what is relevant and controllable right now:

It will only continue to get worse until as many folks as possible, who are very well-versed and do their homework, take a seat and a microphone around that Board table and stand up and let people know just what is going on - and start to hold the current regime somewhat accountable (and, really, if goes back longer than the "current" regime).
Or at least make their lack of accountability very evident. Unless you have that as Step 1, you aren't going to get anywhere with Steps 2, 3, and so on.

So far, we have had very little of that - we've had a few folks who have taken stands (and generally have paid a price for it). We know who they are. We need much more. Each time we add one, we not only "add one", but we make the efforts of any other willing folks more effective. We, as alums, have 9 seats available (at least for the moment).
Nine is far fewer than ideal, no doubt. But that nine is going to have to include some folks who:
A) "Don't give a ****", for lack of a prettier term. At least that don't give a **** enough that they are willing to stand up and do what is right - rather than take the easy way out and become a marionette.
B) Know their **** inside, and out, and up, and down - because they will be playing against a stacked deck. And they damn well better know that and be willing and prepared to do what it takes.

Honestly, it is a travesty to waste a single one of those nine seats on a marionette... and we have wasted many more than that.

Anyway, that is what needs to happen ASAP, and nothing else is going to much matter unless and until that happens - so that is really the only thing worth focusing on. We, as alumni, can do that. It is within our self-control to do that.
Anything else (all the talk about the Pennsylvania Assembly, and the other defeatist crap, or prayers for salvation from above, etc etc etc) is wasted oxygen without it.


Step 1. The one within our control. That is what needs to be focused on.

 

[TiogaLion]

Golly, thanks for your instruction--who died and made you the headmaster? Frankly, I don't like any of the candidates, but good ol' Barry has acted/posted like a complete jerk on this board, and the idea of him being on the BOT makes me heave.

Exactly what I thought. You have no alternative yet continue to tear one candidate down. smh Seriously, you need to grow up and bring something positive to this discussion.

 

[DavidM]

Seriously, who the F do you think you are? Try this--I'd rather any other candidate currently running than your best buddy. Now go stalk somebody else.

 

[TiogaLion]

Seriously, who the F do you think you are? Try this--I'd rather any other candidate currently running than your best buddy. Now go stalk somebody else.

You need to just stop acting like a child. Barry is a great candidate yet you personally don't like him and continue malign him. Go away.

 

[DavidM]

Guess what, chuckles. You're acting like an absolute jerk, just like your best friend. Who'da thunk it? Go ahead--you've got last.

 

[91Joe95]

Apparently, some would like to turn this thread into an echo chamber and an advertisement for Barry. Nope. People are entitled to their opposition.

Let's be fair though. Barry deserves a lot of credit for doing his homework and being able to clearly articulate fact based arguments for his perspective on the issues he sees as most important for PSU. For one thing, he researches and knows the numbers with respect to the PSU budget in all its details. That alone distinguishes him as a candidate and should be a top priority for any alum who cares about PSU. I imagine it would be hard to find anyone more committed to fulfilling their fiduciary obligation and advocating for students. That would require that he ask the questions that others aren't. There is no doubt that he would. I envision that his first order of business would be to motion for the ban of all rubber stamps.

 

[Erial_Lion]

You need to just stop acting like a child. Barry is a great candidate yet you personally don't like him and continue malign him. Go away.

A "great" candidate would be one that has some similar views, passion, and works as hard as Barry...yet doesn't have documented instances of calling our University's President a "cock sucker" on a public forum (among other ridiculous insults).

DavidM is someone that actually has done something to bring some of our issues to light...he's the last one that you should be lecturing.

 

[Nitwit]

I don’t think Barry has a grasp for the positive aspects of Penn State’s academic achievements and continuously focuses on superficial fiscal issues which he cherry picks as a way of criticizing the university. His tunnel vision and lack of broad based knowledge of complex administrative issues severely limit his ability to contribute in a balanced and meaningful way. He is a one trick pony whose act has grown old long ago. Furthermore he’s frequently an embarrassment to himself and has shown himself to be incapable of working constructively with others. He mistakes criticism for due diligence.

 

[TiogaLion]

A "great" candidate would be one that has some similar views, passion, and works as hard as Barry...yet doesn't have documented instances of calling our University's President a "cock sucker" on a public forum (among other ridiculous insults).

DavidM is someone that actually has done something to bring some of our issues to light...he's the last one that you should be lecturing.

He is acting like a child, and an angry child at that. David Mullaly has done nothing to bring our "issues" to light, as non of our issues have been brought to light in any way, shape, or form. We finally have a candidate that will fight for "our issues" and David has, as typical, done nothing but disparage him.

 

[PSUFTG]

A "great" candidate would be one that has some similar views, passion, and works as hard as Barry...yet doesn't have documented instances of calling our University's President a "cock sucker" on a public forum (among other ridiculous insults).

DavidM is someone that actually has done something to bring some of our issues to light...he's the last one that you should be lecturing.

Serious question, and you can address it or not, completely up to you:

Who do you see on the ballot who is a "great" candidate, by your definition?
I'll assume that is who you will be voting for - assuming you are an alum (I have no idea if that be the case or not).

If you see any "great" candidates, I would hope - and implore - that you would vote for them. Heck, I would hope you would contact them and see what you can do to help, they would probably welcome it. Seriously.

Good luck.

 

[pap]

How much time do you have?
Seriously though, there is so much to it that one couldn't begin to cover it all on a message board - so I will cut to the chase, and what is relevant and controllable right now:

It will only continue to get worse until as many folks as possible, who are very well-versed and do their homework, take a seat and a microphone around that Board table and stand up and let people know just what is going on - and start to hold the current regime somewhat accountable (and, really, if goes back longer than the "current" regime).
Or at least make their lack of accountability very evident. Unless you have that as Step 1, you aren't going to get anywhere with Steps 2, 3, and so on.

So far, we have had very little of that - we've had a few folks who have taken stands (and generally have paid a price for it). We know who they are. We need much more. Each time we add one, we not only "add one", but we make the efforts of any other willing folks more effective. We, as alums, have 9 seats available (at least for the moment).
Nine is far fewer than ideal, no doubt. But that nine is going to have to include some folks who:
A) "Don't give a ****", for lack of a prettier term. At least that don't give a **** enough that they are willing to stand up and do what is right - rather than take the easy way out and become a marionette.
B) Know their **** inside, and out, and up, and down - because they will be playing against a stacked deck. And they damn well better know that and be willing and prepared to do what it takes.

Honestly, it is a travesty to waste a single one of those nine seats on a marionette... and we have wasted many more than that.

Anyway, that is what needs to happen ASAP, and nothing else is going to much matter unless and until that happens - so that is really the only thing worth focusing on. We, as alumni, can do that. It is within our self-control to do that.
Anything else (all the talk about the Pennsylvania Assembly, and the other defeatist crap, or prayers for salvation from above, etc etc etc) is wasted oxygen without it.


Step 1. The one within our control. That is what needs to be focused on.

I understand and wow this is a shambles if you are correct So who has to go from the trustees please

 

[Erial_Lion]

Serious question, and you can address it or not, completely up to you:

Who do you see on the ballot who is a "great" candidate, by your definition?
I'll assume that is who you will be voting for - assuming you are an alum (I have no idea if that be the case or not).

If you see any "great" candidates, I would hope - and implore - that you would vote for them. Heck, I would hope you would contact them and see what you can do to help, they would probably welcome it. Seriously.

Good luck.

Unfortunately, I don't see any great candidates. I'm an alum, and I'll likely vote for some combo of Maribeth and 2 of the 3 up for reelection.

 

[pap]

How much time do you have?
Seriously though, there is so much to it that one couldn't begin to cover it all on a message board - so I will cut to the chase, and what is relevant and controllable right now:

It will only continue to get worse until as many folks as possible, who are very well-versed and do their homework, take a seat and a microphone around that Board table and stand up and let people know just what is going on - and start to hold the current regime somewhat accountable (and, really, if goes back longer than the "current" regime).
Or at least make their lack of accountability very evident. Unless you have that as Step 1, you aren't going to get anywhere with Steps 2, 3, and so on.

So far, we have had very little of that - we've had a few folks who have taken stands (and generally have paid a price for it). We know who they are. We need much more. Each time we add one, we not only "add one", but we make the efforts of any other willing folks more effective. We, as alums, have 9 seats available (at least for the moment).
Nine is far fewer than ideal, no doubt. But that nine is going to have to include some folks who:
A) "Don't give a ****", for lack of a prettier term. At least that don't give a **** enough that they are willing to stand up and do what is right - rather than take the easy way out and become a marionette.
B) Know their **** inside, and out, and up, and down - because they will be playing against a stacked deck. And they damn well better know that and be willing and prepared to do what it takes.

Honestly, it is a travesty to waste a single one of those nine seats on a marionette... and we have wasted many more than that.

Anyway, that is what needs to happen ASAP, and nothing else is going to much matter unless and until that happens - so that is really the only thing worth focusing on. We, as alumni, can do that. It is within our self-control to do that.
Anything else (all the talk about the Pennsylvania Assembly, and the other defeatist crap, or prayers for salvation from above, etc etc etc) is wasted oxygen without it.


Step 1. The one within our control. That is what needs to be focused on.

In reality I was told that only the big money trustees really had the power here and the elected members really had no say . Maybe I was misinformed But since 2012 all hell did break loose and most of us were put under the impression that all was well I guess we were lied to

On both boards there is much angst on everything Now I amgetting a better understanding Thank you

 

[Connorpozlee]

It was a homophobic slur that begins with “cock”…so you’re telling me that you didn’t call numerous posters, and our President, a “retard” on many occasions on BWI? And that you never referred to members of the BOT as “c-suckers”? That was all someone making it up?

He referred to a student at the school as a retard.

 

[PSUFTG]

He referred to a student at the school as a retard.

No. He didn't. But keep banging that drum - you'll at least end up with forearms like a professional arm-wrestler (or maybe even Bob ).
I'll leave it at that, as it deserves no more than that.

 

[PSUFTG]

In reality I was told that only the big money trustees really had the power here and the elected members really had no say . Maybe I was misinformed But since 2012 all hell did break loose and most of us were put under the impression that all was well I guess we were lied to

On both boards there is much angst on everything Now I amgetting a better understanding Thank you

Each Trustee gets1 vote out of 38 (actually 1 out of 35 at the moment, since two positions are "non-voting", and Ira Lubert's chair has yet to be re-filled despite sitting empty for over a year - which is maybe the perfect meme, sitting empty, for many of the Board seats) In fairness, that - one vote per seat - is about where the similarities stop between the Trustee allocations. Your impression that there are huge issues in that regard are, IMO, absolutely true.

That said - there is a ton to unpack there, so I am going to focus on the few things that are within our control, that I believe can move the rock a little further up the hill.

 

[Erial_Lion]

No. He didn't. But keep banging that drum - you'll at least end up with forearms like a professional arm-wrestler (or maybe even Bob ).
I'll leave it at that, as it deserves no more than that.

I assume he’s referring to you calling a football player “intellectually retarded” (unless you also had other instances of calling students “retards”, since there were plenty of times you did it to other posters).

Some questions for you…

Do you feel like it was appropriate to call a student athlete “intellectually retarded” on an Internet forum?

Is that something you could also justify calling a student, BOT member, or a member of the administration in a public setting? Or is it only ok to type things like that?

Do you have any regrets with calling Barron, or Dambly, a “cock sucker”?

Is it justified to use homophobic rhetoric on an Internet forum? Could you also justify it in a public setting or meeting if you were frustrated or trying to make a point?

 

[91Joe95]

He referred to a student at the school as a retard.

No, he didn't.

 

[91Joe95]

I assume he’s referring to you calling a football player “intellectually retarded” (unless you also had other instances of calling students “retards”, since there were plenty of times you did it to other posters).

Some questions for you…

Do you feel like it was appropriate to call a student athlete “intellectually retarded” on an Internet forum?

Is that something you could also justify calling a student, BOT member, or a member of the administration in a public setting? Or is it only ok to type things like that?

Do you have any regrets with calling Barron, or Dambly, a “cock sucker”?

Is it justified to use homophobic rhetoric on an Internet forum? Could you also justify it in a public setting or meeting if you were frustrated or trying to make a point?

This is twice you've referred to ********** as homophobic. With all due respect I think you're receiving it wrong.

 

[Erial_Lion]

This is twice you've referred to ********** as homophobic. With all due respect I think you're receiving it wrong.

Sure…next, you can tell me that calling someone a “Jew” as a slang for cheap isn’t a religious insult.

 

[Nitt1300]

Do you feel like it was appropriate to call a student athlete “intellectually retarded” on an Internet forum?

Is that something you could also justify calling a student, BOT member, or a member of the administration in a public setting? Or is it only ok to type things like that?

I think he would only feel safe typing it - I doubt that he's got the sack to say something like that to a man's face

 

[91Joe95]

Sure…next, you can tell me that calling someone a “Jew” as a slang for cheap isn’t a religious insult.

Seriously, I never heard as a homophobic slur.

 

[pap]

Each Trustee gets1 vote out of 38 (actually 1 out of 35 at the moment, since two positions are "non-voting", and Ira Lubert's chair has yet to be re-filled despite sitting empty for over a year - which is maybe the perfect meme, sitting empty, for many of the Board seats) In fairness, that - one vote per seat - is about where the similarities stop between the Trustee allocations. Your impression that there are huge issues in that regard are, IMO, absolutely true.

That said - there is a ton to unpack there, so I am going to focus on the few things that are within our control, that I believe can move the rock a little further up the hill.

What will it take then for needs to be done If time is an issue then the sooner the better

 

[StamfordBridgeVikingatLeftOffensiveTackle]

His tunnel vision and lack of broad based knowledge of complex administrative issues severely limit his ability to contribute in a balanced and meaningful way. Furthermore he’s frequently an embarrassment to himself and has shown himself to be incapable of working constructively with others.

These are fair concerns. I think the latter is more of a concern than the former.

 

[Erial_Lion]

Seriously, I never heard as a homophobic slur.

If you can't understand why trying to insult someone by calling them a "cock sucker" is homophobic, then I don't even really know what to say...

 

[TiogaLion]

@Nitwit @Erial_Lion ----- Barry's phone number is listed. Why don't you call him up and discuss it with him? If he doesn't answer leave a message and he'll get right back to you.

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."

 

[Erial_Lion]

@Nitwit @Erial_Lion ----- Barry's phone number is listed. Why don't you call him up and discuss it with him. If he doesn't answer leave a message and he'll get right back to you.

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."

Discuss what with him? How inappropriate it is to call other people "retards" and "cock suckers"? The fact that those aren't words that someone in a leadership position should be using?

I've told him that if I ever see him at a football game, I'll introduce myself, as I do appreciate the work he does and passion he has...however, his prior words disqualify him from ever being someone I'd like to see representing my university. No amount of talking to him could change that.

 

[BobPSU92]

Why call BARRY. ? He’s here. PSUFTG. He can read the comments here and respond to them honestly.

 

[PSUFTG]

x

 

[Moogy]

This is twice you've referred to ********** as homophobic. With all due respect I think you're receiving it wrong.

Yikes, dude. You're out to lunch on this one. He's using the sucking of c*** as an insult. How is that not a childish homophobic slur, or some misogynistic epithet? Please explain to us, without embarrassing yourself and humankind, how one should receive **********, if not in that manner. Annnnd ... go ...

 

[TiogaLion]

Discuss what with him? How inappropriate it is to call other people "retards" and "cock suckers"? The fact that those aren't words that someone in a leadership position should be using?

I've told him that if I ever see him at a football game, I'll introduce myself, as I do appreciate the work he does and passion he has...however, his prior words disqualify him from ever being someone I'd like to see representing my university. No amount of talking to him could change that.

So, in other words you're too much of a coward and you like things just the way they are/have been/will continue to be. Got it.

Barry is the only candidate that actually cares about being fiscally responsible. I am not expecting him to just "go along" in order to become "friends" and hob-nob with the wealthy BOT's.

Maribeth seems like a good person and would probably attempt to do what's right for the university. However, she helped start and lead an organization that promised change and other than supporting most of the current Alumni BOT's has done nothing.

The three incumbents have proven they are not fiscally responsible, if for no other reason than their 100% "Yes" votes. Distgusting!

The other three candidates, according to website, only care about DEI. DEI, although worthy, is in no way going to help the university get fiscally sound while lowering tuition.

 

[Moogy]

To be clear - though I can't imagine why I bother - the statement was that the stuff Antonio Shelton was doing was "intellectually retarded". It was. That may have even been a fairly kind interpretation (so why on Earth would you expect someone to genuflect self-flagellate over it) - and probably why very few folks missed him when he went to UF. (I think most of us are familiar with Shelton's many such actions while at PSU).
If you want to have a problem with that, that's fine. Up to you.

You appear to have staked out a rather intractable position quite clearly. Are you about done? I am certain that everyone appreciates how effectively you have turned the entire thread into it's least productive form possible. So, if that was the goal, congratulations.
Time to move on. Mission accomplished.

I give you credit for standing by your use of a derogatory and unacceptable term as an infantile insult. It takes a big man to be so small.

 

[Erial_Lion]

So, in other words you're too much of a coward and you like things just the way they are/have been/will continue to be. Got it.

If not wanting someone on the Board of Trustees that often used insults like "retard" and "cock sucker" makes me a coward, then yes, I'm a huge coward.

 

[Moogy]

So, in other words you're too much of a coward and you like things just the way they are/have been/will continue to be. Got it.

Barry is the only candidate that actually cares about being fiscally responsible. I am not expecting him to just "go along" in order to become "friends" and hob-nob with the wealthy BOT's.

Maribeth seems like a good person and would probably attempt to do what's right for the university. However, she helped start and lead an organization that promised change and other than supporting most of the current Alumni BOT's has done nothing.

The three incumbents have proven they are not fiscally responsible, if for no other reason than their 100% "Yes" votes. Distgusting!

The other three candidates, according to website, only care about DEI. DEI, although worthy, is in no way going to help the university get fiscally sound while lowering tuition.

PSUFTG doesn't seem capable of changing his underwear. And if he succeeded, he'd probably throw it to the ground and call it names, and accuse it of not doing its job, and swear off wearing underwear ever again. I don't know anything about the dude, other than what's been presented here, but he just seems like a whiny baby who overreacts to things, and doesn't know how to play well with others.

"Lowering tuition"? That's NEVER going to happen. Anyone suggesting that should be patted on the head and told to go sit at the kids table. Freezing tuition hikes is a radical idea, but still allows one to claim their sanity. Slowing down the rate of increase is a much more realistic goal. But reducing tuition? Anyone suggesting that should be exiled from adult conversation.

 

[91Joe95]

Yikes, dude. You're out to lunch on this one. He's using the sucking of c*** as an insult. How is that not a childish homophobic slur, or some misogynistic epithet? Please explain to us, without embarrassing yourself and humankind, how one should receive **********, if not in that manner. Annnnd ... go ...

Oh, I've always known its an insult. Whether you think it's homophobic or not was simply new. That said, I just don't care at this point, other things are simply way more important than someone's hurt feelings. If that frightens or dismays you, too bad.