Speed Gibson

Previously: 1 2 3 4

"I don't like it," huffed Mrs. Bea Sorenson, Clerk of the Gopherville School Board. "I can smell the bridges burning already."

"What bridges?" responded Charles "Champ" Perry, Vice Chair of the Board.

"Jack Larson's group for one."

"OK, that's one."

"There's the mayor, our legislators, our colleagues, our peers, our associations," Sorenson replied evenly. "And the community as a whole who's going to have a hard time understanding this."

"OK, we're still at one."

"Mr. Perry, that was uncalled for!" rejoined Sorenson, leaning forward, eyes fixed squarely on Perry.

"Folks, let's keep it civil, please," said Chairman and retired judge Virgil F. Thompson. "We passed the budget for 2008-2009 earlier this year, which cuts two teachers as you know. Now we have the new, disappointing local revenue forecast. Even the best of Martin's scenarios costs us at least one more teacher. There's no way we'll get a referendum through, especially in a Presidential year as we all agreed when this budget was adopted. The Legislature is done for the year barring another bridge collapse. We can cut further to avoid Statutory Operating Debt, if we're not there already. Or we can listen to Mr. Riesling here."

"Now Paul, I trust you understand there will be no decision tonight, or even the next meeting, even under the best of circumstances. Mrs. Sorenson is correct. This does affect a number of relationships, both here and throughout the state. We value those relationships as I'm sure you do yours."

Paul Riesling rose. You could hear several people in the gallery take a breath. The board room was standing room only. Word had gotten out, as it usually does in small towns.

"Mr. Chairman, you have my offer," began Riesling. "It's not an ultimatum, it's an alternative. It's not a threat, it's just an option. You're free to decline and I will honor whichever decision you make. I have put a time limit on it, but Superintendent Kennicott gave me that date as you can't implement it after that anyway. I'll might well make you a very similar offer next year, should you decline this year. This may just be too fast for you. I understand, believe me."

"But Mr. Chairman," he continued, "there is more at stake than just one year. This situation, this financial squeeze has been years in the making. And it's not just Gopherville that is being squeezed. I would simply cut you a check now if I thought otherwise.. No, things have to change, to get stable financing, and that means clearly forcing the issue with St. Paul."

"As I've said before, this really isn't about destroying relationships. It's about rebuilding them. I could offer my own theories about why K-12 funding is no longer a priority for the Legislature. Look at the session just completed. Granted, it wasn't a budget year, but K-12 got no significant attention until the last few days, and only then to simply protect last year's amounts from the deficit resolution. Meanwhile, look at all the time and the $74 million they did spend on a Light Rail line."

"And what do we do? We meet with our representatives. We testify before their committees. We meet with officials from the Minnesota Department of Education. We fill out their reports and forms. We apply for grants. Superintendent Kennicott attended a forum with several of his peers at the Governor's mansion earlier this year. Our officials, our staff, our citizens and volunteer groups like Jack Larson's Legislative Delegation all are to be commended for their efforts."

"And St. Paul still goes on its merry way, playing with their toy trains, building stadiums for millionaires, and of course bringing home the museum and hockey arena bacon. And does anyone doubt the Vikings are going to get a stadium? Maybe that's an answer. Let's propose operating schools in stadiums!" The crowd roared, but soon politely responded to Judge Thompon's light gaveling, the Judge himself chuckling.

"One more thing. Yes, the revenue forecast was down a bit. I therefore am raising my offer, to $250,000." This time, some in the crowd gasped. Then came cautious applause. They didn't understand the mechanics of the deal, but they all knew that amount of money could be put to good use, and without the usual delays and paperwork.

Again, the gavel rapped the crowd into a quiet murmur. "Members of the Board, I believe we have no motion on the table for this, nor is the Chair seeking one this session. The Chair will entertain a motion to add this to the next meeting agenda, for further discussion and possible adoption and / or possible rejection."

"I so move as a discussion item only," said Bea Sorenson, eager to stem the momentum heard tonight. Champ Perry thought of amending it to include possible action, but thought better of it and seconded. The motion passed, after which Riesling quickly headed for the door, followed by practically everyone but the board. He walked two blocks up the street with a couple dozen in tow, and headed into the Gopherville Tavern, sliding into the small corner booth where Fran Dodsworth and Leora Arrowsmith were waiting as planned. Within a minute, a Gibson was put in front of him, as the ladies had arranged. Paul smiled and took a thoughtful sip.

"Thanks. I needed that," he joked. "It was kind of scary up there." By now, most of his entourage had found comfortable seating, but five had clustered around Paul's group.

"Mr. Riesling, we don't know what to say but thank you, thank you so much!" said one.

"It's not a done deal yet. You probably don't even know the deal."

"It must be some deal if you're willing to fork over 250 grand," said another.

"250?" asked Fran, who like Leora had not been at the meeting.

"Well, I upped it a little because of tax forecast," said Paul, taking another sip. Only one other person there realized the possible significance of that last exchange. "But it'll all be in the paper tomorrow. I've seen to that." That seemed to satisfy the group and they dispersed to join the others after a few more thank you's. His view no longer obstructed, he signaled the bartender for a refill as he finished the first drink and munched the onion.

"You did need that, didn't you!" said Leora.

"Don't worry, two's my limit and I'm walking home anyway."

"So what happened up there?" continued Leora.

"Pretty much exactly what you predicted."

"We didn't predict you adding 50 more," said Fran, with a note of concern in her voice.

"Like you said, it was raise or call."