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Cape Girardeau school administrator to run for county auditorSunday, June 28, 2009
Pete Frazier, an assistant principal and former government teacher at Central High School, told a large crowd at the GOP Pig Roast in Cape County Park Saturday that he'll seek the office held by David Ludwig. Frazier is currently treasurer of the county Republican Central Committee. Frazier said his experience with budgets as a school administrator and in organization memberships has prepared him for the seat. Frazier, who lost the party nomination for 158th District state representative to Nathan Cooper in 2004, said he had reached a career crossroads after five years as a school administrator and felt now was the time to pursue a career in politics. Current auditor David Ludwig said he was surprised by Frazier's public announcement, and that he's made no plans yet on whether he will run for office next year. Ludwig said it may be several months before he makes a decision on whether to seek re-election. -- Southeast Missourian Comments  Note: The nature of the Internet makes it impractical for our staff to review every comment. If you feel that a comment is offensive, please Login or Create an account first, and then you will be able to flag a comment as objectionable. Please also note that those who post comments on semissourian.com may do so using a screen name, which may or may not reflect a website user's actual name. Readers should be careful not to assign comments to real people who may have names similar to screen names. Refrain from obscenity in your comments, and to keep discussions civil, don't say anything in a way your grandmother would be ashamed to read.
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Go, man go!!
Ok, He must really hate his job as Assistant Principle. First he pursued the State Rep. seat against Cooper and Brinson, now Auditor. The two (in a political sense) have nothing to do with one another. So my first question is WHY he all of the sudden now feels the "need" to run for this position?
Honestly, it doesn't make any sense. Power? Money? Sounds to me like you just want a cushy job sitting back living off the tax payers teet for the next 20-years. Sorry Pete, I think you've revealed your true self on this one. I'll be voting for whomever decides to run against you.
Additionally, since Mr. Frazier is obviously disenfranchised with his current position with Cape Girardeau Public Schools (another taxpayer provided job) I suggest firing Mr. Frazier and finding someone else who IS interested in making a difference in our children's lives.
I don't want my tax-dollars being used to fuel his political gain, instead of concentrating on his job at Cape Central.
*disclaimer* Sorry, but this is my humble opinion. Pete has blatantly stated his feelings about his position at CHS when he said, "he had reached a career crossroads after five years as a school administrator and felt now (LOL! Trying to sneak in on Ludwig's misfortune) was the time to pursue a career in politics."
That being said, any Boss would tell their employee to move if they had other career ambitions. Political campaigns are time consuming, he cannot put his full concentration into both. Both positions require and demand proper enthusiam and representation by the taxpayers. Since I am a taxpayer, hence...I am his Boss. Move on Pete! Good Luck in the election. Oh...and don't be asking for a job back with the school system after you lose either.
So don't start "deleting posts" because we're speaking our minds. Both positions, the one he has, and the one he wants are taxpayer paid positions. We have every right to voice our opinions on this!
Tell us how you really feel "Meglo"............
mohacker,
Was I too subtle?
C'mon Megal, he's an assistant principal, not a teacher. He doesn't have all the prep work or grading that comes with teaching.
And it may be a tax-funded job, but the money he earns is his and he should be able to spend it as he sees fit - if it's on food or for his run.
In education, many reach a "career crossroads after five years", look at the stats. Many members of the public believe education is a "cushy" job too...wonder why they leave then?
And you believe whenever ANYONE runs for office, they should quit their current job or is that just for educators? Have you always quit your job before you sought another? Just wondering...
One one thing, you may "help" fund his salary, but you are not his boss.
Hey guy, I thought your AC was working...
Megal:
You have a good point there on his running because of Ludwig's misfortune. He evidently has great political ambitions it not being important what job he holds. He should have shown what he was made of by running when Cooper was ousted(resigned). Anybody know what has become of Cooper since his release.
He's a former government teacher, he's probably always had an interest in government. Sounds like he's looking for a place to jump in. I don't know the guy, but many people want a change of pace as for as their jobs go - why wouldn't he? Why so critical of someone looking for that change or taking advantage of an opportunity as it presents itself? I thought that was how we got ahead in this country. Seems smart to me.
Suelynn,
This has nothing to do with AC. It's all about common sense. I backed Mr. Frazier when he ran against Cooper. In fact, I made a contribution to his campaign. That was what he wanted then and now this is what he wants now.
I don't know about you, but I don't particularly enjoy shelling out tax dollars to (tax funded) employees just so they can fund their political ambitions. He's plainly stated now, that he want to pursue a "Political Career."
That being the case, then he should go on and resign as assistant principle and do so. Try telling your boss you're going "job hunting" and see what he tells you.
This isn't like this is a first time incident. He obviously DOESN'T want to be in the school system. So...why keep the job if you don't want it??? Ahh...oh that's right, money. LOL! Ok, I'm getting madder the more I think of it.
Additionally, this has nothing to do with him being an educator. The fact is, HE IS PAID BUY TAXPAYERS CURRENTLY. He states he doesn't want the job, but wants to pursue political interests.
Any job, IMO...that is funded by taxpayer dollars is public service. That being said, by proxy...yes I am his boss, and would expect for School Board Members (who are also my employees) to look at this situation professionally, and act.
Suelyn, There's more going on here than meets the eye. And personally, if his interests are NOT in the best interests of the kids and families he serves at CHS, then we (the taxpayers) should be given someone who does.
If he wants to pursue politcal interests...go right ahead, but just not at the taxpayers expense, and at the compromising the of your duties and obligations to the children of CHS and their parents. We deserve better.
howdydoody,
Interesting you mention that. Here are some quotes from Frazier during that time period. In an SEMissourian article dated Sept. 10, 2007.
"Frazier, who is also treasurer of the Cape Girardeau County Republican Central Committee, said in an interview that his commitments to his job, as well as the timing of the Feb. 5 special election, prevent him from running.
"For me it was the obligation, the commitment I had already made to the school and my job" that spurred the decision, Frazier said in an interview. "The timing played a factor into it as much as everything."
He also said, "Despite the difference between his salary as an educator and the pay of a legislator -- a difference of over $20,000 a year -- Frazier said he had seriously considered the race. He pursued ideas for supplementing his income he said, and "could have made that transition pretty smooth."
Frazier did not rule out a bid for public office in the future."
That pretty much show us how obligated he really feels to the taxpayers who fund his current job, and to the kids of CHS.
Additionally, pursued ideas for supplementing his income?? Hmm...well doesn't sound like he even wants to WORK full-time as a politician. Like I said, just suck off the teet of the taxpayers, and work at something else. Wasn't there just arguement over working 40 hour weeks in those positions?
How much does he make now? How much is the auditor's pay? Is he going to have to work another job to suppliment that too? Nope! This all stinks! You can think what you want Suelynn! He has NO ambition to be a true public servant! He's only out for the glory and to milk the taxpayers!
Megal - taxpayers SPENT the money, he EARNED it. It's not at taxpayers exspense. Is it OK if he buys a car or goes to a movie boss? His time, is also his time. Educators are not funded for 24/7. The public does not OWN taxpayer-funded employees 24/7 and he has the right to spend his off-time as he pleases.
Megal, I have a boss - hired by the school board and he is not you.
You said this has nothing with him being an educator, but you didn't answer this, "And you believe whenever ANYONE runs for office, they should quit their current job or is that just for educators? Have you always quit your job before you sought another? Just wondering...
One more thing, I've seen this happen in Cape Girardeau County too often. People either run for political positions in the town either because they were fired from another government job, can't find a job, buddy system (help a guy out) or they run for office, lose, then try for another office with "opportunity" presents it's self.
Even though Thad Bullock lost many many times, he always ran for the same position. This shows me conviction and committment. Frazier isn't exhibiting anything more that opportunism. It's not about his "needs" to fullfill a great need through public service. It's about getting whatever political position he can get his hands on. (Smells of Taxpayer Teet Sucking) to me.
I don't understand what your first paragraph has to do with the current issue. He clearly has a job now.
American way - take advantage of opportunities. But you think he should wait until it's more of a challenge and THEN run? Thats kinda wacky in my mind (not saying your are).
Suelynn,
Three points. I am the School Boardss Boss, I helped to elect them. Sure, the money Frazier has CURRENTLY earn is his, but...I (his employer) doesn't have to keep on paying him while he goes applying off for other jobs. Politics Suelynn is a full-time job.
Campaigning, isn't just a few hours here and there. Frazier will have to take time off from school activities to run for office. (He's pursuing a political career, remember) His heart is no longer in it, we so why keep working?
Not saying when ANYONE runs for office they should quit their job. Whatever arrangement is made between them and their bosses is their thing. BUT...Frazier IS a public servant. WE pay taxes to have him do a job.
Educators not funded 24/7?
Well read this post from a poster from one of the previous articles.
"MR. FRAZIER IS ON CALL 24 HOURS A DAY
7 DAYS A WEEK, 12 MONTHS A YEAR. HE DOES NOT HAVE AND 8 HOUR DAY MORE LIKE A 12 TO 14 HOUR DAY. STATE REP. ARE IN SESSION 5 MONTHS OUT OF THE YEAR UNLESS THERE IS A SPECIAL SESSION CALLED. MR. FRAZIER IS NOT ONLY AND EDUCATOR, BUT AN ADMINISTRATION OFFICER."
-- Posted by MAM on Mon, Sep 10, 2007, at 1:07 PM
Suelynn,
Sure it does. I'm basically calling him an opportunist, with no real convictions to serve.
dang-it (expense - you), rushing too much because I have work to do - talk at ya later.
Megal, One quick thought.
You said. "I am the School Boardss Boss, I helped to elect them". Well, so did I - guess by your logic, I'm my own boss. Great, now I'll just sit back and suck that "teet" you keep talking about.
Later.
Suelynn...
Taxpayer/voters aren't sucking the teet, they are the teet! Sheesh! Voters/Taxpayers ARE the bosses of public officials! Bottomline! That's why they call it PUBLIC SERVICE!
Additionally, It appears to me that you are suggesting that it's ok to run for office on the convictions of "I need a job" or "I need to make more money" (Bad reasons to run for office) As compared to "Running for the greater good, and to make a difference" (Good reasons to run for office)
As stated, Fraizer was an educator when I backed him in his initial attempt at the State Rep seat. I didn't have a problem with it then...because he was running under the premise of "Wanting to make a difference," not as a career change or for financial gain. I thought this was going to be a one time thing.
NOW...Mr. Frazier states, "now was the time to pursue a career in politics." Does this sound like he has the intentions of the voters and taxpayers in mind? Or...that he just wants a paycheck?? A Career mind you. IMO, one does not enter politics for "financial gain" or because they, "just need a job" or want to make a CAREER out of politics.
I've voiced my position on career politicians in the past, so this shouldn't be "earth shattering" news, that I don't support or condone these actions.
I'm simply stating, As a taxpayer, who contributes to Mr. Frazier's salary, I do not wish for Mr. Frazier to continue employment with the Cape Girardeau School system. Obviously his heart and mind are somewhere else. My children are too important, and I'd rather have someone in that position that is there to SERVE the children and parents of CHS instead of pursuing visions of grandeur at the expense of the taxpayers, parents, and children of the Cape Girardeau Public School System. If he wants this career in politics, pursue it...just let CHS find another person who cares have the job.
"Taxpayer/voters aren't sucking the teet, they are the teet! Sheesh!"
Megal Educators are taxpayers and voters. Sheesh! And I guess our own bosses too! Hey, I want a raise! - I'm playing with ya.
And what I said was, "He's a former government teacher, he's probably always had an interest in government."
And you never answered the question I asked you twice (Kinda reminds me of Babe).
Which question??
i think the most interesting point of this article has been overlooked.. and that is that the current county pervert, uh i mean county auditor is going to actually decide whether to run again or not.
Suelynn Questions:
And you believe whenever ANYONE runs for office, they should quit their current job or is that just for educators? (My answer at 12:12) "Not saying when ANYONE runs for office they should quit their job. Whatever arrangement is made between them and their bosses is their thing. BUT...Frazier IS a public servant. WE pay taxes to have him do a job."
(and to expound on that, his just is NOT a private industry job. A committee of "taxpayer" paid individuals hired him, and taxpayers pay his salary.) This is the second time now he is running on the taxpayers dime, while being paid for another job already.
Have you always quit your job before you sought another? (No, but it was always the understanding with folks who hired me what my "stipulations" were. AND...my jobs were never primarily funded by taxpayers.)
Political jobs are not there for "convenience." You said, "American way - take advantage of opportunities. But you think he should wait until it's more of a challenge and THEN run?" First of all, is being an "self-centered" opportunist a quality you look for in your politicians? It certainly isn't mine.
Additionally, If a person was really interested in the well-beings of his constituency, they wouldn't be worried about "the challenge", they'd go on and run for the right reasons...regardless.
Suelynn, obviously you're looking at this from a "teacher" stand point. I could careless is he was a garbageman, streetsweeper, police officer, or dogcatcher. If they publicly stated their lives were at a cross-roads, and were going to pursue a career in politics, I'd wish them the best, but still ask them for their resignation too. It would be obvious to me (as a taxpaying boss) that that individual no longer had their current job in the taxpayers best interest.
I'll leave with you with this. I don't want to catch you complaining about government wasting tax dollars. If you do, I'll cite this conversation...because it's obvious to me you don't mind being s.c.r.e.w.e.d over by the government (at any level) and having your tax dollars abused.
I do!
TommyStix,
Given the circumstances, I'd vote for Ludwig again at this point.
Maybe I'm living in Wonderland? Since this is an Auditor's position...wondering exactly what are the potential candidate's accounting/auditing qualifications are? Given the salary, it should not be too much to hope taxpayers would expect an accounting degree, some full-time accounting/auditing WORK experience, (and a CPA would be icing on the cake).
Here suelyn,
I've been thinking. Maybe Rice needs to bring all his homeless here and they can run for political positions so they can become employed. Sound good?
Mel,
Good points, but as Frazier pointed out. He has ALL the experience he needs from being Treasurer of the Cape County Republican Central Committee. Unfortunately, that doesn't matter anymore. Sheesh, one of our current county officials were going to leave Cape if "they" didn't get elected to their position. They need a job, that's all.
Shallow if you ask me (in regards to running for political office) but hey...Suelynn's down with that.
FYI, Here is the qualifications for County Auditor.
County Auditor (1st class without charter form of government; 2nd class counties) - 55.060 RSMo
Over 21 years of age
Resident of county 3 months next preceding the election
Familiar with the theory and practice of accounting by education, training and experience
One more thing, I think there are "resign to run" laws in place for School Board Members.
Megal,
Figured the "rules" were somewhat flexible, otherwise a teacher/administrator would not even be considering it as an option. I hope voters are smart enough to consider real work experience and look for the accounting/auditing education/qualifications. Verse name recognition ie public education teacher/administrator and active party member. This position's salary is very competitive and could even be on the high side of this region's accounting pay scale.
To be fair...the potential candidate could have more experience and education than what was mentioned in this article too?
Not sure what a school board member has to do with this topic?
Asst principle is not a school board member. However would be considered administrator.
You are correct, one can not be employed by (nor can one "do business with") the district and be a school board member. Don't forget, school board members are NOT compensated (or if they are it is a very insignificant amount).
Again I say, taxpayers did not hire him and taxpayers are not his boss. And as long as he can do the job he was hired to do, his private life and pursuits are his.
Cite this conversation all you want, 'cause I never said I wanted taxpayer money wasted (and how you got that from this conversation is beyond me). Actually, I'm looking at this from a "fairness" stand point. I also don't see this man as "self-centered" because he wants to run for a public office. I doubt if he is wealthy, based on his current job and perhaps he can't afford to quit his current position until elected. Do we want all of our elected officals to come only from wealth? I don't.
You said, "AND...my jobs were never primarily funded by taxpayers." Does that mean they were partly funded by taxpayers? You don't have to answer that...it doesn't matter.
Although the Missouri Statute outlines office eligibility it would be nice (for once) if a candidate had the formal education and experience. If someone had an accounting degree and perhaps a CPA designation with a few years of actually auditing that would be very most appropriate for this position. Teaching government classes and being treasurer of a miniscule organization bank account does not meet the bar. If you take a look at the current office holders education and experience some of them would have not been hired in the private sector. We should expect no less for public office.
suelynn,
I don't agree with the point Megal was attempting to make. Like you, once a public employee earns their wages, none of our business how he/she spends those funds, as long as it is legal.
But I do believe employees of public school districts are funded by taxpayor dollars. Taxpayors DO fund teachers, administors, staff, and their bosses contracts. Taxpayors also elect those (school board) who approve all their hirings. Thus, one would think an employee of a public school district would acknowledge the taxpayers role in their employment.
suelynn,
Here are the facts.
1. "said he had reached a career crossroads after five years as a school administrator and felt now was the time to pursue a career in politics." (Meaning he no longer wants to work as an Assistant Principle? Correct?)
2. He has ran for other political offices before, now he's wanting another position. (Proving his interest is NOT in serving the kids and parents of CHS)
That being said, he can spend those earn dollars anyway he wants, but...he NOW wants another career and has publicly stated such. Soo...we the taxpayers go on funding his continued employment, (which he no longer wants) while he spends many many many many man hours "applying to the public" for his new job? I don't think so.
Again...the next time you go to work, tell your superiors that, "you have reached a career crossroads and felt now was the time to pursue a different career."
And PLEASE do this, I really want to know their reaction. Get back to us after you file for unemployment. lol.
Mel/Sue. I DON'T CARE what he does with his "previously" earned income, but things have changed now...he no longer has the school district in his best interests and has stated so publicly. ANY Boss, would tell you to "hit the road" on such an announcement. Especially on a "second offense" which this is.
Here. Let's look at some of Frazier's comments from the first election.
-----------------------------------------------
Saturday, April 3, 2004
"Frazier told the group of more than 25 women and visitors that he went into teaching because he felt a "civic duty" and while he naturally supports education, he said he was not a one-theme candidate."
---------------------------------------------
Civic Duty...hmmm. Kinda puts everything into context when he now says, "he had reached a career crossroads after five years as a school administrator and felt now was the time to pursue a career in politics"
And....this article.
http://www.semissourian.com/story/125280...
Again reiterates that position, but...LOL, well...you get the point. Are "careers" in politics performing Civic Duty? LOL! Wait...don't answer that.
colshotwell, I fully agree with you, formal education and experience matter a great deal. I hope you get the best person for the position.
I can tell anyone interested, that the work of the auditor and many other county office holders is done by the women working there. When you call to ask a question the person answering the phone should say "Do you want to talk to the man in charge or the woman that knows what is going on?"
OMG - not you too Me'Lange, Sure I'll achnowledge public education is funded by taxpayers. Never said it wasn't, but that doesn't make taxpayers my "boss". Didn't you work in education? Did the taxpayers hire you and fire you? How was that interview?
P.S. I'm a taxpayer too, but I don't feel like I'm the "boss" of my senator, the postwoman or for that matter the city dogcatcher either.
howdydoody - ain't that the truth...
"I don't feel like I'm the "boss" of my senator" LOL! Then who is his boss?? Umm didn't taxpayers vote them in? OMG...losing it.
Suelynn, Re-read my comment...I did not agree with Megal. I did note, taxpayers do play a role, which should be acknowledged. Simular to the private segment, customers play an indirect (but very important) role in one's employment.
Megalomenia, do you even have a job? You seem to have a comment for every article there is. You really need to get some of your facts straight on Mr. Frazier before you make all these commments.
MAM,
Exactly what facts DON'T I have straight? Please enlighten me.
MAM, You prat! I even quoted your own words! LOL!!! What a widget!