The Gallagher Media Scrum: Baby Daddy to the Rescue!

• Garfish, He is and you can see why by what's on his blog: http://johnsims3.blogspot.com

• C. R. Blackwood- STFU already. This isn't about you. You got fired. Nobody cares. Go away.

• You may want to look into the inspector on Megan's roofing projects - Maria Luisa Rouco who I hired in 1999 because of her experience and roofing knowledge in response to the excessive number of mold and mildew projects in the Broward County Schools - the majority of them caused by poor roofing installations. Rouco, too, is a graduate architect, with 13 State of Florida licenses, and more than 20 years in construction and roofing. She has installed roofs and has personal knowledge of all of the roofing systems. From my understanding, the roofs in Broward County are far better than ever before. Megan may work hard but she does the paper work, not the field work. Paperwork is important but without knowledge, you end up with the exact roofing problems that existed in the 1988 bond issue. Megan has a college degree, which I am certain she had to work extremely hard for, but it takes time spent in the field to develoop field experience.

• Megan, is a PM who actually does her job and the right thing. Maybe she got her job thanks to mommy but she is nothing like mommy. She keeps the contractors in line and forces them to do their job not like the others in that department. She puts out more work than 1/2 of that department put together. I hope she does not get caught up in the stupid acts of her mother. It is usually that parent that is embarrassed by their kids. I wonder how Bev will fell about seeing her granddaughter from prison? As far as PK you go boy. I would have done the same.

• In defense of the remark made by Real Facts about my being fired for raising my voice against my employees; a State of Florida Administrative Judge found there was no sufficent evidence to prove that I had done so. It was also stated by the State of Florida Administrative Judge that raising your voice does not constitute a reason for terminating an employee from their position. I was terminated by the School Board against the direct orders of the State of Florida Administrative Judge that found I had not committed any of the three acts identified by 3 of my coworkers in the Building Department. The Judge ordered the School Board to put me back to work in my position, which the Board refused to comply. Instead, the Board unanimously followed through with my termination, filed two appeals which were rejected by the Appellate Court and are now in the process of settling financially with me for their illegal acts. Regarding DiPompeo Construction and their owner, part of the whistleblowing, harassment and discrimination lawsuit for myself and two women inspectors, in November 2004, concerned DiPompeo construction and their harassment of the two women inspectors. I attended meetings with Mr. DiPompeo in which he screamed and yelled at the inspector because they found inspection violations in his work. My recollection of Megan Gallagher is that while attending architectural school, she worked as a plans coordinator in the School Board's Facilities and Construction Design Department. The credentials listed in the job description for a Project Manager 1 is that the individual can have a degree in architecture, engineering or building construction and 5 years construction field experience with a beginning salary of $54,000. Another credential is that you have to have 10 years construction field experience with no degree. Megan Gallagher was hired as a Project Manager 1 within six months of receiving her architectural degree. My termination was in retaliation for my whistleblowing lawsuit. I was also investigated by the School Board's EEO as a result of a complaint by Board Member Ben Williams'niece who found I had never discrimated against her in the claims she made against me. I was also investgated by the School Board's SIU office at the recommendation of Mike Garretson for 5 inspectors who stated I was harassing them by reminding them to perform their job responsibilities in accordance with law, rather than ignoring those responsibilities to keep from being harassed or fear of losing their jobs. The SIU office found I had not committed any illegal acts and did not file any charges against me. Yet, with all of these false allegations, none of these individuals were found accountable for the falsehoods they told nor were there any reprimands placed in their file while I was terminated for doing my job for the public health, safety and protection.

• I personally know the family. I went to school with Meghan and Kevin, and my mother knew Bev fairly well. I am saddened and upset by the events that have occurred with Bev, but keep the kids out of it. Meghan is very well spoken and a great person, as is Kevin. Keep her kids out of it. If my mom was in a similar situation, you can bet that I'd be there supporting her, no matter the allegations.

• Hello film fans. I think Mr. Kaufold did a pretty good rendition of Kevin Costner (1992 film "The Body Guard"). He did his part. Now, can anybody tell me if any of the lady Gallagher's can sing? ... and I ey I will all-ways love yooou!

• Spot on Outside Opinion. I was enjoying a cigar with Cooper City Commissioner John Sims about an hour ago. We just happened to meet at a local cigar event. He's very glad this is happening. He basically said is honest service too much to expect from our public officials? He seems like one of the good guys, I hope he is.

• Bad things happen to good people. Get over it.. If some obnoxious reporters shoved cameras in my face and stood in front of my car I'd flick them off too. Would anybody really expect an interview from people clearly darting to their car? The paperwork is in and whatever punishment that follows is on the way.. Leave it alone and quit talking all high and mighty from your internet anonymity.

• Wise Old Owl...where did I remotely defend corruption? I simply stated I knew Beverly and Annie personally. I didn't characterize the extent or nonextent of any relationship. I've never been to her house, she's never been to mine. We've never talked on the phone. Our children were involved in the same activities, and while I knew she was a board member and she knew I was a teacher and BTU Steward we didn't talk shop much, as I didn't agree with most of her politics. If we were at the same function together and saw each other we'd say hello. I knew Joe Eggelletion personally as well...he was one of my high school Social Studies teachers over 30 years ago, before he went to Dillard, before he got a student pregnant. I didn't like him then, he's done nothing in over 30 years to change my opinion of him. I do believe strongly in innocent until proven guilty. So while the evidence sounds pretty damning against Gallagher, I thought the same about OJ Simpson. Her family hasn't been accused of anything. Woodward is right. I've never liked the media scrum, and it wasn't becoming this time.

• Trivia question: Which South Florida reporter was in Palm Beach County when public officials went to jail and then was in Broward County when the same thing happened, and uncovered neither? Free drink at the Hallandale dive bar of your choice to the person who gets this right.

• Certainly looks like there was equal pushing and shoving going on. And if the cameramen are not allowed to touch the public, why were they pushing the big goof. And the daughter's one-finger salute. Isn't that Freedom of Expression. Surely no one opposes that, do they?

• Garfish, While you work for BCPS as a teacher and a union member (you must be one of the very few they left) and you profess to know the family, I find it interesting that you would somewhat "defend" this corruption. What do you think would happen if you were caught on camera flipping off a TV station? Oh that's right, NOTHING as you are "in the loop" and would just call on your good friend - Bev to bail you out. You see, that IS EXACTLY WHAT IS THE PROBLEM. This kind of crap has been going on for years. GOOD, HONEST, DECENT people have had their lives RUINED by these corrupt arrogant SOB's. Yes, this is NEWS. Yes, this should be reported. If Bev didn't want the media camped out at her door then she should have done the right thing and not let GREED get the best of her. If someone in my family was arrested in a high profile case I would like to think that my family would have the integrity to say "no comment" and then get the hell outta there. You didn't see Salesman or Eggletion running or shoving cameramen or flipping people off did you? We are not being rude. We are being real. People have been trying for years to expose this corruption. People have had to deal with these arrogant idiots who really thought they were above the law and that they would never get caught. Well guess what - it has caught up with them. And they deserve everything they get. As for you and your job - I would keep my head down and my mouth shut. You never know who's watching.

• Beverly did not do this alone - there are others involved that have benefited from the decisions of this board. It's unfortuante that this is the example we show our children. I hope Beverly rolled over on every one of them. This wasteful spending needs to stop.

• I really appreciate the investigative reporting that has gone into this story. I also know Beverly and her youngest daughter Annie. I am also a Broward teacher and BTU member. So I've been following this closely. I take no joy in finding out about this. If she is guilty, then she should pay the consequences. If she can help nail others, that's good too. Unfortunately it never stops corruption...the FBI will always have a job! I don't like this media frenzy that descends after a tragedy. Whether it's shoving a microphone into the face of a person that has just found out about the tragic death of a family member, or chasing after a publicly disgraced official, it irritates me. I realize the event is extremely newsworthy, however where were these pretty tv reporters last week and last month? I'm pretty sure they expect this reaction from a perpetrator, and it's stupid to expect anything different. Oh big deal, Megan flipped a bird. I'm sure Phil was signed out from work, whether he actually filled out the paperwork or not. Carping on that is just piling on. If someone in your family that you loved and respected was suddenly arrested and accused of a crime, how would you react? Would you be in shock and disbelief? Would you want to believe they didn't do it? Would you want outsiders to leave you alone? I'm glad these things are coming to light, but I don't have to be rude about it.

• The scuffle started in Phil�s office and spilled into the hallway where it was quickly broken up. Nobody saw the first punch or any punch. Phil�s story is he was the victim. Phil has a history of work place confrontations. Fighting and or work place violence is a terminable offence no questions asked. Let us not forget Ms. Blackwood was fired for raising her voice to employees. Look at the tape and convince yourself that Phil is a victim. From my viewpoint he looks like the thug he has acted like at work.

• What about Meghan - was she being paid while away from her job?

• The waste that has gone on with the school district is shameful - Kronos is just an example. I wonder how much the board and Donnie Carter would be benefit financially from getting a Contract Food Management Company - which Donnie has been pushing for. It's about time someone shed some light on them.

• Was Phil getting paid from his job while doing this?

• Pulp, the facts as I know them! DiPompeo submitted a Change Order to Phil for $100K. Phil reviewed the change order and found it unsubstantiated and told DiPompeo that he was not getting an additional $100K of tax payer money. The situation then got heated in Phils office and Phil decided to walk out to avoid any trouble. As Phil was leaving, DiPompio punched Phil and Phil defended himself (quite well as a matter of fact) DiPompio was left on the ground bleeding from a smashed face. Another PM took over the project and reviewed the Change Order and also found that the request was unsubstantiated. It then went to be audited and the auditors determined that the Change Order was also unsubstantiated. Therefore, Phil was just looking out for the interest of the tax payer and was not going to be bullied by a contractor that wanted an extra $100K for nothing. To this I say good job Phil. As far as the scene yesterday I think they reacted in panic. Not an excuse just an explanation! Taxpayer 1 Contractor 0

• amen!!!

• Come on folks, let's not do the "Piling On" scenario. This is an embarrassment for Broward County, for the Democratic Party, and for all of those honest elected officials who are doing their damndest to represent their constituents, either Democrat or Republican. We're all upset that the corruption existed. Many of us have been in touch with Mike Satz, the FBI, and every ethics committee that exists in the State of Florida in order to get some action on what we perceived to be unethical conduct. So, we were successful!! Action has been taken, and is continuing. No need to add vitriolic comments aimed at the arrested, (I am not a fan of ANY of those arrested, in fact, I did file a complaint against at least one of them). However, let's not forget those HONEST politicians who have served us, and continue to serve us, even thought they must be just as disturbed by these arrests as we are. Nan Rich is such a person. Joe Schreiber is an honest politician. Ari Porth, Jeremy Ring, Joe Gibbons,Franklin Sands, Lois Wexler, Martin Kiar...please, the list of HONEST politicians is much longer than the list of corrupt officials. And...Mr or Ms other honest politician, I did not exclude you on purpose...my brain has not been able to digest this mess yet. I am happy that there has been some action against political corruption, but I am impatient for the SLOW action that the Feds have exhibited against other, (alleged), corrupt public officials. If YOU really want to fix the problem, then fix campaign finance rules, 527 rules, and LIMIT the amount of money that can be used in political campaigns. If the guy, (or gal), with the most money wins, then you've already defeated the entire political process. Change the process and you change the result. Wouldn't it be nice to NEVER see Barry Harris' face again??? I rest my case.

• So, it turns out not to be a son. Either way, you just gotta love these first class A-Holes coming to the rescue like brown knights. PAGE ONE ABOVE THE FOLD, BABY! Nice job. Nothing like an interesting perp walk with crazed "friends," making you look totally guilty! And now we learn this guy was most likely on the clock on his cushy Broward School job. How lovely! I only wish I could have been there to step on his glasses.

• Well I knew this was going to get ugly before it was all over. I find it very interesting that accompanying the shamed school board member was TWO (count em TWO) school board employees. I seem to remember a CODE OF CONDUCT book that all students and parents have to sign. Guess that doesn't apply to employees? Oh wait, yes it does. I've screen captured the lovely daughter giving the one finger salute and plan to email it to every board member plus Ass. Super of Human Resoruces Lynn Strong for consideration. I very much expect action to be taken against this school board employee for her conduct! As well as the "big galoot" employee shoving the cameramen around. Do you know - did the cameramen file charges against this creep? Hope so. As far as positions with this corrupt organization - nepotism is alive and well and has been a way of life for years and years. One thing I must say to Ms. Gallagher's lovely daughter. "My what a lady you are! Your momma taught you well!" NOT

• C'mon! Wouldn't it have been great if they had decked Putney! Of all the smug snobs that deserve a good tail-whipping!

• If I didn't look twice at the photo of the Gallager clan running I would have thought it was the same photo on the cover of the Beatles Abbey Road album.

• If we need to get a life then why are you on here?? Gallagher was elected in 2000. I don't see how anyone can feel sorry for a crook who did it to themselves.

• People need to mind their own business and get a life. Until you've seen that girl's resume you have no right to make any comments about whether or not she is qualified for her job. I heard she actully worked for the school board's contstruction department throughout high school, long before her mother worked on the board.

• Check the video at nbc6 bob. During the melee when Phil is claiming to be looking for his glasses Meghan clearly comes down the stairs and tries to hand him his glasses. Phil quickly tells her to go up the stairs and continues his bullshit story about looking for his glasses. That isn�t the best part of the video though bob near the end is the best part, check it out. http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local-beat/Corruption-Cleanup-FBI-Busts-South-Florida-Pols-60672292.html When you get there click on the young lady behind the wheel giving us the one finger salute.

• Looks like I need to withdraw my earlier comments about having sympathy for Gallagher's family. I'd love to hear more about how the unqualified daughter got hired but it looks like the apple has not fallen far from the tree in Ms. Gallagher's family. You could write a book about all of the good and honest people who have had their careers destroyed by School Board members playing political favorites, but when they need to help their own there is always a different set of rules. Any idea whether the daughter is still employed after yesterday? Maybe you should call her and ask her how she thinks she got her job.....and no, that wouldn't be wrong. If the average employee got physical with a school contractor, they would walk them out in handcuffs before prosecuting them, but instead, Bev's future son-in-law keeps his job and gets a plum assignment as her personal bodyguard on the day of her indictment. Was he on the clock yesterday? How about the daughter? Inquiring minds want to know.......There should be a special place in hell for all of these people.

• How do you spell nepotism again?

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