Not for the first time, AJ MacArthur took time during a school board meeting to complain about how unfairly he feels the public is treating him. And, yes, you read that correctly… during a school board meeting. MacArthur said the public is boycotting his business which he defines as “harassment.” On another occasion, also during a school board meeting, MacArthur said that just because people don’t agree with what he’s doing on the school board is no reason to boycott him. By that statement it can be determined MacArthur understands what boycotting means and why people boycott.

People boycott to express disapproval of policies or practices they deem unethical, unfair or harmful. People boycott when other measures, such as voicing their opinions, haven’t been effective. There are numerous reasons why the tax-paying public may be disheartened by MacArthur’s actions on the school board such as:

1. Voted down a 100% grant-funded rain garden project that would also have replaced needed infrastructure in the parking area at the high school.

2. Voted to add a second law firm to the APS payroll, creating additional expenses.

3. Voted to award a contract to a higher bidder. This not only violated State Law and placed APS in legal jeopardy, but wasted tax dollars.

4. Voted to change wording in a Social Media policy that doesn’t create clarification but created unnecessary legal fees.

5. Supports implementing an unneeded Bathroom Policy that would instigate an expensive and prolonged lawsuit.

Just a thought. Taxpayers might also be disenchanted with MacArthur because the policies he supports are so damaging to the well-being of our school system; none of which will affect his children as they do not attend public school.

Mr. MacArthur, how about some Limburger to go with that whine?

Pam Sample

Alpena