Superintendent Craig Hoppes has been on the job for Astoria schools now for several years in different positions. This is his first year running the whole show and it just happens to be one of the most challenging we've seen in some time.
Hoppes is creative in his approach in waylaying some of the effects of buget cuts and explained that when school was closed due to bad weather this winter everyone was off and teachers took it as an unpaid day off. That helps. There are still opportunities to make up days to meet state requirements if that becomes necessary. Unlike other districts, Astoria isn't talking about closing the school year early, or lay-offs, or trying to use scare tactics. Hoppes says that at this point no one knows how short the budget for Oregon public school districts will be. He may not know until long after his budget is due. He is preparing a budget based on this year's actual outcomes, preparing contingencies and holding back on all but essential spending. He says when
he knows what the state will actually provide then he'll come back with budget revisions for the board.
On my show this morning he didn't give dire warnings, nor did he speculate on things that may never happen. The sky may fall but if it does I would trust him at this point to tell me exactly how far and leave the politics out of it.
I like this guy. He has a refreshing approach. It's called honesty.
Comments expressed
February 24, 2009
Astoria Schools
Coming up on today's show on KAST News and Talk we'll be talking with school superintendent Craig Hoppes. The topics will include budget strategy to keep the schools open through the rest of the fiscal year and we'll chat about the grade restructuring in the district which will move kids to different schools next year. Tune in or listen live on line beginning at 8:30am.
February 21, 2009
Spend it! Spend it Now!
The whole point to injecting billions of dollars into the economy is to inject billions of dollars into the economy. The reason congress made the allocations it did was to ensure that this money would not be saved. That's not to say that anyone would be happy with later reports of foolish expenditures. In fact, the Obama administration in recent days has warned States receiving this boon against creating irresponsible programs or using the funds in ways that might later offend taxpayers.
Upper-Mid to Upper income taxpayers will see no benefit from the stimulus money precisely because people in those tax brackets would be more likely to put the extra money away while those in lower income brackets would be more likely to go out and buy that new IPOD.
Oregon is now looking at a budget deficit in the current fiscal year of $852 million dollars. Over the next two years that figure balloons to $3 billion. The Governor has suggested what he calls the 20-40-40 plan which combines the federal stimulus money with the rainy day fund and the education stabilization fund. The Governor says we don't touch the rainy day money to cover this fiscal year that ends June 30th. He will veto any legislation that does so. He suggested 20% of the federal dollars go to shore up the budget and then liquidate the rest over the next two years taking 40% of remaining funds in each of the upcoming fiscal years. This is prudent and reasonable. Unless you want the federal stimulus money to actually do what it is intended for.
The Governor will squeeze the legislature into proposing new taxes and fees rather than use the bailout as it was intended. Oregon will become a very expensive place to live. That will have long term economic effects. North Dakota anyone?
Upper-Mid to Upper income taxpayers will see no benefit from the stimulus money precisely because people in those tax brackets would be more likely to put the extra money away while those in lower income brackets would be more likely to go out and buy that new IPOD.
Oregon is now looking at a budget deficit in the current fiscal year of $852 million dollars. Over the next two years that figure balloons to $3 billion. The Governor has suggested what he calls the 20-40-40 plan which combines the federal stimulus money with the rainy day fund and the education stabilization fund. The Governor says we don't touch the rainy day money to cover this fiscal year that ends June 30th. He will veto any legislation that does so. He suggested 20% of the federal dollars go to shore up the budget and then liquidate the rest over the next two years taking 40% of remaining funds in each of the upcoming fiscal years. This is prudent and reasonable. Unless you want the federal stimulus money to actually do what it is intended for.
The Governor will squeeze the legislature into proposing new taxes and fees rather than use the bailout as it was intended. Oregon will become a very expensive place to live. That will have long term economic effects. North Dakota anyone?
February 20, 2009
We have A New All Sports Station on The Air!
This is in response to a comment regarding Randi Rhodes disappearance from the airwaves. The poster asked if this might mean he'd get his sports station back.
It's here. 99.7 KJOX FM is our new local all sports station. We launched it on January 8th so it's understandable that you may not know about it yet. Joe Michaels handles local play-by-play and produces a weekday local talk show from 4pm to 6pm. The station has it's own website here:http://997kjox.com/ and you can also listen on line by clicking "Listen Live". We are not allowed to stream professional sports that we broadcast, or state championship high school games but we stream all the other local games we carry in addition to FOX Sports radio, Dan Patrick, Jim Rome, Bob Costas and, the Joe Michaels show.
When we decided to put a sports format back on the air we also decided that it would reach more listeners if we made it an FM station. More good news on that front as well. In the next few weeks the power on 99.7 KJOX FM will increase dramatically reaching very strongly throughout our local broadcast area! Remember too that anywhere in the world where you have an Internet connection you can hear 99.7 KJOX. For IPhone users you can download Wunder Radio and find 99.7 KJOX listed so you can use your phone to listen as well.
So, Yes you have your sports station back and better than ever!
Gov Takes A Cut
(Salem) – Governor Ted Kulongoski today announced several administrative actions to create savings in the state budget immediately and into the next budget cycle. The Governor also unveiled a three year fiscal management strategy that maximizes federal stimulus dollars and state savings to help balance the state budget for both 2007-09 and 2009-11. The administrative savings the Governor announced today started with imposing a 5% reduction to his annual salary of $93,600 effective March 1, 2009. The Governor also announced that he is directing the monthly reduction of $390 to the Common School Fund. Other administrative steps the Governor announced effective March 1, 2009 for state executives and managers include: salary freezes, canceling the new step for state managers that was effective July 1, 2008, and furlough days. These administrative actions will provide a savings of $6.2 million total funds, $2.5 of which are General Funds, for the 2007-09 budget. For the 2009-11 biennium, the salary freeze would save about $122 million total funds and $56 million General Fund if it were applied to all employees. The Governor’s recommended budget already includes savings of $35 million General Fund for all employees taking eight furlough days during 2009-11. “State employees of every rank are stepping up – doing more with less especially with demand for services only growing. With today’s announcement, state managers will help lead the way,” the Governor said. “What I announced today translates into pay cuts for thousands of state workers – and their families – across the state. I know this is a significant sacrifice so I want to say to all state employees – thank you for your continued commitment to Oregon, and to creating hope and opportunity for a better and brighter future.” The Governor also announced his recommendation for how the state should distribute over the next 3 fiscal years the $2.2 billion from the federal recovery package and the state’s reserve funds. In the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Oregon is expected to receive $820 million for Medicaid services and $570 million for education and other public services for use in FY 2009, FY 2010 and FY 2011. Combined with the state Rainy Day Fund and the state Education Stability Fund, this provides the state with a $2.2 billion safety net over the next three fiscal years – or 18 months. “The bill that President Obama signed into law on Tuesday is a first step toward economic recovery for our nation and our state,” the Governor said. “But the people of Oregon must understand: This federal assistance will not solve our budget shortfall. It will help make some decisions a little less painful, but the money is simply not enough to prevent reductions to services that we all agree are important.” The Governor laid out three options before the legislature for how to allocate the state safety net: 1) spend it all for the current budget; 2) save it all for the next budget; or 3) prudently plan and allocate wisely over three years. “Option one – using all available funding for the current budget – is politically easy and politically popular. And I understand the enormous pressure legislators are under to pick that route,” the Governor said rejecting option one. “But that path is not only fiscally irresponsible – it sends a false message that everything is okay. While it might temporarily ease the pain – it will also result in deeper cuts – with longer and lasting consequences – that make it harder to recover from when the economy does rebound.” The Governor also rejected option two – save it all – stating, “We cannot afford to fall behind – negating all of the progress we’ve made over the last several years to move Oregon forward.” The Governor’s plan is based on option three, which he called a 20-40-40 plan. “There is no escaping the reality that the budget shortfall we’re facing will require some reductions to core services like education. But we cannot afford extremes on either end: Cut now and spend it all later – or spend it all now and make devastating cuts later,” the Governor continued. “That leaves the third option – which also happens to be the right option: Find an approach that is prudent, responsible, strategic and balanced.” The Governor’s plan dedicates a maximum of 20% of the $2.2 billion to help fill the shortfall in the 2007-09 budget, which in combination with the $350 million in cuts that the Co-chairs of the Ways and Means Committee outlined yesterday, will balance the budget by the end of the 2007-09 fiscal year on June 30, 2009, if current revenue forecasts hold. Looking at the 2009-11 budget, the Governor’s plan dedicates 40%– or approximately $900 million – for 2009-2010 and the remaining 40% and approximately $900 million, which includes the state Rainy Day Fund and Education Stability Fund – for 2010-2011. “Let me be perfectly clear – this plan will only work if the legislature holds off using the Education Stabilization Fund and Rainy Day Fund during this legislative session,” the Governor explained. “I will veto any bill that attempts to raid these funds during this legislative session.” Recognizing that the state safety net does not solve the state’s budget challenges, the Governor closed the press conference with assurance that he and the legislature will work to prioritize programs that are critical to economic recovery and prosperity. “We have difficult decisions ahead of us, and there is still some uncertainty about when this recession will bottom out and level out. But we can manage this tough budget environment and continue to make progress in key areas that are critical to a strong economic recovery,” the Governor said. “In partnership with the legislature, I will continue to make education a priority and work to create certainty for Oregonians and their families. That is the best way to make sure that for Oregon – this downturn is followed by a strong recovery and growing prosperity.”
Contacts:
Anna Richter Taylor, 503-378-6169
Jillian Schoene, 503-378-5040
Rem Nivens, 503-378-6496
Contacts:
Anna Richter Taylor, 503-378-6169
Jillian Schoene, 503-378-5040
Rem Nivens, 503-378-6496
February 16, 2009
I.O.U-SA
One of our loyal listeners called in to our KAST Coastwatch info on this film this morning. It is said to be quite non-partisan and has been lauded by critics for it's clarity in explaining the complex issues surrounding Ameria's serious economic problems and how we got here. Do post your comments after you've had an opportunity to watch it. tf
http://www.iousathemovie.com/reviews/
http://www.iousathemovie.com/reviews/
February 13, 2009
Charter Cable Goes Under
The Financial Times reports this morning that Charter Communications will file for bankruptcy protection on or before April 1 as part of a financial restructuring to reduce it's debt by $8 billion dollars.
The company serves 5.5 million customers in 27 states including our little corner of the world.
Charter is saddled with $21 billion in long-term debt after a decade of acquisitions and the man who controls the company, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen has reached an agreement with the company's debt holders. Sources in the company say they will continue to operate the cable system and Allen will continue to be an investor and hold the largest voting interest.
The restructuring involves some debt holders exchanging debt for new notes, receiving a mix of cash, preferred stock or warrents to purchase common stock.
Current common stock holders will get nothing according to the Times.
The company also plans to write down $1.5 billion of its assets related to its cable franchise agreements.
The company serves 5.5 million customers in 27 states including our little corner of the world.
Charter is saddled with $21 billion in long-term debt after a decade of acquisitions and the man who controls the company, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen has reached an agreement with the company's debt holders. Sources in the company say they will continue to operate the cable system and Allen will continue to be an investor and hold the largest voting interest.
The restructuring involves some debt holders exchanging debt for new notes, receiving a mix of cash, preferred stock or warrents to purchase common stock.
Current common stock holders will get nothing according to the Times.
The company also plans to write down $1.5 billion of its assets related to its cable franchise agreements.
February 12, 2009
Nova M Flakes on Randi Rhodes
Some of you may be familiar with liberal talker Randi Rhodes. She has a huge national following. Her show has been an afternoon fixture on local liberal station KKEE 1230 AM. She has been
absent from the air for days and days. Nova M radio network, which syndicates the show claims that its a technical problem. Sources tell me that "technical" has many meanings and it would be incorrect to assume it involves an equipment problem. Randi has sent me emails saying that in spite of her daily concerns over this she has done all she can to correct the problem.
My industry sources tell me that she is preparing to take a job with a Clear Channel station in Palm Beach and even though Clear Channel owns the Premiere radio Network (home for Rush Limbaugh) it is unlikely the new Randi Rhodes Show will be nationally syndicated.
Rhoads first rose to national attention with the advent of Air America. She stuck with that company through its first failure and on into what the network termed Air America 2.0 when that network was purchased by a couple of guys who made their money in real estate. Rhoads was suspended from the network after she insulted a former first lady during a stand-up comedy appearance. Ticked off, Randi found another home at Nova M radio network which had been started up by her longtime mentor John Manzo. Late last year Manzo lost his position with Nova M. Now Randi is apparently on the road again.
The thing I find very unprofessional about all this is the way the Nova M network just throws anybody on the air and makes no mention that it's not Randi doing the show. They still use all the Randi Rhodes intro announcements and bumpers coming out of commercial breaks but the host only mentions who she is very briefly and very quickly. There was no courtesy announcement for listeners about fill in hosts.
The network made no effort to contact affiliates until this had been going on for several days.
I have to tell you that, as a radio station programmer, I have never had these kind of experiences when working with Rush, or Lars, or Laura. Bruce Williams has changed satellite providers several times in the years we have carried his show but he calls me personally if there is going to be a change.
These liberal talk networks are absolute flakes. I hope my sources are wrong about what is actually going on here and we can get her back on the air at some point.
absent from the air for days and days. Nova M radio network, which syndicates the show claims that its a technical problem. Sources tell me that "technical" has many meanings and it would be incorrect to assume it involves an equipment problem. Randi has sent me emails saying that in spite of her daily concerns over this she has done all she can to correct the problem.
My industry sources tell me that she is preparing to take a job with a Clear Channel station in Palm Beach and even though Clear Channel owns the Premiere radio Network (home for Rush Limbaugh) it is unlikely the new Randi Rhodes Show will be nationally syndicated.
Rhoads first rose to national attention with the advent of Air America. She stuck with that company through its first failure and on into what the network termed Air America 2.0 when that network was purchased by a couple of guys who made their money in real estate. Rhoads was suspended from the network after she insulted a former first lady during a stand-up comedy appearance. Ticked off, Randi found another home at Nova M radio network which had been started up by her longtime mentor John Manzo. Late last year Manzo lost his position with Nova M. Now Randi is apparently on the road again.
The thing I find very unprofessional about all this is the way the Nova M network just throws anybody on the air and makes no mention that it's not Randi doing the show. They still use all the Randi Rhodes intro announcements and bumpers coming out of commercial breaks but the host only mentions who she is very briefly and very quickly. There was no courtesy announcement for listeners about fill in hosts.
The network made no effort to contact affiliates until this had been going on for several days.
I have to tell you that, as a radio station programmer, I have never had these kind of experiences when working with Rush, or Lars, or Laura. Bruce Williams has changed satellite providers several times in the years we have carried his show but he calls me personally if there is going to be a change.
These liberal talk networks are absolute flakes. I hope my sources are wrong about what is actually going on here and we can get her back on the air at some point.
February 11, 2009
Bang For The Buck
If you follow the link below you will access a leaked file that helps explain why President Obama and Democrat members of Congress are pushing the Economic Stimulus Bill in the direction that they are. The document is the same breif made available to all members of congress and the administration. It is prepared by CRS. Happy reading. tf
The CRS is a Congressional "think tank" with a staff of around 700. Reports are commissioned by members of Congress on topics relevant to current political events. Despite CRS costs to the tax payer of over $100M a year, its electronic archives are, as a matter of policy, not made available to the public.
Individual members of Congress will release specific CRS reports if they believe it to assist them politically, but CRS archives as a whole are firewalled from public access. http://wikileaks.org/leak/crs/R40104.pdf
The CRS is a Congressional "think tank" with a staff of around 700. Reports are commissioned by members of Congress on topics relevant to current political events. Despite CRS costs to the tax payer of over $100M a year, its electronic archives are, as a matter of policy, not made available to the public.
Individual members of Congress will release specific CRS reports if they believe it to assist them politically, but CRS archives as a whole are firewalled from public access. http://wikileaks.org/leak/crs/R40104.pdf
February 10, 2009
"Meat On The Bones"
Apparently there just wasn't enough detail in today's speech by the Treasury Secretary to reassure investors that they won't be stuck with the bill. That was the snap analysis after the market dropped following the secretary's talk in which he spoke in very broad terms about phase two of the financial bailout plan.
It will take much more than a stupendous dollar figure to sway those already very wealthy groups and attract the private sector investment the Administration is counting on in the coming weeks and months (hopefully not years but this is truly the biggest mess of the 21st century and the better part of the 20Th).
The "stress test" for major banks is a very good idea. I think if the 40 some-odd states that now find themselves in deep deficit territory had to meet a similar test, along with the kind of simple transparency the big banks will have to endure we might be able to figure out what we need rather than what we want. In fact, why not go the rest of the way?
Let's just stop all this silly taxing on the state level entirely. Why not institute a flat federal tax? And just funnel necessary funding back to the states?
States would be required to standardize all services at the same level based on per ca pita population. Just the basic services. Education, health, public safety, transportation..etc. We would have to do away with things like the "state department of studying why more college students aren't taking classes in Greek"
Sacrifices will have to be made.
Seriously though? People, it's been three whole weeks. Three weeks! That's nothing when you consider that this mess has been brewing steadily over the last eight years.
It may take at least that long to fix it. That's what Obama was talking about when he referred to a "lost decade" in his news conference. He is trying to avoid just that. I say give him a break and lets get this show on the road.
It will take much more than a stupendous dollar figure to sway those already very wealthy groups and attract the private sector investment the Administration is counting on in the coming weeks and months (hopefully not years but this is truly the biggest mess of the 21st century and the better part of the 20Th).
The "stress test" for major banks is a very good idea. I think if the 40 some-odd states that now find themselves in deep deficit territory had to meet a similar test, along with the kind of simple transparency the big banks will have to endure we might be able to figure out what we need rather than what we want. In fact, why not go the rest of the way?
Let's just stop all this silly taxing on the state level entirely. Why not institute a flat federal tax? And just funnel necessary funding back to the states?
States would be required to standardize all services at the same level based on per ca pita population. Just the basic services. Education, health, public safety, transportation..etc. We would have to do away with things like the "state department of studying why more college students aren't taking classes in Greek"
Sacrifices will have to be made.
Seriously though? People, it's been three whole weeks. Three weeks! That's nothing when you consider that this mess has been brewing steadily over the last eight years.
It may take at least that long to fix it. That's what Obama was talking about when he referred to a "lost decade" in his news conference. He is trying to avoid just that. I say give him a break and lets get this show on the road.
February 09, 2009
Snow Days
This is one of the tough calls for a school district to make.
It is particularly difficult in our little corner of the world where weather changes very rapidly.
Today there was no winter weather advisory, no mention of the possibility of freezing fog or mist. No mention of snow until Tuesday. A mostly clear night led to frozen roads early and by 6:30am freezing rain turned to snow. There were three accidents reported by ODOT on Highway 30.
It's just before noon as I write this and some light snow mixed with rain is coming down. Granted, the roads, for the most part, have been passable on the flat but early on the hills were icy about the time kids would have been getting to bus stops.
Then there is another problem with gauging when to cancel school as opposed to a delay. What will conditions be like when it's time to get those kids back home? What will the risk be then?
When temperatures hover around freezing roads can be perfectly alright in some areas and slippery a block away.
In considering all these factors it's not surprising that school is sometimes cancelled when it doesn't appear to be necessary causing an inconvenience for working parents, many of whom have called me or commented about today's decision. To those I ask you to consider what your opinion might have been if a bus had slid off a road?
It's a very tough call.
It is particularly difficult in our little corner of the world where weather changes very rapidly.
Today there was no winter weather advisory, no mention of the possibility of freezing fog or mist. No mention of snow until Tuesday. A mostly clear night led to frozen roads early and by 6:30am freezing rain turned to snow. There were three accidents reported by ODOT on Highway 30.
It's just before noon as I write this and some light snow mixed with rain is coming down. Granted, the roads, for the most part, have been passable on the flat but early on the hills were icy about the time kids would have been getting to bus stops.
Then there is another problem with gauging when to cancel school as opposed to a delay. What will conditions be like when it's time to get those kids back home? What will the risk be then?
When temperatures hover around freezing roads can be perfectly alright in some areas and slippery a block away.
In considering all these factors it's not surprising that school is sometimes cancelled when it doesn't appear to be necessary causing an inconvenience for working parents, many of whom have called me or commented about today's decision. To those I ask you to consider what your opinion might have been if a bus had slid off a road?
It's a very tough call.
What We Have Reported
For those who have requested a summary of the Star of the Sea situation. the following is taken from the local news section archives of kast1370.com:
'Financial irregularities' at Star of the Sea (reported January 29th)
A financial review by the Archdiocese of Portland finds a number of financial irregularities and questionable monetary allocations at St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish in Astoria. According to a letter from the Archdiocese Vicar for Clergy, Father Patrick S. Brennan, a recent, limited audit of the parish from July 1 to December 31st of 2008 found the financial problems. The letter, addressed to the pastor of St. Mary’s Star of the Sea, Father Ted Prentice and the parish’s finance council. The letter also states some archdiocesan guidelines for parish finances were not observed.
The letter, dated January 23rd, also puts in place several changes in the administration of finances at the parish and its associated school. Father Prentice has had his financial authority removed and it has been transferred to Paul Radu, a member of the parish Finance Council. Father Prentice will have no access to checks, except in an emergency situation, in which he may sign a check, but only with the permission of Radu. Two members of the finance council will be authorized to sign checks and two signatures will be required for all checks. Radu will work the Finance Council to assure proper management and oversight of parish financial resources. The council will have access to all parish financial records and will draw up the parish budget, implement it and supervise its administration. The council will also make sure proper administrative procedures outlined by the Archdiocese are followed; and the Archdiocesan Office of Financial Services will assist the Finance Council in its work, review its progress and make recommendations where necessary.
Father Prentice refused to comment to KAST on the financial irregularities. Bud Bunce with the Archdiocese of Portland confirms the Archdiocese gave a 20 thousand dollar grant to Star of the Sea recently, but Bunce says that is not unusual. He provided no detail as to how much money is involved or what the specific irregularities are. Superintendent of St. Mary’s Star of the Sea school Dr. Terry Campbell says he doesn’t know the extent of the ‘financial irregularities’ because he doesn’t have access to those accounts. He says the news comes as a shock to him, he had no inkling this was going on and he hopes the financial situation is rectified as quickly as possible.
Packed house for Star of the Sea meeting (reported Feb 3)
St. Mary's Star of the Sea principal Dr. Terry Campbell acknowledges the school is going through a "crisis of confidence" right now, but urges parents and the public to pull together and "not bash" Father Ted Prentice as due process continues. Prentice admits to misappropriating two sums of money, $14,000 and $17,000 and has submitted a plan to pay back those funds. Prentice admits using the funds for charities that were not within the parish. An audit now underway to determine if additional funds were misappropriated by Prentice. Advisory council member Tom Covert tells KAST that those monies are from the church account and not the school account. It costs $800,000 a year to operate the school and is funded by tuition, church support, and fundraising. The school reportedly operating at a $50,000 deficit and has faced hard financial times on a yearly basis irrespective of Father Prentice's misappropriation of church rather than school funds. Parish council chair Anita Schacher tells KAST that the church funds could have been used for school operating expenses, but are only a small part of that. A reorganization of finance management is underway. Dr. Campbell pledges that all contributions to the school will be accounted for. Campbell to meet with students on Tuesday.At the packed public meeting Monday night at Star of the Sea, considerable public support is voiced to allow Father Prentice to continue teaching religious indoctrination and hold his weekly Mass service despite his misuse of funds. Chuck Lane says the school is sending a mixed message by not allowing Prentice to continue in those functions. Principal Terry Campbell says that teaching and Mass by another provider will continue after this short interim period. Parent Cindy Howe says Prentice "admitted to stealing funds from our school" but Howe is criticized by parent Jim Lessard for using the word "steal," which Lessard says is a strong word. Other audience members urge forgiveness of Prentice and say that no one can do a better job at teaching and holding Mass.The media is criticized by the public for reporting "rumors" about the school's solvency. Advisory council members wonder where the media leak came from.and say that the council alone should be disseminating information. One parent says it's been a "horrifically negative press."
Star of the Sea money controversy has been going on for some time (reported Feb 5th)
In an undated letter to St. Mary Star of the Sea Pastor Father Ted Prentice, the Parish Finance Council recommends contracting with Mike Wallis of WWC Business Solutions to provide accounting and bookkeeping services, as was recommended in October 2006. The letter has no date, but one of the signatories, former Parish Finance Council member Ray Prom tells KAST the letter was sent in late 2006. In the letter, the council recommends financing the accounting and bookkeeping change by the restructuring and reduction of both the billing clerk and business manager positions. The letter also says "It is with both frustration and sadness that we as the Parish Finance Council find ourselves at such odds with our Pastor.... Each of us is strongly of the opinion change must occur.... The Council is unanimous in a vote of no confidence in the path you have selected with regard to maintaining the present personnel, performing the same tasks in which they have so clearly failed." The letter was also copied to Archbishop John Vlazny and Rev. Patrick Brennan, Vicar for Clergy.
'Financial irregularities' at Star of the Sea (reported January 29th)
A financial review by the Archdiocese of Portland finds a number of financial irregularities and questionable monetary allocations at St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish in Astoria. According to a letter from the Archdiocese Vicar for Clergy, Father Patrick S. Brennan, a recent, limited audit of the parish from July 1 to December 31st of 2008 found the financial problems. The letter, addressed to the pastor of St. Mary’s Star of the Sea, Father Ted Prentice and the parish’s finance council. The letter also states some archdiocesan guidelines for parish finances were not observed.
The letter, dated January 23rd, also puts in place several changes in the administration of finances at the parish and its associated school. Father Prentice has had his financial authority removed and it has been transferred to Paul Radu, a member of the parish Finance Council. Father Prentice will have no access to checks, except in an emergency situation, in which he may sign a check, but only with the permission of Radu. Two members of the finance council will be authorized to sign checks and two signatures will be required for all checks. Radu will work the Finance Council to assure proper management and oversight of parish financial resources. The council will have access to all parish financial records and will draw up the parish budget, implement it and supervise its administration. The council will also make sure proper administrative procedures outlined by the Archdiocese are followed; and the Archdiocesan Office of Financial Services will assist the Finance Council in its work, review its progress and make recommendations where necessary.
Father Prentice refused to comment to KAST on the financial irregularities. Bud Bunce with the Archdiocese of Portland confirms the Archdiocese gave a 20 thousand dollar grant to Star of the Sea recently, but Bunce says that is not unusual. He provided no detail as to how much money is involved or what the specific irregularities are. Superintendent of St. Mary’s Star of the Sea school Dr. Terry Campbell says he doesn’t know the extent of the ‘financial irregularities’ because he doesn’t have access to those accounts. He says the news comes as a shock to him, he had no inkling this was going on and he hopes the financial situation is rectified as quickly as possible.
Packed house for Star of the Sea meeting (reported Feb 3)
St. Mary's Star of the Sea principal Dr. Terry Campbell acknowledges the school is going through a "crisis of confidence" right now, but urges parents and the public to pull together and "not bash" Father Ted Prentice as due process continues. Prentice admits to misappropriating two sums of money, $14,000 and $17,000 and has submitted a plan to pay back those funds. Prentice admits using the funds for charities that were not within the parish. An audit now underway to determine if additional funds were misappropriated by Prentice. Advisory council member Tom Covert tells KAST that those monies are from the church account and not the school account. It costs $800,000 a year to operate the school and is funded by tuition, church support, and fundraising. The school reportedly operating at a $50,000 deficit and has faced hard financial times on a yearly basis irrespective of Father Prentice's misappropriation of church rather than school funds. Parish council chair Anita Schacher tells KAST that the church funds could have been used for school operating expenses, but are only a small part of that. A reorganization of finance management is underway. Dr. Campbell pledges that all contributions to the school will be accounted for. Campbell to meet with students on Tuesday.At the packed public meeting Monday night at Star of the Sea, considerable public support is voiced to allow Father Prentice to continue teaching religious indoctrination and hold his weekly Mass service despite his misuse of funds. Chuck Lane says the school is sending a mixed message by not allowing Prentice to continue in those functions. Principal Terry Campbell says that teaching and Mass by another provider will continue after this short interim period. Parent Cindy Howe says Prentice "admitted to stealing funds from our school" but Howe is criticized by parent Jim Lessard for using the word "steal," which Lessard says is a strong word. Other audience members urge forgiveness of Prentice and say that no one can do a better job at teaching and holding Mass.The media is criticized by the public for reporting "rumors" about the school's solvency. Advisory council members wonder where the media leak came from.and say that the council alone should be disseminating information. One parent says it's been a "horrifically negative press."
Star of the Sea money controversy has been going on for some time (reported Feb 5th)
In an undated letter to St. Mary Star of the Sea Pastor Father Ted Prentice, the Parish Finance Council recommends contracting with Mike Wallis of WWC Business Solutions to provide accounting and bookkeeping services, as was recommended in October 2006. The letter has no date, but one of the signatories, former Parish Finance Council member Ray Prom tells KAST the letter was sent in late 2006. In the letter, the council recommends financing the accounting and bookkeeping change by the restructuring and reduction of both the billing clerk and business manager positions. The letter also says "It is with both frustration and sadness that we as the Parish Finance Council find ourselves at such odds with our Pastor.... Each of us is strongly of the opinion change must occur.... The Council is unanimous in a vote of no confidence in the path you have selected with regard to maintaining the present personnel, performing the same tasks in which they have so clearly failed." The letter was also copied to Archbishop John Vlazny and Rev. Patrick Brennan, Vicar for Clergy.
February 07, 2009
Star Of The Sea...More
a COMMENT FROM "MOM OF THREE"
Walt is correct in the sense that these are not new issues within the Parish. Though complaints were made to the Diocese more than once, the fact that they were not acted upon in a way that safeguarded the Parish is what led to this point. Had they acted and put competent fiscal management procedures in place, then both the poor could have been helped and the health of the Parish, in order that this be continued in perpetuity, would have been secure. Nobody here was looking to grandstand, abrogate the powers of the existing boards, or anything of the sort. None of this has been pleasant for any of the parties. But the situation had become so alarming, certain people saw no other way. And, in defense of those who sought the media and filed criminal complaints, the issue is finally getting serious consideration.There were several attempts to resolve this quietly and within the Parish. They led nowhere. These are unfortunate, but necessary, growing pains after which I am convinced that St. Mary Star of the Sea will emerge healthier, stronger and financially sounder. I have gotten my share of dirty looks this week, but the greater issue is delivering the St. Mary legacy securely into the hands of the next generation. That I or others in this conflict have endured social discomfort is a small price to pay for fighting for that future.
Walt is correct in the sense that these are not new issues within the Parish. Though complaints were made to the Diocese more than once, the fact that they were not acted upon in a way that safeguarded the Parish is what led to this point. Had they acted and put competent fiscal management procedures in place, then both the poor could have been helped and the health of the Parish, in order that this be continued in perpetuity, would have been secure. Nobody here was looking to grandstand, abrogate the powers of the existing boards, or anything of the sort. None of this has been pleasant for any of the parties. But the situation had become so alarming, certain people saw no other way. And, in defense of those who sought the media and filed criminal complaints, the issue is finally getting serious consideration.There were several attempts to resolve this quietly and within the Parish. They led nowhere. These are unfortunate, but necessary, growing pains after which I am convinced that St. Mary Star of the Sea will emerge healthier, stronger and financially sounder. I have gotten my share of dirty looks this week, but the greater issue is delivering the St. Mary legacy securely into the hands of the next generation. That I or others in this conflict have endured social discomfort is a small price to pay for fighting for that future.
February 04, 2009
A Day Late But Right On
February 03, 2009
Let's Kill A Few Rumors
No, Home Depot is not shutting down.
No, Vince Williams is not closing down. Or any of the other car dealers for that matter.
Yes, the North Coast Business Park developments including a new COSTCO will happen. Just a bit slower than expected.
Yes, Air Service between Astoria and Portland is set to start in March and the introductory fare is $75.00 one-way. The planes are fabulous and have a proven safety record as does the operator
Yes, local Banks and Credit unions are lending. If your credit score is low to non-existent it's not going to happen for you. Everybody else is good-to-go.
Yes, Fr. Ted Prentice is a real Catholic Priest in the ordained sense of the word. So far.
No, she's not a nun ( I'd use her name but we're not sure what it is this week and I don't want to be accused of starting a rumor)
No, Star of the Sea school is not on the verge of closing down anymore than it usually is. This rumor was just a bit of sloppy reporting according to those desperate to keep the doors open.
Yes, Mack Burns at the historical society deserves a George Award but didn't win. It was just a clever ruse to get Randy Stemper to the dinner by telling him he was giving the award to Mack and all the while Stemper was one of the winners. Randy still gave the speech he prepared saying nice things about Mack.
Yes, I now owe the other George Award winner a beer after he was nice enough to let me snag the last Heineken even as he was paying the bartender for it. Luke, you deserve at least a six-pack.
That will do it for this month's rumor control round-up
No, Vince Williams is not closing down. Or any of the other car dealers for that matter.
Yes, the North Coast Business Park developments including a new COSTCO will happen. Just a bit slower than expected.
Yes, Air Service between Astoria and Portland is set to start in March and the introductory fare is $75.00 one-way. The planes are fabulous and have a proven safety record as does the operator
Yes, local Banks and Credit unions are lending. If your credit score is low to non-existent it's not going to happen for you. Everybody else is good-to-go.
Yes, Fr. Ted Prentice is a real Catholic Priest in the ordained sense of the word. So far.
No, she's not a nun ( I'd use her name but we're not sure what it is this week and I don't want to be accused of starting a rumor)
No, Star of the Sea school is not on the verge of closing down anymore than it usually is. This rumor was just a bit of sloppy reporting according to those desperate to keep the doors open.
Yes, Mack Burns at the historical society deserves a George Award but didn't win. It was just a clever ruse to get Randy Stemper to the dinner by telling him he was giving the award to Mack and all the while Stemper was one of the winners. Randy still gave the speech he prepared saying nice things about Mack.
Yes, I now owe the other George Award winner a beer after he was nice enough to let me snag the last Heineken even as he was paying the bartender for it. Luke, you deserve at least a six-pack.
That will do it for this month's rumor control round-up
Meanwhile...Back At The WhiteHouse
I had to go look this up because I was sure after yet another Obama nominee crashed and burned that I didn't understand the meaning of this word: Vet
transitive verb
Inflected Form(s):
vet·ted; vet·ting
Date:
1891
1 a: to provide veterinary care for (an animal) or medical care for (a person) b: to subject (a person or animal) to a physical examination or checkup 2 a: to subject to usually expert appraisal or correction b: to evaluate for possible approval or acceptance
I'm assuming here that the President's intention was the second definition of the word.
Three top picks for three top posts, all three had skipped paying federal taxes. Two withdrew but one was actually confirmed sending a clear message to the people.
I'm pretty happy about the new Treasury Secretary. I'm thinking he'll have a pretty casual attitude and that wouldn't be a bad thing for someone who will be overseeing that very complicated Internal Revenue Service. Right?
I believe the President was right when he called out the despicable behavior of workers on Wall Street for making billion dollar bonuses at a time when the economy is less than perfect. The President said "..there will be a time for bonus and profits. Now is not the time"
What I want to know now about these wall street capitalists is whether or not they are paying their taxes. Luckily, President Obama has come up with the perfect way to find out.
All we do is nominate the wall street bad guys to top posts in the President's administration and wait for them to admit something because they know the press is on their heels.
At the very least the President's vetting process has been a great little fundraiser for the government as the people that were going to be running the country are forced to make back payments plus penalties. Way to go!!!
(See..I can be upbeat)
transitive verb
Inflected Form(s):
vet·ted; vet·ting
Date:
1891
1 a: to provide veterinary care for (an animal) or medical care for (a person) b: to subject (a person or animal) to a physical examination or checkup 2 a: to subject to usually expert appraisal or correction
I'm assuming here that the President's intention was the second definition of the word.
Three top picks for three top posts, all three had skipped paying federal taxes. Two withdrew but one was actually confirmed sending a clear message to the people.
I'm pretty happy about the new Treasury Secretary. I'm thinking he'll have a pretty casual attitude and that wouldn't be a bad thing for someone who will be overseeing that very complicated Internal Revenue Service. Right?
I believe the President was right when he called out the despicable behavior of workers on Wall Street for making billion dollar bonuses at a time when the economy is less than perfect. The President said "..there will be a time for bonus and profits. Now is not the time"
What I want to know now about these wall street capitalists is whether or not they are paying their taxes. Luckily, President Obama has come up with the perfect way to find out.
All we do is nominate the wall street bad guys to top posts in the President's administration and wait for them to admit something because they know the press is on their heels.
At the very least the President's vetting process has been a great little fundraiser for the government as the people that were going to be running the country are forced to make back payments plus penalties. Way to go!!!
(See..I can be upbeat)
February 02, 2009
Not A Nun But Nonetheless...
Today I share a letter from Jean M. Herman that may help explain the situation regarding Sister Antonia:
Dear Mr. Freel,
Below is some information unknown to most people which I believe should be of use to you.
The early Church had many consecrated virgins who took vows and lived a celibate life in service to the poor. They were not part of a religious community and did not reside in convents.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, society changed radically. Disorder all over Europe gave rise to the feudal system in which women had no independent role in society. Survival was the priority and to live a consecrated religious life, women had to be part of a community.
Centuries have passed and times have changed. Today women do have many opportunities to pursue careers as individuals. Recognizing this, the Roman Catholic Church has revived the role of the consecrated virgin and some generous and dedicated women are serving the poor in the capacity.
These women are not nuns technically speaking because they do not belong to communities. But they still have the title "Sister" because that is what they are to faithful Catholics. To the uninformed they may appear to look and act like nuns. But they are not "masquerading". They are pursuing their proper role, sanctioned by the church, in modern society.
Respectfully,
Jean M. Herman
I also need to add information that came into my hands this morning regarding counseling for Fr. Ted Prentice. A source had told me that this was promised by the Archdiocese and that no one had appeared here.
In fact, Fr. Dave Gutmann, pastor of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Beaverton was asked to take on a mentoring role in July and has been having weekly telephone conferences with the Star of the Sea pastor. In his letter Fr. Gutmann states that there were funds that were inappropriately used for Fr. Ted's personal charities. He states that he does not believe these funds were for personal use, or gain but were used to assist individuals in need that Fr. Ted knows through personal friendships.
He states that Fr. Ted is making arrangements to repay all parish funds spent on his personal charities.
Fr. Gutmann says he will continue in this mentoring role and his wish is that the parish recognize that Fr. Ted has made some poor judgement calls but is taking full responsibility for those and is in the process of making them right. He calls on Star Of The Sea to continue to support Fr. Ted
as Pastor.
Dear Mr. Freel,
Below is some information unknown to most people which I believe should be of use to you.
The early Church had many consecrated virgins who took vows and lived a celibate life in service to the poor. They were not part of a religious community and did not reside in convents.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, society changed radically. Disorder all over Europe gave rise to the feudal system in which women had no independent role in society. Survival was the priority and to live a consecrated religious life, women had to be part of a community.
Centuries have passed and times have changed. Today women do have many opportunities to pursue careers as individuals. Recognizing this, the Roman Catholic Church has revived the role of the consecrated virgin and some generous and dedicated women are serving the poor in the capacity.
These women are not nuns technically speaking because they do not belong to communities. But they still have the title "Sister" because that is what they are to faithful Catholics. To the uninformed they may appear to look and act like nuns. But they are not "masquerading". They are pursuing their proper role, sanctioned by the church, in modern society.
Respectfully,
Jean M. Herman
I also need to add information that came into my hands this morning regarding counseling for Fr. Ted Prentice. A source had told me that this was promised by the Archdiocese and that no one had appeared here.
In fact, Fr. Dave Gutmann, pastor of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Beaverton was asked to take on a mentoring role in July and has been having weekly telephone conferences with the Star of the Sea pastor. In his letter Fr. Gutmann states that there were funds that were inappropriately used for Fr. Ted's personal charities. He states that he does not believe these funds were for personal use, or gain but were used to assist individuals in need that Fr. Ted knows through personal friendships.
He states that Fr. Ted is making arrangements to repay all parish funds spent on his personal charities.
Fr. Gutmann says he will continue in this mentoring role and his wish is that the parish recognize that Fr. Ted has made some poor judgement calls but is taking full responsibility for those and is in the process of making them right. He calls on Star Of The Sea to continue to support Fr. Ted
as Pastor.
Email to Bill O'Reilly
The following is taken from an email sent to national talk show host Bill O'Reilly from a local member of the Catholic church regarding his experiences in dealing with the Archdiocese of Portland regarding the Fr. Ted Prentice affair at St. Mary, Star Of The Sea. tf
Bill,
I know you were very involved in the Boston Archdiocese situation and the poor handling of the scandals.
It seems the Archdiocese of Portland has not learned much since the sex scandals that forced it into bankruptcy. The Daily Astorian on Friday, Jan 30, reported the Clatsop County District Attorney has opened an investigation into allegations of financial irregularities at St Mary, Star of the Sea Parish that appear to involve the Pastor's relationship with a mystery "nun" at the parish. It now transpires that the "nun" is not a nun but a woman with whom the Pastor had a relationship with prior to his entering a seminary in 1998.
It is alleged that they set up a non profit organization called "Nuestro Futuro" (A New Future) and that parish funds in the tens of thousands of dollars were given to this organization. Allegations are that up to half a million dollars, including bequeaths, may be involved.
Parishioners and persons involved with the school tried without success for up to two years to get the Archdiocese to look into these problems. The Archdiocese did nothing. It was not until it was discovered that the Pastor had gone to his family and obtained $23,000 to cover funds he had "borrowed". Last July I personally asked the Archdiocesan Superintendent of Schools to look into the financial affairs of the parish school. He actually told me he was tired of the subject and didn't want to talk about it!
The local radio station KAST (Tom Freel) reported in two articles on its website some sordid details pertaining to the Pastor and the "nun". The Archdiocese has actually relieved the Pastor of his financial responsibilities but has unbelievably decided to keep him as Pastor until July or, get this, until he is indicted!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, that was the message the Parochial Vicar delivered to the Parish Council on Friday night. Can you imagine going to Mass and having to receive the sacraments from this Pastor under these circumstances? The parish and school are in meltdown.
The priest rebuked the parishioners today from the pulpit and blamed "vindictive" school parents for the his problems. He then amazingly told the congregation that, no, the "nun" really wasn't a nun but she was a "Sister of God" and that the parishioners should not judge their hearts (???????!!!!!!!!!!). People walked out of the church literally in shock. I called the Archdiocesan spokesman, Bud Bunce, and asked him how long the Archdiocese was going to let this go on.
Why doesn't the Archbishop get him out of the parish? He then told me in a condescending manner that there are "procedures" that have to be followed and that I didn't understand Canon Law. I asked if there might be some "procedures" that could be invoked in emergency cases. (There are. See Canon Law 1740 and 1741). He said the Archdiocese is not considering this an emergency case. One wonders what in this Archdiocese would constitute an emergency. Business as usual, I suppose, in Portland. I then said you guys are just begging for O'Reilly to come in on this. He said fine, call O'Reilly, we'll call you a nut.
I then asked him if the Archdiocese was aware of the allegations of the KAST reporter and he said "What allegations"? I said you don't know about the KAST allegations? I asked him what planet are you living on? I said Its all over the town. I then told him of what KAST had reported. While he was telling me that the Archdiocese was doing everything it could on the matter he wasn't even aware of the explosive nature of these allegations. I said you've got to be kidding. He then said "We don't pay attention to stuff like that". Then he hung up on me. ( I'll admit I was very agitated with his blasé attitude).
Bill, I'm not making this up. Can you imagine an Archdiocese that just went through hell on the sex scandals allowing something like this to play out the way it is doing now? I'm the grandparent of students in the school and a member of the neighboring parish. My admission of this to Mr. Bunce elicited a remark to the effect that it was then none of my business. I know this is about a small parish in Oregon. But it appears that nothing has hanged here in the Archdiocese of Oregon. I think a harsh dose of sunlight may be necessary.
Read the Astorian article and absolutely read the articles on the KAST website (coastwatch.blogspot.com). If you then have interest, I will gladly fill you in what is going on here and the principals in the matter.
Somebody has to hold these people accountable. The school's teachers may walk out tomorrow. Long time Fourth degree Knights have decided to leave the parish. This story has long, long legs. It is not really about a parish. It is about an Archdiocese. The spirit of Cardinal Law still lives in Oregon.
Jim Welsh
We are told that there will be a meeting at Star Of The Sea School tonight regarding these matters. For details go to www.kast1370.com
tf
Bill,
I know you were very involved in the Boston Archdiocese situation and the poor handling of the scandals.
It seems the Archdiocese of Portland has not learned much since the sex scandals that forced it into bankruptcy. The Daily Astorian on Friday, Jan 30, reported the Clatsop County District Attorney has opened an investigation into allegations of financial irregularities at St Mary, Star of the Sea Parish that appear to involve the Pastor's relationship with a mystery "nun" at the parish. It now transpires that the "nun" is not a nun but a woman with whom the Pastor had a relationship with prior to his entering a seminary in 1998.
It is alleged that they set up a non profit organization called "Nuestro Futuro" (A New Future) and that parish funds in the tens of thousands of dollars were given to this organization. Allegations are that up to half a million dollars, including bequeaths, may be involved.
Parishioners and persons involved with the school tried without success for up to two years to get the Archdiocese to look into these problems. The Archdiocese did nothing. It was not until it was discovered that the Pastor had gone to his family and obtained $23,000 to cover funds he had "borrowed". Last July I personally asked the Archdiocesan Superintendent of Schools to look into the financial affairs of the parish school. He actually told me he was tired of the subject and didn't want to talk about it!
The local radio station KAST (Tom Freel) reported in two articles on its website some sordid details pertaining to the Pastor and the "nun". The Archdiocese has actually relieved the Pastor of his financial responsibilities but has unbelievably decided to keep him as Pastor until July or, get this, until he is indicted!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, that was the message the Parochial Vicar delivered to the Parish Council on Friday night. Can you imagine going to Mass and having to receive the sacraments from this Pastor under these circumstances? The parish and school are in meltdown.
The priest rebuked the parishioners today from the pulpit and blamed "vindictive" school parents for the his problems. He then amazingly told the congregation that, no, the "nun" really wasn't a nun but she was a "Sister of God" and that the parishioners should not judge their hearts (???????!!!!!!!!!!). People walked out of the church literally in shock. I called the Archdiocesan spokesman, Bud Bunce, and asked him how long the Archdiocese was going to let this go on.
Why doesn't the Archbishop get him out of the parish? He then told me in a condescending manner that there are "procedures" that have to be followed and that I didn't understand Canon Law. I asked if there might be some "procedures" that could be invoked in emergency cases. (There are. See Canon Law 1740 and 1741). He said the Archdiocese is not considering this an emergency case. One wonders what in this Archdiocese would constitute an emergency. Business as usual, I suppose, in Portland. I then said you guys are just begging for O'Reilly to come in on this. He said fine, call O'Reilly, we'll call you a nut.
I then asked him if the Archdiocese was aware of the allegations of the KAST reporter and he said "What allegations"? I said you don't know about the KAST allegations? I asked him what planet are you living on? I said Its all over the town. I then told him of what KAST had reported. While he was telling me that the Archdiocese was doing everything it could on the matter he wasn't even aware of the explosive nature of these allegations. I said you've got to be kidding. He then said "We don't pay attention to stuff like that". Then he hung up on me. ( I'll admit I was very agitated with his blasé attitude).
Bill, I'm not making this up. Can you imagine an Archdiocese that just went through hell on the sex scandals allowing something like this to play out the way it is doing now? I'm the grandparent of students in the school and a member of the neighboring parish. My admission of this to Mr. Bunce elicited a remark to the effect that it was then none of my business. I know this is about a small parish in Oregon. But it appears that nothing has hanged here in the Archdiocese of Oregon. I think a harsh dose of sunlight may be necessary.
Read the Astorian article and absolutely read the articles on the KAST website (coastwatch.blogspot.com). If you then have interest, I will gladly fill you in what is going on here and the principals in the matter.
Somebody has to hold these people accountable. The school's teachers may walk out tomorrow. Long time Fourth degree Knights have decided to leave the parish. This story has long, long legs. It is not really about a parish. It is about an Archdiocese. The spirit of Cardinal Law still lives in Oregon.
Jim Welsh
We are told that there will be a meeting at Star Of The Sea School tonight regarding these matters. For details go to www.kast1370.com
tf
February 01, 2009
If You Care To Wade Into It.....
These would be the sections of Catholic church law that are most relevant to parishioners of St. Mary, Star Of The Sea..tf
SECTION II: THE PROCEDURE FOR THE REMOVAL OR TRANSFER OF PARISH PRIESTS (Cann. 1740 - 1752)
CHAPTER I : THE PROCEDURE FOR THE REMOVAL OF PARISH PRIESTS
Can. 1740 When the ministry of any parish priest has for some reason become harmful or at least ineffective, even though this occurs without any serious fault on his part, he can be removed from the parish by the diocesan Bishop.
Can. 1741 The reasons for which a parish priest can lawfully be removed from his parish are principally:
1° a manner of acting which causes grave harm or disturbance to ecclesiastical communion;
2° ineptitude or permanent illness of mind or body, which makes the parish priest unequal to the task of fulfilling his duties satisfactorily;
3° the loss of the parish priest's good name among upright and serious-minded parishioners, or aversion to him, when it can be foreseen that these factors will not quickly come to an end
4° grave neglect or violation of parochial duties, which persists after a warning;
5° bad administration of temporal goods with grave harm to the Church, when no other remedy
can be found to eliminate this harm.
Can. 1742 §1 If an investigation shows that there exists a reason mentioned in Can. 1740, the Bishop is to discuss the matter with two parish priests from a group stably chosen for this purpose by the council of priests, at the proposal of the Bishop. If he then believes that he should proceed with the removal, the Bishop must, for validity, indicate to the parish priest the reason and the arguments, and persuade him in a fatherly manner to resign his parish within fifteen days.
SECTION II: THE PROCEDURE FOR THE REMOVAL OR TRANSFER OF PARISH PRIESTS (Cann. 1740 - 1752)
CHAPTER I : THE PROCEDURE FOR THE REMOVAL OF PARISH PRIESTS
Can. 1740 When the ministry of any parish priest has for some reason become harmful or at least ineffective, even though this occurs without any serious fault on his part, he can be removed from the parish by the diocesan Bishop.
Can. 1741 The reasons for which a parish priest can lawfully be removed from his parish are principally:
1° a manner of acting which causes grave harm or disturbance to ecclesiastical communion;
2° ineptitude or permanent illness of mind or body, which makes the parish priest unequal to the task of fulfilling his duties satisfactorily;
3° the loss of the parish priest's good name among upright and serious-minded parishioners, or aversion to him, when it can be foreseen that these factors will not quickly come to an end
4° grave neglect or violation of parochial duties, which persists after a warning;
5° bad administration of temporal goods with grave harm to the Church, when no other remedy
can be found to eliminate this harm.
Can. 1742 §1 If an investigation shows that there exists a reason mentioned in Can. 1740, the Bishop is to discuss the matter with two parish priests from a group stably chosen for this purpose by the council of priests, at the proposal of the Bishop. If he then believes that he should proceed with the removal, the Bishop must, for validity, indicate to the parish priest the reason and the arguments, and persuade him in a fatherly manner to resign his parish within fifteen days.
....And yet more!
This is a reprint from comments to my previous post. tf
It’s time for the Portland Archdiocese to take responsibility and at a minimum, place Ted Prentice on paid administrative leave pending a full audit of all financial information dating back to May 2005. In an interview with KATU, Bud Bunce of the Portland Archdiocese admits that there is up to $25,000 unaccounted for. What is not mentioned is that these missing monies are only from the time period of July 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008. What about the other three full years Mr. Prentice has been solely responsible for the school and parish funds?
If we do the math, and use $25,000 for each six month period, we could be looking at an additional $150,000 missing. The interesting thing is that a parish pastor may be able to spend money anywhere he see fit, and it might not be a crime. It is my understanding that in canon law, the parish pastor has absolute power within that parish. This includes deciding where to spend money. The interesting thing here is that the archdiocese has admitted, now publically, that Mr. Prentice has indeed spent up to $25,000 in a six month period and no one can show where the money went. They have said this is not “criminal”. The question then is do they condone these actions. I am going to guess no since he has been told he can’t sign checks.
Last week there was a confrontation that was witnessed with a very agitated Mr. Prentice expressing his defiance to the archdiocese directive limiting his financial role and that he would continue to have access to funds. And in the archdiocese’s great wisdom, they choose to leave him here with full power, except he can’t sign the checks. Is the bank going to check to see if he has indeed signed the check as they clear the account? The answer is no. The check clearing process is automated and most banks don’t even look at a check if it is under $5,000. But wait, two signatures are required for these checks to clear and that will deter him from continuing to write checks. Once again, the two signatures required is not an item the bank will catch if the checks are under $5,000.
So if Mr. Prentice remains in the pastoral office, has already indicated his defiance to the thought he would loose control over the finances, how can the archdiocese even begin to explain to the families in Astoria that this is the right thing.
The really scary thing is that it goes beyond just the money questions.
Since his arrival in Astoria, Mr. Prentice has blatantly disregarded the archdiocese’s proscribe procedures. The archdiocese has a procedure in place on what the relationship should be between the parish pastor, the school, and the school administrator. From the very beginning, Mr. Prentice has chosen to disregard this system and institute his own unilateral management of the school and its finances, yet at the same time, blaming other for the shortcomings of the school.
The families in Astoria have been pleading with the archdiocese for three years to do something. Last fall, in a heated exchanged at a School Advisory Council meeting, Mr. Prentice announces that the archdiocese has asked him be to be reassigned. Instead of accepting this reassignment as a submissive subordinate should, he appeals his reassignment, not once, not twice, but three times.
Archbishop Vlazny himself allows Mr. Prentice to stay.
Once again the families of Astoria are ignored. In order to go above Archbishop Vlazny’s authority, the families here would have to contact the Pope. So we have a priest who is defiant to the wishes of the archdiocese, has had unlimited power to run affairs of the parish and school, and now we are missing up to $25,000 in a six month period.
This is bad and needs to be addressed by the archdiocese.
If these matters are not enough for the archdiocese to remove Mr. Prentice from his position all together after admitting on KATU that Prentice has been a strong contributor to the problems here, one only has to look at the relationship between Ted Prentice and this mysterious “Sister” Antonia Valdes. According to conversation with Prentice himself, these two individuals were engaged to be married. It was at this time Mr. Prentice sought a career in the priesthood. Now this “sister” who Mr. Prentice masqueraded as an official nun, does not have any credentials to be considered as one in an official capacity of the Catholic Church. However, the two of them did form the non-profit corporation Nuestro Futuro, Inc. in February 2003.
This was more than a year before Mr. Prentice was ordained in the Catholic Church. Now it appears funds have been funneled from the parish and school to the “non-profit” that Antonia Valdes is the President. Questions for the Portland Archdiocese, did they know of this corporation and Mr. Prentices involvement prior to his ordination, and is it normal for a pastor to have a stand alone corporation that is used to distribute parish funds? These are questions the archdiocese must answer. There will be those who say, it was only parish funds and not the schools. So why should I, a non Catholic, have a say.
To that I say prove there were no school funds over the past three and a half years that were misappropriated for other causes. In my tenor as a Parent’s Club Officer, a member of the School Advisory Council, and Parish Finance Council, Mr. Prentice has actively consolidated the separate accounts into as few accounts as possible. For months on end there were no financial reports given to the school advisory council or finance council. There is not a live budget model to account for expenditure as expenditures happen. I do not believe anyone could say for sure that these missing funds were specifically from the parish and not the school. If they were school funds, this man stole from us.
He stole from our children.
The archdiocese needs to take action. If they don’t, the finance councils and school advisory councils through out the Portland Archdiocese better take a very solemn look at every new pastor that comes to town and ask yourselves, is this the one that will ruin everything we have worked so hard to create. The other question that has to be asked is what does a pastor need to do to be removed.
To date, Mr. Prentice has disregarded standard operating procedure, refuses to accept archdiocese decisions, is defiant to the archdiocese directives, established a whole shadow organization and kept it secret, funds are not account for, and his business partner in the non-profit is using a title with questionable credentials. In any other organization, he would have been shown the door a long time ago.
Archbishop Vlazny, please do the right thing and relieve Mr. Prentice of his position and authority in Astoria so we, the community, can heal.
Walt Postlewait
For the benefit of those who do not have internet I will be broadcasting this post on Monday morning during our call-in program after news at 8am.tf
It’s time for the Portland Archdiocese to take responsibility and at a minimum, place Ted Prentice on paid administrative leave pending a full audit of all financial information dating back to May 2005. In an interview with KATU, Bud Bunce of the Portland Archdiocese admits that there is up to $25,000 unaccounted for. What is not mentioned is that these missing monies are only from the time period of July 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008. What about the other three full years Mr. Prentice has been solely responsible for the school and parish funds?
If we do the math, and use $25,000 for each six month period, we could be looking at an additional $150,000 missing. The interesting thing is that a parish pastor may be able to spend money anywhere he see fit, and it might not be a crime. It is my understanding that in canon law, the parish pastor has absolute power within that parish. This includes deciding where to spend money. The interesting thing here is that the archdiocese has admitted, now publically, that Mr. Prentice has indeed spent up to $25,000 in a six month period and no one can show where the money went. They have said this is not “criminal”. The question then is do they condone these actions. I am going to guess no since he has been told he can’t sign checks.
Last week there was a confrontation that was witnessed with a very agitated Mr. Prentice expressing his defiance to the archdiocese directive limiting his financial role and that he would continue to have access to funds. And in the archdiocese’s great wisdom, they choose to leave him here with full power, except he can’t sign the checks. Is the bank going to check to see if he has indeed signed the check as they clear the account? The answer is no. The check clearing process is automated and most banks don’t even look at a check if it is under $5,000. But wait, two signatures are required for these checks to clear and that will deter him from continuing to write checks. Once again, the two signatures required is not an item the bank will catch if the checks are under $5,000.
So if Mr. Prentice remains in the pastoral office, has already indicated his defiance to the thought he would loose control over the finances, how can the archdiocese even begin to explain to the families in Astoria that this is the right thing.
The really scary thing is that it goes beyond just the money questions.
Since his arrival in Astoria, Mr. Prentice has blatantly disregarded the archdiocese’s proscribe procedures. The archdiocese has a procedure in place on what the relationship should be between the parish pastor, the school, and the school administrator. From the very beginning, Mr. Prentice has chosen to disregard this system and institute his own unilateral management of the school and its finances, yet at the same time, blaming other for the shortcomings of the school.
The families in Astoria have been pleading with the archdiocese for three years to do something. Last fall, in a heated exchanged at a School Advisory Council meeting, Mr. Prentice announces that the archdiocese has asked him be to be reassigned. Instead of accepting this reassignment as a submissive subordinate should, he appeals his reassignment, not once, not twice, but three times.
Archbishop Vlazny himself allows Mr. Prentice to stay.
Once again the families of Astoria are ignored. In order to go above Archbishop Vlazny’s authority, the families here would have to contact the Pope. So we have a priest who is defiant to the wishes of the archdiocese, has had unlimited power to run affairs of the parish and school, and now we are missing up to $25,000 in a six month period.
This is bad and needs to be addressed by the archdiocese.
If these matters are not enough for the archdiocese to remove Mr. Prentice from his position all together after admitting on KATU that Prentice has been a strong contributor to the problems here, one only has to look at the relationship between Ted Prentice and this mysterious “Sister” Antonia Valdes. According to conversation with Prentice himself, these two individuals were engaged to be married. It was at this time Mr. Prentice sought a career in the priesthood. Now this “sister” who Mr. Prentice masqueraded as an official nun, does not have any credentials to be considered as one in an official capacity of the Catholic Church. However, the two of them did form the non-profit corporation Nuestro Futuro, Inc. in February 2003.
This was more than a year before Mr. Prentice was ordained in the Catholic Church. Now it appears funds have been funneled from the parish and school to the “non-profit” that Antonia Valdes is the President. Questions for the Portland Archdiocese, did they know of this corporation and Mr. Prentices involvement prior to his ordination, and is it normal for a pastor to have a stand alone corporation that is used to distribute parish funds? These are questions the archdiocese must answer. There will be those who say, it was only parish funds and not the schools. So why should I, a non Catholic, have a say.
To that I say prove there were no school funds over the past three and a half years that were misappropriated for other causes. In my tenor as a Parent’s Club Officer, a member of the School Advisory Council, and Parish Finance Council, Mr. Prentice has actively consolidated the separate accounts into as few accounts as possible. For months on end there were no financial reports given to the school advisory council or finance council. There is not a live budget model to account for expenditure as expenditures happen. I do not believe anyone could say for sure that these missing funds were specifically from the parish and not the school. If they were school funds, this man stole from us.
He stole from our children.
The archdiocese needs to take action. If they don’t, the finance councils and school advisory councils through out the Portland Archdiocese better take a very solemn look at every new pastor that comes to town and ask yourselves, is this the one that will ruin everything we have worked so hard to create. The other question that has to be asked is what does a pastor need to do to be removed.
To date, Mr. Prentice has disregarded standard operating procedure, refuses to accept archdiocese decisions, is defiant to the archdiocese directives, established a whole shadow organization and kept it secret, funds are not account for, and his business partner in the non-profit is using a title with questionable credentials. In any other organization, he would have been shown the door a long time ago.
Archbishop Vlazny, please do the right thing and relieve Mr. Prentice of his position and authority in Astoria so we, the community, can heal.
Walt Postlewait
For the benefit of those who do not have internet I will be broadcasting this post on Monday morning during our call-in program after news at 8am.tf
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